Belly Button Ring Migration

Also commonly known as rejection, migration occurs when a belly button ring (or any pierced jewelry) is slowly pushed out of the body, through the skin.  It doesn't necessarily hurt either!

By J Beck

Can you imagine heavy earrings slowly 'dragging' downwards and out of the ear?  It can happen to your belly button ring too.  In the earring example that would commonly happen because the jewelry is too heavy (so it's like a 'cheesecutter effect').  However, in a similar way, if a belly button ring guage is the wrong size, that may cause it to be rejected also.  Be mindful of the guage size on the belly button rings you buy.

A belly button ring may also migrate if the body doesn't like the metal that has been used for the piercing.  This is very rare these days, as most belly button ring jewelry found for sale has been made of surgical grade implant metals (the stuff surgeons operate with and leave inside peoples bodies - like pacemakers!!).  See our article on jewelry metals and their suitablility for belly button ring piercings.

Other potential causes of belly button ring migration could be tissue damage around the piercing area, or incorrect placement of the piercing (ie the piercing is too close to the surface).  Friction may also aggravate the piercing and cause the belly button ring to migrate.

Even if a belly button ring migrates, it won't necessarily exit the body.  Sometimes it may move just a little, then heal and stay where it is, or it may continue fully until it comes away from the belly
 
If you notice your belly button ring migrating (or any other jewelry for that matter), go and see your (reputable) piercer.  After all, they see these things all the time and will be able to advise you on how best to deal with it.  It may mean taking the ring out until it is healed, and then re-piercing.

Or taking your belly button ring out altogether. 

About the Author
J Beck

www.bellybuttonringsonline.com