Advice on how to get belly piercing back in?

I got my belly button pierced over 9 years ago, but I took it out after a new ring was tinting my skin (the metal was obviously cheap or didn't agree with me) so I have bought a new one and although I don't think it has closed up I'm finding it nearly impossible to get back in. I didn't think that after 9 years it would close up without a ring for just 2 weeks. Any advice on how I can get the new ring in or wll I need to get it re-pierced?