Belly button piercings are still a fashionable and alluring kind of body art. One of the most recent and well liked fashions is the floating belly button piercing. However the idea of the jewelry and the way it floats above the navel make this unique design stand out. This detailed guide will explain what a floating piercing is, how much it costs, how it heals, what jewelry options are available and any significant issues if you’re considered having your navel pierced.
What is a Floating Belly Button Piercing?
For those whose anatomy precludes a traditional navel piercing a floating belly button piercing is the ideal option. However the ring or curved barbell rests in the belly button fold in a standard piercing. In a floating belly button piercing, the piercer angles the jewelry so it appears to float over the skin.
The main difference between floating belly button piercing vs regular is the placement. A regular piercing sits inside the natural fold, while a floating piercing rests slightly above or below, depending on your anatomy. For this reason, proper belly button piercing anatomy is essential before getting one.
Types of Floating & Belly Button Piercings
There are several variations when it comes to navel piercings and floating piercings add even more creative options:
Top Vs Bottom Belly Button Piercing:
Jewelry placed above or below the navel.
Reverse Belly Button Piercing:
Jewelry comes out of the lower edge of the navel instead of the top.
Surface Belly Button Piercing:
A piercing through the skin surface, often with higher rejection risk.
Double Belly Button Piercing / Dangle Styles:
Two piercings or decorative styles for a more dramatic look.
Depending on your preferences and physique, these belly button piercings offer a number of aesthetics.
Jewelry Options for Floating Belly Button Piercing
Jewelry is the highlight of a floating piercing and choosing the right material and size is crucial for healing.
Best materials:
The safest and most durable options are titanium belly button piercing jewelry, surgical steel belly button, 14k gold belly button and moreover real gold belly button piercing.
Sizes:
Some people use 12 or 16g. 14g is a common gauge for belly button piercings. In addition 6 to 10 mm is typical the size of belly button piercing rings.
Styles:
Popular styles include delicate designs, dangling belly button piercings, flat back studs and curved barbells.
A more smooth healing process will be made possible by choosing the right jewelry size and material.
Cost of Floating Belly Button Piercing
The jewelry you choose, the piercer’s skill level and your location all affect how much a belly button piercing costs.
- In the USA $40 – $80 is a belly button piercing costs.
- In the UK and Europe it usually ranges between £40 – £70.
- Moreover choosing gold or titanium jewelry will increase the price.
If you’re searching for belly button piercing near me cost. Then remember that very cheap studios may compromise hygiene. So always prioritize a professional hygienic studio.
Procedure: How It’s Done & Pain Level
A floating navel piercing is a straightforward process but must be done by a skilled professional.
- The piercer will mark the spot according to your anatomy.
- The belly button piercing needle size is usually 14g.
- The piercer inserts the jewelry and cleans the area.
On the belly button piercing pain scale 1–10, most people rate it around 4–6. Pain tolerance varies, but it’s similar to a standard navel piercing.
Healing & Aftercare Process
Floating piercings generally take longer to heal than standard ones.
Healing Timeline:
6–9 months, sometimes up to a year.
Healing Stages:
Mild redness and swelling in the first weeks, settling in 2–3 months and full healing around 6 months.
Cleaning:
Always use a sterile saline solution for belly button piercing twice daily. Such as tea tree oil should be used carefully as it may dry the skin.
Avoid:
Tight clothing, touching jewelry unnecessarily and swimming after belly button piercing for at least 6–8 weeks.
For more professional medical guidance on piercing aftercare, you can check Healthline’s belly button piercing aftercare guide.
Risks & Complications
Like all piercings, floating navel piercings have some risks.
- Keloid belly button piercing – some people may develop scar tissue or bumps.
- Belly button piercing scar after pregnancy or tummy tuck surgery may make healing more complicated.
- Belly button piercing scar removal cost can range from $200 – $500 depending on treatment.
- Migration, rejection and infections are also possible if aftercare is not followed.
Always consult a professional piercer if you notice unusual discharge – extreme pain or bumps.
If you are also interested in learning about other specialized piercings check out our complete guide on Piercing for Inverted Nipple.
Pros & Cons of Floating Belly Button Piercing
Pros:
- Unique and stylish look
- Variety of jewelry options
- Great option if you don’t have the anatomy for a regular piercing
Cons:
- Longer healing time
- Higher rejection and migration risk
- Not suitable for everyone
FAQs about Floating Belly Button Piercing
Does a floating belly button piercing hurt more?
