Belly button piercings are nothing new, but floating navels put a cool modern spin on this classic body art. Unlike your traditional navel piercing that goes through the lower part of your belly button, floating navels are pierced right through the thin skin at the top of your navel. This lets the jewelry sit higher and gives the illusion that the piercing is ‘floating’ above your belly button.
When I first considered getting a navel piercing, the traditional options didn’t quite appeal to me. My journey led me to discover the floating navel piercing, a unique and stylish alternative that promised a more comfortable experience. Here’s an inside look at floating navels’ standout qualities, blending personal experiences and expert insights.
In This Article
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These unique piercings first came about because people wanted to shake things up and do something different than the usual navel piercing style. And that perfectly captures the appeal – floating navels are for people looking to stand out from the crowd and show off their boldness!
When done right, floating navel piercings have this sexy, mysterious vibe. Imagine rocking a sparkly charm that seems to magically hover over your belly button. It’s such an eye-catching look! From dainty rings to badass tribal shapes, the jewelry options are endless.
If you’re craving a contemporary twist on classic body art, floating navels are definitely worth considering. Their rise in popularity shows just how alluring it is to put a modern spin on tradition. Sure, they take a bit more care and precision than regular navel piercings. But the impact is so worth it. Floating navels let you reinvent your own unique body art narrative.
So if you want belly button bling with a touch of mystery, look no further than the floating navel piercing. This trendsetting take on piercings lets you stand out while paying homage to tradition. Dare to make this chic piercing your next act of self-expression!
What Are Floating Navel Piercings?
Anatomy-wise, the navel is comprised of an upper cavity above the belly button itself. The upper portion has thinner skin and less dense tissue. This is compared to the lower navel below the belly button. A floating navel piercing goes through this thinner upper skin. The placement places the jewelry high on the navel rim.
Most people are familiar with standard navel piercings. These piercings go through the thicker tissue of the lower navel cavity. They are below the actual belly button hole. Floating navel piercings are placed about 1-2 centimeters higher. They’re in the skinnier upper skin.
This gives a “floating” look to the jewelry. The decorative end sits neatly in the upper navel’s indent. It seems unattached from the belly button itself. It provides versatility for customized looks with different jewelry.
Floating navel piercings are an alternative to traditional navel piercings. They offer a different appearance and may be more comfortable for some individuals. Key features of floating navel piercings include:
- Jewelry: Floating navel piercings use a flat disc or small bead at the bottom. Traditional navel piercings have a large ball or gemstone at the bottom. This change in jewelry design is significant for the comfort of the client. It reduces the chances of discomfort and rejection.
- Anatomy: Floating navel piercings are suitable for people with certain navel shapes and anatomy. They are particularly useful for those with innies. Innies fold in on themselves when they sit down or curl over. They are also useful for those lacking the ridge or “hood” of tissue at the top that many people have.
- Healing and Aftercare: The healing time and aftercare for floating navel piercings are similar to those for traditional navel piercings. It is recommended to follow a “less is more” approach for piercing aftercare. This includes warm running water rinses. It also includes sterile saline irrigations. You will also get check-ups with a piercing professional for size maintenance.
- Appearance: The lower part of the jewelry in a floating navel piercing is not visible. This gives it the appearance of a singular stone or piece of jewelry. It’s levitated just above the belly button.
Floating navel piercings can be a viable alternative. They work for individuals who may not have the anatomy or comfort for a traditional navel piercing.
However, it is essential to consult with a reputable piercer. They can determine if this type of piercing is suitable for your anatomy. They can also suggest alternatives.
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My Personal Experience
Many who have opted for floating navel piercings share stories of a seamless healing process and enhanced comfort compared to traditional options. The choice of a flat disc or small bead significantly reduces the risk of irritation, migration, and rejection, common issues with conventional navel piercings.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a floating navel piercing. My best friend got one and honestly, it blew my mind. Unlike the standard belly button piercing – you know, the kind that hangs lower in your navel – her jewelry sat higher and looked like it was magically floating above her belly button. I just had to know more.
When I started looking into navel piercings for myself, the traditional kind didn’t speak to me. But the floating style, with its delicate rings hovering over your midriff? Now that was intriguing. And it turns out, I’m not the only one captivated by these modern belly button piercings.
Floating navels are having a major moment right now. People are loving the fresh take they offer on the classic navel piercing. For me, the appeal is how dainty and feminine the look is. When I got mine done last year, I chose a thin curved barbell that accentuates the shape of my belly button. The minimal jewelry keeps the focus on the piercing itself.
I also love how floating navels seem more comfortable than regular ones. Since they go through the thinner skin at the top of your navel, there’s less irritation as it heals. And I can confirm – the healing process was easier than I expected! I just cleaned it twice a day with saline spray and within a few months, it was good as new.
Of course, proper placement is key to making floating navels work. When I first consulted with my piercer, she took the time to assess my anatomy and find the exact right spot to pierce. That attention to detail is so important for both the look and comfort.
If you’re intrigued by these modern, stylish piercings, I definitely recommend considering a floating navel. With the right piercing shop and jewelry, you too can rock belly button bling with an elegant twist! It’s a super chic way to make your body art feel fresh and contemporary.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is a Floating Navel Piercing Right for You?
