How Long Should I Wait Before Changing My Belly Button Ring?

A belly button piercing should be completely healed before changing the jewelry.

When It's Healed

William Heavey, founder of the website Belly Button Rings Guide, believes a belly button piercing may be changed as soon as it's healed. Healing times vary person to person, so they are difficult to determine. The piercing should not be inflamed or crusty before changing the jewelry. Proper after-care may speed up the healing process.

Wait Six Months

Navelrings.biz, a website dedicated to navel piercings and sponsored by Alluring Body Jewelry, published an article stating that navel piercings should be given at least six to 12 months to heal, even if the piercing appears to be completely healed prior to that time. There is no way of knowing if the piercing has healed completely by simply looking at it, so better safe than sorry.

Bottom Line

Waiting at least 6 months may take some patience, but it is worth avoiding a painful infection and costly treatment. In some cases it is better to wait longer, up to 12 months.

References

• Navel Rings: Body Piercing Care
• Jewel Info 4U: Caring for Your Belly Piercing
• Belly Button Rings Guide: How to Change Your Belly Ring