How to Heal Belly Piercing Scars: Tips to Fade and Care for Your Skin

A small bump that could lead to scarring

How to Heal Belly Piercing Scars

Belly piercings are a fun way to add some flair to your look, but sometimes they leave behind scars that you’d rather not keep. If you’ve taken out a piercing or had issues with it healing properly, you might notice a small scar or bump around the navel area. The good news? There are ways to help your skin heal and reduce the appearance of that scar.

Whether it’s a small, faint scar or a more noticeable one, there are tips and tricks to improve how it looks over time. Here’s everything you need to know about healing belly piercing scars and getting your skin back to feeling smooth and clear.

Why Belly Piercing Scars Form

Scars can form for a few reasons. Sometimes they’re the result of irritation or friction from clothing, while other times they’re due to infections, allergic reactions to jewellery, or even the body’s natural reaction to the piercing. Belly button piercings are also susceptible to hypertrophic scarring (a raised scar) or even keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound), which can be more prominent.

The type of scar and how it formed can influence how easy or challenging it is to reduce its appearance. For example:

• Hypertrophic Scars: These are common and typically raised, but they don’t grow beyond the piercing area. They’re often red or pink and may fade over time with proper care.

• Keloid Scars: Keloids are less common but tend to be more challenging to treat, as they can extend beyond the piercing and grow larger. If you’re prone to keloids, it’s best to seek advice from a dermatologist for the most effective treatment.

Tips to Help Heal and Reduce a Belly Piercing Scar

Here are some tried-and-tested methods that can help reduce belly piercing scars. Keep in mind that consistency is key when it comes to scar treatment.

1. Massage the Scar with Moisturising Cream or Oil

   Gently massaging the scarred area with a moisturising cream or oil can help improve circulation and soften the tissue. Oils like vitamin E oil, rosehip oil, and coconut oil are popular for their skin-healing properties. Massaging the area daily can encourage smoother skin and may help reduce the appearance of raised scars over time.

2. Use Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets

   Silicone gel and silicone sheets are widely recommended for scar treatment, as they can flatten raised scars and reduce discolouration. You can apply silicone gel daily, or use silicone sheets as per the instructions. They are especially helpful for hypertrophic scars, as they hydrate the area and create a protective barrier, allowing the skin to heal more effectively (Patient.info, 2023).

3. Consider Over-the-Counter Scar Creams

   There are plenty of scar creams available that contain active ingredients like onion extract, allantoin, or peptides, which are known for their scar-reducing properties. Products like Mederma or Kelo-cote have been used for years to treat scarring, although results can vary from person to person. Apply the cream as directed and stay consistent to see the best results.

4. Apply a Warm Compress

   If your scar tissue is thick or feels tight, a warm compress can help soften the area and improve blood flow. This is especially useful if your scar has a hard or raised texture. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and apply it to the scar for a few minutes daily.

5. Exfoliate the Area Gently

   Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and encourage new skin growth, which may reduce the appearance of scars over time. However, avoid harsh scrubbing or using abrasive products, as these can irritate the area. A mild exfoliating scrub once a week is sufficient—avoid this method if the skin is still tender or inflamed.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods

   Keeping your body hydrated and eating foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and E, can support your skin’s natural healing process. Foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens provide antioxidants that help repair skin cells and improve overall skin texture, which can be beneficial when trying to reduce scars.

Natural Remedies to Help Fade Scars

In addition to over-the-counter products, there are natural remedies that some people find effective for reducing scars. While results can vary, these remedies are gentle and can be used alongside other treatments.

• Aloe Vera: Known for its skin-soothing properties, aloe vera can be applied directly to scars to help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice has natural skin-lightening properties and is often used to reduce dark spots. Be cautious with lemon, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always rinse it off after a few minutes and follow up with sunscreen.

• Honey: Honey has natural healing properties and can help moisturise the scar tissue. Apply a thin layer of honey to the scar, leave it on for about 10 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

• Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for skin concerns. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply it sparingly, as it can be strong.

  
  

Remember, natural remedies work differently for everyone, so patience is key. It’s also worth patch-testing any natural product first to check for sensitivity.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

If your scar is large, raised, or causing discomfort, it may be time to seek help from a dermatologist. There are several professional treatments that can significantly reduce scar tissue, especially for keloids or hypertrophic scars.

1. Steroid Injections

   Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce keloids and raised scars. The injections work by flattening and softening the scar tissue over a series of treatments. While steroid injections can be effective, they’re typically only recommended for more severe scarring.

2. Laser Therapy

   Laser treatments can target scar tissue, reducing redness and smoothing the skin. Laser therapy is typically performed by a dermatologist, and the type of laser used will depend on the scar. Although laser treatments can be effective, they usually require multiple sessions.

3. Microneedling

   Microneedling is a popular treatment for improving skin texture and reducing scars. It involves using a tool with tiny needles to stimulate collagen production, helping to smooth out the skin. Microneedling can be effective for smaller scars, but it’s always best to consult a professional before trying it.

4. Surgical Scar Revision

   For severe cases, surgical scar revision may be an option. This involves removing the scar tissue and re-stitching the skin, allowing it to heal in a more refined way. Surgical scar revision is usually only recommended for extensive or problematic scars.

Preventing Scars from Belly Piercings

If you still have your belly piercing or are planning to get one, following the right aftercare routine can help reduce the risk of scarring. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

• Clean Regularly with Saline Solution: Regular saline soaks can prevent infection and reduce the risk of scarring.

• Choose Hypoallergenic Jewellery: Opt for jewellery made from titanium or surgical steel, as these materials are less likely to irritate the skin.

• Avoid Picking or Scratching the Area: Any irritation can increase the risk of scarring, so avoid scratching or picking at the piercing.

FAQs: Common Questions About Healing Belly Piercing Scars

Q: How long does it take for a piercing scar to fade?

A: Scars can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to fade, depending on factors like skin type, the type of scar, and the treatments used.

Q: Can I completely remove a belly piercing scar?

A: While it may not be possible to completely remove a scar, with the right treatments and patience, you can significantly reduce its appearance.

Q: Will removing the jewellery prevent scarring?

A: Removing jewellery when a piercing is infected can help, but it doesn’t always prevent scarring.

Following a proper aftercare routine is the best way to reduce the chance of scarring.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Are Key

Dealing with a belly piercing scar can be frustrating, but with patience and a consistent routine, you can help it fade over time. Remember, everyone’s skin heals differently, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to see results. If your scar is especially stubborn, there are professional treatments available that can make a big difference.

Embrace the journey, and remember that healing is a process. With the right care, your skin will gradually improve, giving you confidence to enjoy your look, scar-free.

References

1. NHS Guide on Scars

2. Patient Info on Scar Treatments