Navel Piercing Security: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
Navel piercing aftercare, a process greatly influenced by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), dictates how well your piercing heals. Infection control, often managed with products like saline solutions, is paramount to this process. Ensuring the proper way to secure navel post is part of the process. When these elements are carefully maintained, your navel piercing experiences minimal complications. A responsible piercer, like those advocating for sterile techniques, is the first step. The condition of the skin around your navel piercing depends on consistent and careful cleaning.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Fastener Unlimited Inc , from the video titled How to Install a Newel Post using the ThreadLock Newel Post Fastener .
Navel Piercing Security: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
This guide provides essential information on ensuring the security and longevity of your navel piercing, focusing specifically on keeping your jewelry securely in place. Understanding the "proper way to secure navel post" is crucial for preventing loss, infection, and discomfort.
Understanding the Importance of Secure Navel Jewelry
A secure navel piercing not only prevents jewelry loss but also contributes significantly to the healing process and overall hygiene. A loose or missing piece can lead to:
- Infection: An open piercing is more vulnerable to bacteria.
- Migration/Rejection: Constant movement irritates the piercing and increases the risk of the body pushing the jewelry out.
- Scarring: Repeated irritation and rejection attempts can result in significant scarring.
- Accidental Closure: Especially for newer piercings, a missing piece can cause the hole to close quickly.
Key Factors Influencing Navel Piercing Security
Several factors contribute to how securely your navel jewelry stays in place:
- Jewelry Material: Certain materials are more likely to loosen or react poorly with the skin.
- Jewelry Type: Different styles (e.g., barbells, rings) have varying degrees of inherent security.
- Threading Type: Internal versus external threading significantly impacts how well the jewelry stays fastened.
- Aftercare Practices: Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for preventing swelling and irritation, which can loosen jewelry.
- Activity Level: High-impact activities can increase the risk of the jewelry coming loose.
Choosing the Right Jewelry for Navel Piercing Security
Selecting appropriate jewelry is the first step in ensuring a secure and comfortable piercing. The focus here will be on selecting jewlery to maximize the "proper way to secure navel post".
Material Considerations
- Surgical Stainless Steel: A biocompatible and durable option that’s relatively hypoallergenic. Ensure it is implant-grade.
- Titanium: Another hypoallergenic choice, lightweight, and ideal for sensitive skin. Opt for implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136).
- Gold: 14k or 18k gold is a good option, but ensure it’s nickel-free to avoid allergic reactions.
- Avoid: Nickel, plated metals, and lower-quality materials, as they can cause irritation and are more prone to tarnishing and breakage.
Jewelry Style and Closure Mechanisms
Here’s a comparison of common navel jewelry styles and their security features:
| Jewelry Type | Description | Security Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curved Barbell | The standard navel piercing jewelry. | Two screw-on balls, one at each end. Secure if properly tightened. Internal threading is superior for comfort. | Common, easily accessible, good for healing. | Can come loose if not checked regularly. |
| CBR (Captive Bead Ring) | A ring with a bead held in place by tension. | Tension of the ring holds the bead in place. | Stylish, avoids sharp edges. | Bead can be difficult to remove and replace. Requires specific pliers for initial insertion. |
| Spiral Barbell | A spiral-shaped bar with screw-on balls. | Similar to a curved barbell; balls at each end. | Unique aesthetic. | Can be more prone to snagging. |
| Dangle/Charm Jewelry | Feature hanging charms. | The charm is usually attached to a standard curved barbell or ring. The security relies primarily on the barbell/ring closure. | Decorative, allows for customization. | Charms can add weight and potentially irritate the piercing. May snag more easily. |
Threading Type: Internal vs. External
- Internal Threading: The threads are located inside the post, and the ball screws onto them. This provides a smoother surface as the jewelry passes through the piercing, minimizing irritation. The proper way to secure nevel post with internal threading involves gently screwing on the ball until snug, but not overly tight.
- External Threading: The threads are on the outside of the post, and the ball has a hole through it. This can be less comfortable during insertion and removal, especially for sensitive piercings, and can potentially harbor bacteria within the threads.
