I received a message from a woman who was concerned about the placement of her navel piercing:

Hi Elayne, 

Thanks for your time.

I recently read your book and then went out and did the opposite of what I should have done. I was on holiday and eager to get new piercings. Yesterday I went to the only piercer in the area, after receiving a recomendation from someone (I had no access to the internet or any other way to research the piercer). I wasn't aware of the price until the end, but she only charged me NZ$60 for 2 nipple and one naval piercing. The naval piercing is now concerning me, the placement seems to high, and it seems a little crooked also. I am worried that the placement of the lower exit hole above my belly button instead of inside it is causing the lower ball to put pressure on the piercing and will cause it to migrate or reject. I've attached some photos for you to see. I plan on seeing a trusted piercer ASAP to evaluate the piercing. Any advice or If you have any recommendations for piercers in Auckland, NZ that would be appreciated. 

My Reply:

You're correct; your piercing is not properly placed. That's an abdominal surface piercing--not a navel piercing. In a properly placed piercing, the bottom of the jewelry comes out beneath that natural lip. Even if it were properly placed, I would not suggest you use that jewelry. That ball is too large to wear on a fresh piercing, and should be reserved for a healed piercing only. The navel takes 6 months or longer to heal.

I would strongly suggest you remove it ASAP to minimize scarring. You should allow the wound to heal completely and for the tissue to normalize before seeking another piercing in that area.

The only piercers I'm familiar with in NZ are here:

http://streetwisetattoo.co.nz/

The owners Shane and Jane know what they're doing and are lovely people. If you meet them, please send them my warmest regards!