2D.1b "Angled Navel Piercings"
Description
This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
2D.1b "Angled Navel Piercings"
by Elayne Angel of Rings of Desire, New Orleans, Louisiana
http://www.ringsofdesire.com Presented at the Association of
Professional Piercers Open Meeting May 1999
After many years of placing navel piercings vertically I have
developed a superior way. At this point I do the majority of navel
piercings at a distinct angle!
Many navels are built with an arc or ellipse on one side which is more
pronounced than the other. Generally, these also have an apex, which
is the natural fold or crease at the deepest point on the
underside. This is usually set on the side opposite the ellipse. When
the piercing is placed using these natural anatomical features the
ring will rest flat down on the abdomen and frame the area
beautifully. It will look natural, comfortable, and integrated with
the body. Many of the vertical placements look like they are hanging
from the body, rather than part of it.
The piercing must be placed at enough of an angle so that the ring
will rest down flat. If it is only slightly offset, the piercing will
merely end up looking crooked and awkward. This is an art and science
combined.
It is true that a curved barbell is a good style to minimize trauma
and difficulty with vertical placements. However, I do find that
curved barbells are harder to clean than rings. Additionally, rings
get better air and blood circulation which is helpful for
healing. Unfortunately, with vertical placement a ring tends to
stick-out on many individuals. Actually, a large percentage of the
population is ill-suited to any form of vertical placement. This is
due to a variety of factors including anatomical, occupational or
recreational obstacles, and through irritation from usual attire.
Since the ring doesn't stick-out and get in the way there are many
advantages which include:
- less discomfort
- easier to heal
- easier to wear clothing over the area
- less trauma
- more of the ring is visible (with vertical placement only the edge
of the
ring can be seen from the front)
- frames the individual's anatomy and is custom fit and looks more
integrated with the body
- makes piercing safe and possible for many more types of anatomy;
even
smaller navels or those with less tissue may be candidates
Pliability or "pinchability" of the area is important as well. If the
tissue doesn't pinch easily, the individual may not be a good
candidate.
Some people have a combination "innie"/"outie." Most of these are
wholly unsuited to traditional vertical placement. Depending on the
site (good "pinchability" and absence of any herniation is required)
angling the piercing may make piercing possible for many who otherwise
could not or should not be pierced in that area.
Piercings are foreign objects, and the body's usual job is to rid
itself of foreign objects. Navels have acquired a bad reputation over
the years as an area that has a high rejection rate. This need not be
the case when they are pierced taking the individual's unique anatomy
into consideration.
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