How Long Should You Wait to Switch Rings After Piercing Your Belly Button?

Navel piercings can take from four months to a year to heal.

Healing Time

You should only change rings once your navel piercing has completely healed. You can make healing easier by avoiding tight waistbands and bending at the waist. Select a curved barbell for your first ring; this style encourages safe, quick healing.

How to Tell

You can find out if your piercing has healed by examining it carefully. Is it tender to the touch? Is it leaking fluid or is there crust around the edges? If so, it hasn't healed. Once it has, you may wish to let a piercer switch the ring.

Bottom Line

Monitor your piercing carefully to be sure it has healed before you change the jewelry. Also be alert for symptoms of infection, such as green or yellow discharge, lumps, hives, red streaks or pain. Seek medical attention if you observe these symptoms or if the jewelry begins to migrate.

References

• Center for Young Women's Health: Body Piercing
• Navel Rings: Body Piercing Care
• Body Jewelry Tips: Belly Rings Tips