According to umbc.edu, only 10% of people have the excellent feature called outie. Getting an outie belly button piercing is enough to make you stand out in a crowd!
In this article, you’ll learn how an outie belly button piercing works and how you can get one. We will also share the healing process and aftercare tips so you don’t experience any health issues while getting the piercing.
Let’s get started with some surface-level talks!
What Does An Outie Belly Button Piercing Mean?
Outie belly button piercing is one of the most unique and stylish forms of body modification.
The more common innie belly button piercings are done within the concave space of the belly button. However, an outie piercing is performed on the protruding part of the navel.
This type of piercing is somewhat rarer due to the specific anatomy required – not everyone has an outie belly button. The process involves piercing through the small amount of skin and tissue that protrudes outward.
It’s important to choose an experienced piercer who is familiar with this specific type. The healing process can be slightly different from traditional belly button piercings and may require extra care and attention to prevent infection.
How Risky Is An Outie Belly Button Piercing?
Getting an outie belly button piercing carries some risks, similar to other types of body piercings, but there are specific considerations to keep in mind. The risk factor largely depends on the individual’s anatomy, the skill and experience of the piercer, and the aftercare.
Risk Factors:
Infection: Like any piercing, there’s a risk of infection. This risk can be higher if the piercing is not done in a sterile environment or if aftercare instructions are not followed.
Rejection or Migration: Outie piercings might have a higher tendency for rejection or migration, where the body pushes the jewellery out of the skin, due to the nature of the outie navel’s protrusion.
Healing Time: Outie piercings might take longer to heal compared to innie piercings, and the healing process can be more complicated.
Outie vs. Innie Piercing Safety:
Innie Belly Button Piercing: Generally considered safer due to the nature of the navel’s inward fold. This provides a more protected environment for healing.
Outie Belly Button Piercing: Potentially higher risk due to the exposed nature of the piercing site, which can be more prone to irritation, snagging on clothing, and infection.
How Is An Outie Belly Button Piercing Done?
The procedure for an Outie Belly Button Piercing involves several key steps, each important to ensure both the safety and success of the piercing:
Consultation and Preparation: The process begins with a consultation with a professional piercer. They will examine your outie belly button to determine if it’s suitable for piercing and discuss your options in terms of jewellery. They will also explain the procedure, aftercare, and risks, and answer any questions you might have.
Choosing the Jewelry: Before the procedure, you’ll choose the jewellery for your piercing. It’s crucial to select high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or infections.
Marking the Spot: The piercer will clean your belly button area and then mark the exact spot where the piercing will be made. This is usually done with a surgical marker. You’ll have the chance to look at the marking in a mirror to ensure you’re happy with the placement.
Sterilization: The piercer will thoroughly clean and sterilize the area around your belly button as well as their equipment to prevent infection.
Piercing Process:
- The piercer will usually wear gloves to maintain hygiene.
- They will use a hollow, sterilized needle to create a hole for the piercing. This is typically done quickly to minimize discomfort.
- Once the needle passes through the outie belly button, the jewellery is immediately inserted.
How Long Is The Healing Phase of An Outie Belly Button Piercing?
The healing time for an Outie Belly Button Piercing can vary depending on several factors such as individual health, the quality of care during the healing process, and the body’s natural healing ability. Generally, the timeline for healing can be broken down as follows:
Initial Healing Period: This phase typically lasts for the first few weeks after the piercing. During this time, it’s common to experience redness, swelling, and tenderness around the piercing site.
Intermediate Healing Phase: Following the initial period, the piercing starts to heal more substantially. This phase can last anywhere from a few months up to six months. While the external part of the piercing might appear healed, the internal tissue is still recovering.
Full Healing Process: A complete healing process for an Outie Belly Button Piercing can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, and in some cases, even longer. It’s important to remember that while the outer skin may look healed, the tissue inside may still be sensitive and fragile.
How to Take Care of An Outie Belly Button Piercing?
