Removing a navel piercing, whether permanently or temporarily, requires careful preparation to prevent injury and infection. Unlike a simple jewelry change, removal must be done safely to preserve the integrity of the healed tissue. This process is straightforward for a fully healed piercing, but rushing the procedure or using improper technique can cause irritation or micro-tears in the delicate fistula. A methodical approach ensures the jewelry is extracted cleanly and the piercing site remains healthy afterward.
Determining Readiness and Gathering Supplies
Before attempting removal, confirm the navel piercing has completely healed, a process that typically takes between six and twelve months. Navel piercings heal slowly because the area is frequently moved and stretched, requiring the formation of a stable internal skin tunnel, known as the fistula. A healed piercing shows no signs of active irritation, meaning there is an absence of redness, swelling, discharge, or tenderness when the jewelry is gently moved.
Attempting to remove jewelry from a piercing that is still healing can disrupt the fragile internal tissue or introduce bacteria. Once you confirm the piercing is settled and stable, gather the necessary supplies in a clean environment. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, and consider wearing sterile, non-latex gloves for a better grip and hygiene.
You will also need clean paper towels for drying and gripping the jewelry, and a mild, unscented soap or sterile saline solution for pre- and post-removal cleaning. For particularly stubborn jewelry, a pair of clean, small pliers or forceps can be helpful, but use them with extreme caution to avoid damaging the metal or the skin. Having all supplies ready minimizes the time the piercing site is handled.
The Step-by-Step Jewelry Removal Process
The physical removal process begins with stabilizing the curved barbell jewelry, the most common type used in navel piercings. Use one hand to firmly hold the bottom ball or decorative end of the jewelry, securing the barbell to prevent it from rotating. The goal is to isolate the top ball, which is the part you will be unscrewing.
With the other hand, grasp the top ball and begin turning it counter-clockwise, following the principle of “lefty loosey” common to most threaded jewelry. Navel jewelry is either externally or internally threaded, but the unscrewing action remains the same. If the top ball is difficult to grip, wrapping a small piece of dry paper towel or sterile glove material around the ball can provide the necessary friction.
Once the top ball is completely unscrewed, set it aside on a clean surface. Gently push the exposed end of the barbell from the top of the piercing downward, slowly guiding the curved bar through the fistula. Move the jewelry slowly and in the natural curve of the piercing tunnel to avoid friction or tearing of the skin tissue.
As the bottom ball approaches the exit hole, continue to move the bar smoothly until the entire piece of jewelry slides out. If you feel any resistance or sharp pain, stop immediately and try adjusting the angle of the bar before proceeding. For jewelry using a captive bead or a fixed end that does not unscrew, a professional piercer should ideally perform the removal using specialized tools to compress the ring.
Post-Removal Care and Addressing Common Issues
Immediately after removal, gently clean the entire piercing site with a sterile saline solution or a mild, unscented soap and warm water. This cleaning removes residual debris or bacteria, minimizing the potential for irritation or localized infection. If you plan to save the jewelry, thoroughly clean it and store it in a clean container to maintain its condition.
Once the jewelry is out, the skin tissue forming the fistula will immediately begin the process of contraction. For piercings healed for many years, the hole may shrink slightly but could remain open for a long time. However, if the piercing has only just reached the minimum healing time of six to twelve months, the tunnel may tighten significantly or even close completely within hours or days.
A common issue during removal is a stubbornly tight ball, often due to dried skin secretions in the threads. Using a dry paper towel or gloves for a better grip usually solves this, but if the ball remains stuck after several gentle attempts, do not force it, as this can severely damage the piercing site. If minor irritation or slight swelling occurs post-removal, continue cleaning the area twice daily with saline solution until the symptoms resolve. Seek professional medical or piercing assistance if you notice signs of infection (such as spreading redness, increased heat, significant pain, or thick yellow or green discharge) or if the jewelry cannot be removed after persistent effort.