Visual appeal is one of the primary benefits of a navel piercing. Once the piercing is healed, a range of jewelry can be selected, worn and shown off. A navel piercing highlights a flat, toned stomach and can increase confidence and body image concerning the abdomen.
Like any piercing, a newly-bejewelled navel carries a risk of infection. This risk can be minimized by keeping the piercing very clean and using a saline soak or spray in the weeks after piercing.
A navel piercing is easily concealed with clothing. This fact is beneficial in situations where visible piercings are not allowed or are discouraged. The navel piercing has an advantage over more visible piercings such as those in the nose, eyebrow, lip or face.
Because of the placement of a navel piercing, it is at risk of snagging on clothing and tearing the skin. Care should be taken to avoid catching navel jewelry on clothes, especially since a navel piercing can take up to a year to fully heal.