If you've been without jewellery for a while, it's not uncommon for a healed navel piercing to shrink slightly, making it difficult to reinsert standard 14g jewellery.
If this has happened, don't force the jewellery through, as doing so may irritate or damage the piercing.
Try a Thinner 16g Bar
Many customers find that a 16g belly ring slides in more comfortably when their piercing has reduced in size.
Browse our collection of 16g belly rings here:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/collections/16g-small-gauge-belly-rings
Can My Piercing Be Stretched Back to 14g?
In many cases, yes.
A professional piercer can often taper or gently stretch a healed piercing back to the standard 14g size using sterile tools and proper techniques. This process is typically much quicker and more comfortable than getting a brand-new piercing, and once healed, you'll be able to wear the full range of standard 14g navel jewellery again.
If you're unsure whether your piercing has simply shrunk or has partially closed, it's always best to visit a reputable professional piercer for advice before attempting to force jewellery through.
If you have any questions about sizing or choosing the right jewellery, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.
Is the Bar Too Long Rather Than Too Thick?
If your 14g jewellery still fits comfortably through the piercing, but the bar feels too long or there's excess movement, your piercing may not have become smaller in gauge - it may simply have become shorter over time.
This is completely normal and can happen as your piercing settles and matures.
In this case, a shorter 14g bar is usually a much better solution than switching to a thinner 16g bar. Choosing the correct bar length provides a more secure, comfortable fit and helps reduce unnecessary movement of the jewellery.
We offer a wide range of custom-length 14g belly rings, with bar lengths from 6mm through to 19mm, so you can find the perfect fit for your anatomy.
Browse our custom-size collection here:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/collections/resizable-belly-rings-custom-sizes