The aftercare process for an Outie Belly Button Piercing is crucial for ensuring a smooth and infection-free healing. Here are the key steps to follow:
Clean Regularly: Clean the piercing at least twice a day with a saline solution. You can either buy a pre-made saline solution or make your own. Just mix water with ¼ of non-iodized sea salt in a cup.
Gentle Cleaning Technique: Take a clean piece of gauze or a cotton ball and soak it in the saline solution. Then, gently apply it to the piercing. Avoid using harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleaners, as these can irritate the skin. Be gentle and do not twist or turn the jewelry.
Keep the Area Dry: After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper product. Cloth towels can harbour bacteria and snag on jewellery which can further irritate.
Avoid Irritation: Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid putting pressure on the piercing. Tight clothing can irritate and increase the risk of infection.
Hands Off: Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands. The bacteria on your hands can transfer to the piercing and cause infection.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Stay away from swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and other bodies of water, as they can contain bacteria and other contaminants that can infect a fresh piercing.
Be Aware of Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, foul odour, or yellow or green discharge. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare provider.
Don’t change Jewelry Prematurely: Do not change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, which can take up to a year. If you must change the jewelry for any reason, it is recommended to do so with the assistance of a professional piercer.
Trendy Jewelry Options for An Outie Belly Button Piercing?
Here are some suitable jewelry options for your outie belly button piercing.
Curved Barbells: These are the most common choice for belly button piercings. The curved shape fits comfortably with the natural curve of the belly button, reducing irritation and the risk of snagging. They come in various lengths, which helps accommodate swelling during the initial healing phase.
Circular Barbells: Also known as horseshoe barbells, these are similar to curved barbells but form a complete circle with small balls or other decorative elements on each end. They offer versatility and can be easier to clean.
Ball Closure Rings (BCRs): These rings have a ball that fits snugly into the opening of the ring, holding it in place. They can be a bit more challenging to insert and remove but are a popular choice for their sleek look.
Dangle Belly Rings: These feature a charm or decoration that hangs from the bottom of the barbell. They are more decorative and come in a wide range of designs. However, they’re generally recommended for fully healed piercings due to their potential to snag on clothing.
Retainers: Made from clear or flesh-toned materials like acrylic or BioFlex, retainers are designed to be inconspicuous. They’re useful if you need to make your piercing less noticeable for work or other activities.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Outie Belly Button Piercing?
The cost of an Outie Belly Button Piercing in the USA can vary depending on several factors including the location, the expertise of the piercer, the quality of the jewellery, and aftercare products. Here’s a general breakdown of the costs:
Piercing Service: The cost for the piercing service itself typically ranges from $40 to $60. This can vary based on the studio’s reputation, the piercer’s experience, and the geographical location (with urban areas often being more expensive).
Jewelry: The cost of initial jewelry for the piercing usually starts around $20 and can go up to $100 or more, depending on the material and design. Surgical stainless steel and titanium are generally more affordable, while high-quality gold will be more expensive.
Aftercare Products: Aftercare solutions, like saline sprays, typically range from $5 to $15. Additional aftercare products such as sterile wipes or gauze may add a small additional cost.
Tip for the Piercer: While not mandatory, it’s customary to tip your piercer if you’re satisfied with the service. Tips are typically 10-20% of the service cost.
Possible Additional Costs:
Consultation Fee: Some studios may charge a consultation fee, especially if you’re seeking advice before deciding on the piercing.
Follow-up Visits: If you need to return to the piercer for a check-up or to address any issues, there might be an additional charge, though many piercers offer follow-up visits for free.
Total Estimated Cost
Adding up these components, the total cost of getting an Outie Belly Button Piercing can range from approximately $55 to $200 or more. This estimate includes the piercing service, basic jewelry, aftercare products, and a tip for the piercer.
Last Words
In summary, Outie Belly Button Piercing is an excellent way of getting a unique appearance. It involves a specialized piercing procedure, with healing times varying from 6 months to a year.
Choosing the right jewelry, like curved barbells or rings, and following a strict cleaning routine with saline solution is essential for preventing infection. Always prioritize hygiene and seek a professional piercer for a safe and successful piercing experience.
Happy Piercing!