No the pain level is similar to a standard belly button piercing.
Can I use regular belly rings in a floating piercing?
Not at first. Once healed, you can use belly button piercing replacement balls and decorative rings.
Is it safe after pregnancy or tummy tuck?
However it is possible, skin tension and scarring may hinder the healing process. Waiting till after recovery is the best option.
How long before I can change jewelry?
At least half a year after the piercing has completely healed.
Cost & Price Related
How much does it cost for a belly button piercing?
A belly button piercing typically costs between $30 to $100, depending on the studio, the piercer’s experience and the type of jewellery. Expensive jewellery can be exceeds by 14k gold and titanium.
How much is it to get your belly button pierced near me?
Although the cost may vary depending on the location and basic jewellery. It usually costs between $40 to $70.
How much is getting your belly button pierced with high end jewelry?
Choose luxury jewellery such as 14k gold or surgical steel. Price may be $150 or more.
Jewelry, Gauge & Size
What gauge is a belly button piercing?
A 14 gauge needle is typically used for getting a belly button piercing.
What size is a belly button piercing?
Although 10mm (3/8 inch) is the typical length of the jewellery depending on anatomy – shorter or longer bars may be used.
What jewelry is best for belly button piercings?
Because they are hypoallergenic and safe for healing, titanium, surgical steel and 14k gold curved barbells are the best options.
Age & Eligibility
What age can you get a belly button piercing?
The majority of studios allow piercings at age 16 with parental permission and at age 18 plus without. Verify local laws at all times.
What type of belly button can’t be pierced?
Flat or shallow belly buttons may not hold jewelry properly. A piercer will check your anatomy before proceeding.
Swimming & Water Related
Can you swim with a belly button piercing?
You should avoid swimming in lakes, pools and the ocean until your piercing is fully healed because water can introduce bacteria.
How long after a belly button piercing can you swim?
Waiting at least 4–6 weeks and ideally until the piercing is fully healed (3–6 months) is recommended before swimming.
Can I go swimming 1 month after belly button piercing?
A month has passed and your piercing is still healing. Waiting longer or using a waterproof bandage over the piercing are better choices.
Healing & Aftercare
How long does a belly button piercing take to heal?
For a month, your piercing has been mending. Either waiting longer or applying a waterproof bandage to the piercing may be safer.
What are the healing stages of a belly button piercing?
Weeks 1–2: Tenderness, redness and swelling
Weeks 3–6: Reduced swelling and mild discharge possible
Months 2–6: Piercing strengthens, less irritation
6+ months: Fully healed if no issues
What does a belly button piercing look like when healing?
It’s common for it to start off looking a little red, bloated and crusty. Skin will become smooth and settle over time.
How to sleep with a belly button piercing?
Sleeping on your back or side puts pressure on the piercing. Using loose clothing could helps reduce irritation.
Should I cover my belly button piercing overnight?
Not necessary unless clothing rubs against it. Keeping it open to air is usually best.
Risks, Problems & Scars
How to get rid of keloid on belly button piercing?
Small bumps may heal with proper cleaning and saline solution. For real keloids, consult a dermatologist for treatment.
How to close a belly button piercing?
If you remove jewelry most piercings will close naturally within weeks. In addition for stretched or scarred piercings, surgery may be needed.
How to fix stretched belly button piercing after pregnancy?
Options include scar revision surgery or re-piercing after full healing of the skin post-pregnancy.
Religious & Cultural
Are belly button piercings haram?
In Islam rulings vary. If done carefully and hygienically some scholars think it would be suitable as jewellery, while others refuse. However it depends on interpretation and cultural values.
Style & Popularity
Are belly button piercings in style 2024/2025?
Yes belly button piercings are still in style, particularly when used with crop tops, bikinis and festival looks. Double navel piercings and floating are becoming more popular.
Do guys like belly button piercings?
Preferences vary but many consider them attractive as a fashion statement.
Conclusion
In conclusion a floating belly button piercing is a modern stylish choice that looks great and offers unique jewelry options. While it requires more patience during healing and carries a higher rejection risk. Therefore choosing the right piercer and proper aftercare makes it a safe and beautiful body modification.
