What do belly button piercings feel like?

Belly button piercings are generally described as relatively less painful compared to some other types of body piercings, but the experience can vary from person to person. Here are some key points to consider:

Pain Level

• The pain associated with belly button piercings is often compared to getting an ear lobe piercing or a flu shot. It is typically rated on a pain scale of 3 to 5 out of 1035.
• The flesh around the navel area is quite thick, which tends to reduce the pain compared to piercings in areas with less flesh, such as cartilage piercings15.

Sensation During the Piercing

• Many people describe the sensation as a quick pinch or a sharp, burny feeling, similar to getting a vaccine. This pain is usually brief and over within a few seconds45.
• The use of a clamp to hold the area steady can sometimes feel more uncomfortable than the actual needle piercing4.

Post-Piercing Discomfort

• After the piercing, you may experience some soreness, throbbing, and aching in the area, which is normal and typically lasts for a few days125.

Individual Experiences

• Pain tolerance varies greatly among individuals. Some people find the experience to be quite therapeutic and almost painless, while others may find it more painful, especially if they have a lower pain tolerance4.

Healing Process

• The healing process for belly button piercings is longer than for other piercings, typically taking six months to a year to fully heal. This period may involve some ongoing discomfort and the need for careful aftercare to prevent complications like infection23.