In the Philippines, there is such a term called “tiis-ganda” which literally means to endure any kind of pain for the sake of beauty. If there could be more perfectly suitable for this catchphrase, well, aside from a whiteheads/blackheads removal and the micro needling, it would be none other than the body piercing.

Body piercing has been known to have existed since ancient times. And like tattoos, it has its share of bad connotations in the past. It was even viewed as a mild form of rebellion. How many parents would dissuade their young ones not to go out with kids who have piercings all over their face and body?

While the fad seemed to disappear into oblivion at one point, it has now been enjoying a newfound fame and has been one of the main forms of self-expressions and accessorizing one’s self especially by younger generations.

And if you are one of those who is willing to take the challenge in the name of beauty and making a statement, then it is time to know the cost to get your bellybutton pierced.

Average Cost of Belly Button Piercing

Depending on several factors like your choice of the piercer, the location, among others, the average belly button piercing cost ranges around $30 to 100 and depends on whether the piercer allows you to bring your own jewelry or not, in which case, the average price would be around $40 excluding the jewelry with a price range of around $25 to $70.

What are Included

Typically, belly button piercing price or any other type of body piercing includes the piercing procedure, the choice of jewelry from the variety of titanium and steel materials which are medical grade; and some written care instructions. Some would even include free and unlimited consultations before and after being pierced.

Additional Costs

As mentioned, the piercing comes with the jewelry of choice but can be limited to the certain types that are within the price range you paid. Opting for the pricier jewelry like those with natural gemstones or those made of precious metals, supposing that the piercing shop does have those, would entail additional costs and the piercing price would go beyond the $100 mark.

Also, include in the budget a customary 10% to 20% tip for the piercer especially so if they are not the owner of the shop.

Depending on the shop, some would even include the aftercare depending on how much they charge.

Shopping for Belly Button Piercing

The first step into finding the perfect piercer is to look for a referral. What a breather it would be if your piercing comes from a highly recommended professional? But even so, please check their facilities if cleanliness is at par with at least your standard.

It is also important to know if they are qualified and licensed. How do you know? Well, it never hurts to ask. But if it would make you feel awkward, go to the Association of Professional Piercers and search for a particular piercer through APP’s locator.

One tip though, if you find a piercing shop or salon which uses piercing guns, walk away and forget about having your piercing in the meantime until you locate one which is credible. Not only can they tear the skin in a forceful way making the skin jagged, they can also be a source of infection because piercing guns cannot be sterilized.

Before agreeing to an appointment with the piercer, it is important to ask everything you might be interested to know about the piercing as any information might make you change your mind. At least, you have time to back out, avoiding waste of time on your part as well as the piercer.

Do it Yourself

Body piercing may be a very sensitive task but it does not mean it cannot be done DIY fashion. You just need to be particular with hygiene, can generally tolerate pain, and not queasy with needles. Wikihow.com teaches you the step by step procedures on how to pierce your own belly button.

There are belly button piercing kits available online that gets good number of sales from individuals like you. Some of them may not be complete after all but you just have to ensure that the following are included and you are good to go:

• Sterile needle, 14 or 16 gauge
• Needle holder
• Needle receiving cork
• Navel forceps
• Piercing barbells

Other items you might need are the cleaning solution, sterile gloves, and cotton balls which may not necessarily be included in the kit but may be available at your home.

Factors Affecting Belly Button Piercing Cost

When it comes to body piercing, you can have a whole lot of choices not only for the price but also with the way you want to be handled to ensure the safety against infections.  But when it comes to the pricing, the factors affecting the cost to get your bellybutton pierced are as follows:

Location – if you live in affluent cities and states, chances are the price of commodities and services would be higher compared to others due to the high cost of doing business. But if the piercing shop is located in a place where there are several businesses of the same type and the competition is stiff, then expect the price to be somewhat cheaper.

The piercing shop – you would find a wide range of belly button piercing prices depending on what shop the piercing was done. Popularity, cost of living, and demand play the part in the pricing.

The piercer – registered professionals with years of experience tucked under their belt would typically charge higher than those who are not. But the price comes with the assurance of higher quality and hygienic procedure and facility.

Type of jewelry – the price of the jewelry that comes with the piercing hugely affect the cost especially if the shop would only let you use the ones they supply due to safety concerns. Also, if you chose a different type that has slightly higher price than the ones included in the package, then prepare to pay the difference.

Cleaning Instructions after Belly Piercing

The following aftercare instructions are quoted from the Association of Professional Piercers:

• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing

• Saline rinse as needed during the healing period. If your piercer recommends using a particular soap, gently lather around the piercing and rinse. Do not use regular soaps that may be too harsh especially when they have dyes or fragrances.
• Rinse the part when necessary in order to remove any cleaning solution residue.
• Moving or rotating the jewelry during cleaning or rinsing is not necessary.
• When drying the pierced area, use clean, disposable paper products as cloth towels may be a source of bacteria and may also snag on the jewelry causing injury.
• Avoid over-cleaning.
• Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing.
• Avoid playing or trying to move the jewelry to avoid sticking with the flesh.
• Avoid excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. If it cannot be avoided, protect it using a waterproof-sealant bandage.
• Avoid any cosmetics, lotions, and sprays.
• Avoid hanging any charms or objects from your jewelry until it fully heals.

In addition, they advised to avoid the following products on your piercing:

• Alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Soaps containing triclosan, iodine, or any harsh products
• Ointments
• Bactine®
• Products containing Benzalkonium Chloride