Pros:
- Comfort: Floating navel piercings use a flat disc or small bead at the bottom instead of a large ball or gemstone. This can be more comfortable for individuals with certain body shapes or movements.
- Suitability for specific anatomy: Floating navel piercings are suitable for people with navels that fold in on themselves when they sit down or curl over. They are also suitable for those lacking the ridge or “hood” of tissue at the top that many people have.
- Healing potential: Floating navel piercings can be a viable alternative. They are for individuals who may not have the anatomy or comfort level for a traditional navel piercing. This could potentially improve the chances of successful healing.
- Versatility in jewelry: Floating navel piercings allow for a range of jewelry options. You can use sparkling stones or cascading dangles.
Cons:
- Limited visibility: The lower part of the jewelry in a floating navel piercing is not visible. This can make the piercing less noticeable than a traditional navel piercing.
- Potential for rejection: As with any piercing, there is a risk of rejection, especially if the piercing is not properly cared for. The individual’s body may also reject the piercing.
- Aftercare and maintenance: Floating navel piercings still need regular cleaning and maintenance. This can be an extra responsibility compared to traditional navel piercings.
A floating navel piercing can be a suitable alternative for people with specific anatomy. It addresses comfort concerns related to traditional navel piercings.
Consult with a reputable piercer. Determine if this type of piercing suits your anatomy. Also, ensure proper aftercare and maintenance.
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Suggested Link: Troubleshooting Piercings for information on potential issues and how to address them.
Healing and Aftercare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper care is crucial for a new floating navel piercing during healing. Here are some tips:
- Cleaning: Use a sterile saline spray or salt water solution 2-3 times per day. Avoid ointments or alcohol which can irritate.
- Avoid trauma: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to prevent friction on the piercing. Avoid submerging in baths or swimming pools. No heavy exercise for 6-8 weeks.
- Watch for signs of infection: Redness, persistent tenderness, yellow/green discharge. See a doctor if concerned.
- LITHA method: “Leave it the hell alone!” Don’t touch, twist or fiddle with the jewelry unnecessarily during healing.
- Downsize jewelry: After the initial 6-8 week healing, consult your piercer. Ask them to replace the piercing with a shorter, snug barbell to avoid trauma.
Pay close attention during the long healing time. It takes 6-12 months for a floating navel piercing to heal. If you have any concerns, see your qualified piercer or physician. Don’t remove jewelry prematurely yourself.
Suggested Link: Piercing Aftercare for detailed care instructions from industry professionals.
Choosing the Right Jewelry: Your Guide to the Perfect Fit
- Materials: Implant-grade titanium, niobium or 14+kt solid gold. Avoid cheap jewelry that can irritate or corrode.
- Gauges: Most common is 14g through 10g. Higher gauges like 18g are prone to migration and rejection.
- Initial jewelry: Barbell or curved barbell of surgical steel or titanium, 3/8 to 5/8 inch long to accommodate swelling.
- Once healed: Experiment with ends like disk, ball, cone, spike. Avoid heavy pendants which can migrate. Curved barbell or captive bead ring also popular options.
Proper jewelry is critical to minimize risks. It keeps your floating navel piercing comfortable and stable. Always consult an experienced piercer for sizing and fitting jewelry. Do this after the initial piercing.
What to Expect: Navigating Pain and Healing on Your Piercing Journey
- Pain level: Usually a 5-8 on a 10-point scale during the actual piercing process. Some experience more significant pain and soreness during the longer healing.
- Healing stages:
- Initial (1-3 weeks): Soreness, swelling, bruising. Clean 2-3 times daily.
- Early (3 weeks – 3 months): Less swelling/pain as puncture starts to seal. Still clean 2x daily.
- Late (3-12 months): Piercing firms up as collagen forms inside fistula. Loose jewelry can be changed.
- Risks: Infection, irritation bumps, embedding, rejection. About 15% rejection rate. Seek help from reputable piercer or doctor if issues arise.
- Signs of problems: Severe pain worsens. The skin is red and hot to the touch. There is yellow or green pus. There is excessive bleeding. Jewelry may be embedded in the skin.
Floating navel piercings take the longest of any body piercing to fully heal. Be patient and diligent with aftercare and checkups to avoid complications.
Choosing Your Piercing Pro: Tips for Finding the Ideal Studio
It’s important to go to an experienced, qualified piercing studio. You should go to one for a floating navel piercing. This can help reduce risks. Here’s what to look for:
- Licensed, regulated business with autoclave sterilization of tools.
- Good reviews mentioning professionalism, cleanliness and skill of piercers.
- We have a high-quality jewelry selection. It’s not cheap externally threaded jewelry. This type of jewelry can damage the fistula during insertion.
- The piercer has extensive experience with floating navel piercings. They can walk you through aftercare.
Avoid amateur piercers or doing it yourself with a piercing kit. Go to a trusted studio. It should make you feel comfortable asking questions. It should also ensure proper placement and aftercare.
Conclusion
Floating navel piercings let you reinvent tradition and tell your own unique story through body art. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s your cue to get started:
Book a consultation with our top-rated piercing studio to discuss your anatomy and jewelry options. Their experts will ensure your floating navel is done safely, stylishly and according to your personal tastes.
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It’s time to be bold and make your mark with this enticing, modern piercing. We can’t wait to see your fresh take on floating navel jewelry!
Image Credit: Blufashion
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
