Although there are 8.3 out of 10 people in the United States that have their earlobes pierced, only 14 percent of the entire American population has piercings apart from their earlobes. Considering all Americans who have piercings both on their earlobes or somewhere else, 72 percent of these citizens are predominantly women. When it comes to bodily piercings apart from the earlobes, the most popular location women choose is the abdominal area, particularly the belly button. Considering the sizable data, it is easy to imagine the extent of the industry supporting this physical modification.
Piercing the belly button has one distinct goal – to accentuate the woman’s usual hourglass figure. It prompted exotic female dancers in the Middle East and India to wear this during their numerous performances. It is a clear effort to turn the attention of the spectators to that area of the body, considering such colorful form of dancing utilizes the core muscle flexibility and grace.
Today, piercing the belly button goes beyond practical aesthetics. It is considered a part of the growing diversity in modern fashion. However, the idea of belly button piercing cost extending beyond monetary awareness was a slow process that took decades to develop. Nowadays, there is a clear emphasis on potential health risks involved and anyone in their right minds know that such area far eclipses the relatively inexpensive fee.
The Essential Costs
The average belly button piercing cost is somewhere between $25 and $70. It is important to take note that the rings by themselves are usually sold separately from the services rendered by the professional piercer. For instance, a $15 ring is not yet accounted in the overall $25 worth belly button piercing procedure.
Apart from the belly button jewelry, a consumer also needs to purchase a sea salt cleanser to keep the wound from festering as well as to bring relief from pain. This product usually costs $12 per four-ounce container. Lastly, a token fee worth 5% to 15% is a standard grant for the professional piercer – one may think of it as a tip for their expertise.
Seven Jewelry Pieces
Including in the overall belly button piercing price is the jewelry ring that serves as the main accessory. Just like other rings, the types that have a precious rock or décor on it costs slightly higher. The average cost is usually between $10 and $30. When it comes to the particular choice of jewelry, there are around 7 good options with their own special features.
316l Surgical Steel
The small ‘L’ in the digital classification means low carbon. This is a reasonable choice for people who are generally allergic to particular types of metals. This material is preferable for those who wish a simple metallic design.
Titanium Belly Button Ring
This ring makes an ideal return on investment for those who prefer metallic variety. The significant payoff has a lot to do with the material’s compatibility with the human skin, bypassing the body’s ‘rejection’ mechanism. Its durability also makes a huge return on investment for the overall belly button piercing price.
14K Gold
This ring is most suitable for formal events or any occasion that warrants elegance. 14 parts of the metallic composition are made of gold. Given that it’s a soft metal, this ring easily dents. This ring is not an advisable choice for initial piercing. The more affordable alternative is the 24K gold.
Sterling Silver
Like the 14K gold belly button rings, sterling silver rings are not intended for initial piercing. This ring also easily scratches. However, it has become a very popular choice for those who wish to wear something that glitters.
Bioflex
This ring is the best choice for anyone who prefers to avoid the risk of infection (rejection). After all, it is the same flexible synthetic material used by pregnant women. The size of this ring can be customized and it is highly preferable for initial piercing. The design can come in various colors. An ideal alternative for white rings is Teflon (PTFE), which proves to be more flexible and idea for long-term skin contact.
Plastic
This material is a lighter and safer for those who are allergic to certain metals. The comfort it brings makes up for the overall cost to get your belly button pierced. However, it is important for one to remember removing them after a long time of skin contact. Prolonged insertion can cause infection on the wound.
Aftercare & Health Risks
As mentioned in the introductory part of the article, the potential health risks involved in any type of body piercing outweighs any monetary cost of having it. According to the data gathered by Statistics Brain, 31 percent of all the individuals who have body piercings experience complications after their minor surgeries. 15.2 percent of the time when it occurs, it often requires professional help to correct the procedure that has gone wrong. Nearly one out of ten of these body piercings result in emergency hospitalization.
Apart from the fee and choosing the best material preference for the belly button ring, a larger part of the cost to get your belly button pierced comes from the consumer’s knowledge and vigilance. It goes without saying that having a safe belly button piercing is, by itself, the best return on investment. On the part of the consumer, here are some of the things one can do to reduce the health risks after the minor operation:
- 6 to 12 Months Rule: One must wait between the following durations before going swimming. Some people schedule their body piercings during the end of summer in order to have nearly a full year of recovery.
- Wash Twice A Day: Throughout the recovery period, washing the sore twice the day prevents complications. The idea is simply to keep the wound clean.
- Sea Salt Cleanser: Often sold in piercing shops, the proper use of this product entails ¼ teaspoon rinsed with 8 oz. of water. This therapy can be applied as much as three times a day.