How to Remove Navel Rings to Heal

Things You’ll Need

• Navel jewelry

• Soap

• Water

• Paper towel

• Plastic bag

Navel piercings take anywhere from six months to a year to heal completely. A person may remove their navel piercing for several reasons. The piercing may no longer be of interest to them; the piercing could interfere with a contact sport or need to be removed for a medical procedure. Removing the jewelry from the navel piercing is possible during or after the healing process. A scar, usually the size of a pinhead, will remain permanently in the area where the piercing once was, after the piercing is completely closed.

Step 1

Wash your hands with a mild, antibacterial soap and warm water. Clean the navel ring with the soap and water, using your hands. Remove crusts that have formed onto the navel ring. This crust is a result from liquids excreted from the piercing and drying onto the ring. The crusts are hard and sharp and will tear the piercing if they pass through when removing the ring.

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Step 2

Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet to prevent adding additional bacteria to the hands. Grip the bottom of the curved barbell firmly between two fingers.

Step 3

Turn the ball on the top of the navel barbell to your right while holding the bottom part of the curved barbell. Continue to turn the ball until the threads on the ball are visible, and the ball unscrews and lifts off of the body of the barbell. Place the ball to the side, in a plastic bag.

Step 4

Pull the body of the curved barbell down toward the bottom of your navel until the barbell completely passes through both holes of the piercing. Place the barbell in the bag.

Step 5

Wash the pierced area daily with a mild soap and water, and avoid touching the open piercing wound with your hands.

Tip

Do not use a washcloth or loofah to clean your navel piercing.

Warning

Never attempt to cut jewelry out of a navel piercing.