Proper Way to Secure Navel Post: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your navel piercing jewelry remains secure:
- Clean Hands: Before touching your piercing or jewelry, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
- Check Regularly: At least once a day (ideally twice), check that the balls are securely tightened on your curved barbell. This is especially important after showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Tighten Gently: Use your fingers to gently tighten the balls. Avoid using tools, as they can damage the jewelry or overtighten it, leading to irritation or breakage. The proper way to secure navel post is snug, not crushing.
- Listen to Your Body: If you experience any pain or discomfort while tightening, stop immediately. The jewelry may be already too tight or there might be an underlying issue like swelling.
- Professional Assistance: If you consistently struggle to tighten your jewelry or suspect a problem, consult a professional piercer. They can assess the fit and threading and offer advice.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
Jewelry Keeps Coming Loose: This can indicate several issues:
- Incorrect Size: The post may be too short, preventing the ball from fully engaging with the threads.
- Damaged Threads: The threads on the post or the ball may be stripped, preventing a secure connection.
- Swelling: If your piercing is swollen, it can push the jewelry outwards.
- Solution: Consult a piercer to determine the cause and replace the jewelry if necessary.
-
Unable to Tighten Jewelry:
- Swelling: Swelling may make it difficult to grip the jewelry.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin can make it slippery to hold the jewelry.
- Solution: If swelling is the issue, address it with proper aftercare. If dry skin is the problem, apply a small amount of piercing-safe oil (e.g., jojoba oil) to your fingers to improve grip.
-
Lost a Ball:
- Replace Immediately: A missing ball can lead to infection or closure of the piercing. Have a spare ball on hand. If you can’t find a suitable replacement immediately, use a clean bandage to temporarily cover the piercing.
- Ensure Proper Fit: When replacing the ball, ensure it matches the threading and size of the original.
Aftercare and Maintenance for Security
Proper aftercare plays a critical role in maintaining a secure navel piercing.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution (sea salt soak or sterile saline spray).
- Avoid Irritants: Keep the piercing away from harsh soaps, lotions, and perfumes.
- Gentle Drying: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel after cleaning.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothing can rub against the piercing and cause irritation.
- Be Mindful of Activities: Avoid activities that put direct pressure on the piercing, such as contact sports or sleeping on your stomach.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase the security of your navel piercing and minimize the risk of complications. Remember that proper hygiene, careful jewelry selection, and diligent maintenance are all essential for a healthy and happy piercing.
Navel Piercing Security: FAQs
Got questions about keeping your navel piercing safe and secure? Here are some common concerns addressed:
How can I prevent my navel piercing from snagging on clothing?
Choose clothing with a looser fit around your midsection, especially when sleeping or exercising. Cover the piercing with a large bandage or hydrocolloid dressing for activities where snagging is likely. Regularly checking that the jewelry is correctly screwed on and not too tight also helps. If the jewelry has an externally threaded post you can check it by screwing and unscrewing to check its threading and apply some Vaseline to prevent snagging.
My navel piercing keeps coming loose. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure you’re tightening the balls or ends of your jewelry regularly, but don’t overtighten. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any crust that might interfere with a secure fit. Sometimes, the proper way to secure nevel post requires professional help. A piercer can assess if the threading on your jewelry is damaged or if you need a different style or size.
Is it safe to swim in a pool or ocean with a fresh navel piercing?
It’s best to avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water until your navel piercing is fully healed. These environments can harbor bacteria that can lead to infection. If you must swim, use a waterproof bandage to cover the piercing and clean it thoroughly afterward with a saline solution.
How can I tell if my navel piercing is infected?
Signs of infection include excessive redness, swelling, pain, thick yellow or green discharge, and fever. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor or piercer immediately. Ignoring an infection can lead to serious complications. Be sure to keep the surrounding area clean when showering and keep the jewelry tight and always check you do the proper way to secure nevel post.
Alright, so you’re prepped on keeping that navel piercing happy! Remember, the proper way to secure navel post is key, so keep those tips in mind. Stay clean, stay safe, and rock that bling!
