Do Fake Belly Button Rings Hurt?

No one can doubt that the piercing of the skin produces a sensation of pain. Consequently anyone who wears a traditional, i.e. a piercing belly button ring understands how painful the naval region feels, following the initial placement of that ring-shaped accessory. In fact, posted details about the pierced look, as created by surgery, underline the potential for nasty and uncomfortable infections.

In light of the above facts, jewelry makers have sought out and found a way to make fake belly button rings. Now those who have given thought to purchasing such items often ask, “Do these false naval rings hurt?” That is the question that this article will seek to answer.



In order to develop a reasonable answer to that question, one needs to study the mechanics of a typical, fake belly button ring. Such a piece normally features a functioning clip. The jeweler has attached one arm of that clip to a spring. A flat surface forms the area on the reverse side of that spring. Placement of this naval decoration calls for movement of the clip’s arm.

The person who wants to wear this piece must pull back on the arm. That compresses the spring, and creates an opening. Creation of that opening should allow for the ring to be placed on a section of the navel’s skin. The person who then returns the arm to its original position can enjoy appearance of an attractive decoration in a previously undecorated belly button.


Unfortunately, the appearance of that attractive decoration has been linked to a rather unpleasant sensation. While not necessarily a noticeable pain, it has been described as a markedly strong pressing. Since a pinch results from a pressing of the skin, one can understand the nature of the “pressing” that results, when someone chooses to wear a fake belly button ring.

So, is the clip-like mechanism described above the only alternative available to those that want to sport a decorated naval? No, there are spring loaded pieces that look like the true belly-pierced rings. However, such items can not claim to be “pain-free.” In fact, mounting evidence suggests that they cause the wearer to experience even a greater amount of discomfort.

Still, the decision to show-off a clip-on item, in place of “the real thing” should be seen as a wise move. Over time, the body learns to “accept” the unusual pressing sensation, just as the wearer of braces gradually finds that he or she no longer notices the metal in his or her mouth. Moreover, the person who wears a piece of clip-on jewelry does not have to worry about trying to prevent the unwanted effects of a possible infection.

Unlike pierced skin, pressed skin can not allow an infectious agent to enter the body. When such an agent has no way to get into a human system, it can not grow and multiply. Consequently, it can not produce a painful infection. That fact must be kept firmly in mind by anyone who must answer this question: Do fake belly button rings hurt?”