After 5 years of not wearing a navel ring I still have the hole, I can even insert a ring back on. Will it ever close?

Question

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately its not likely to close however it is an easy operation to rectify under a local anaesthetic and does tend to heal very well.  All The Best

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, you will need to cut the hole out and repair the resulting defect in order get rid of the look.  If there is a lot of loose skin as well, then this can also be trimmed and the incision heals very well.

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

Navel piercings are similar to ear piercings; if you wear a piercing long enough, the hole becomes lined with skin. Once this happens, the hole will not close up, regardless of how long you leave the piercing out. If you don't like the appearance of your belly button (umbilicus) with the piercing hole, an umbilicoplasty may be an option. This procedure removes skin from above the belly button to improve its appearance. If this is something you are interested in, I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your area.Best of luck to you!

Jaron McMullin, MD · Answer

Once skin has grown around that tunnel where the piercing was and had years to settle, it won't close on its own. The good news is that if you truly want it closed, visit a local Plastic Surgeon. Your surgeon can talk to you about how to best repair the hole, and it almost certainly can be done in the office for a modest fee.

Nadia P. Blanchet, MD · Answer

Skin cells have grown along the tract of the piercing so it is not likely to close at this point . It could be removed with a tiny circular scalpel called a punch biopsy used for removing small skin lesions .

After 5 years of not wearing a navel ring I still have the hole, I can even insert a ring back on. Will it ever close?

Answers (6)

Answer: It won't close, but the repair is relatively simple

Answer: It won't close, but the repair is relatively simple

Answer: Not likely

Answer: Not likely

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

After 5 years of not wearing a navel ring I still have the hole, I can even insert a ring back on. Will it ever close?

Answers (6)

Answer: It won't close, but the repair is relatively simple

Answer: It won't close, but the repair is relatively simple

Answer: Not likely

Answer: Not likely

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.