How to anesthetize a tattoo? Tips for Reducing Tattoo Pain

How to anesthetize a tattoo or reduce the pain of a tattoo is a question that worries most people who decide to get a tattoo. Tattooing is the process of inserting a needle under the skin, colored with ink. The skin, like any organ, reacts to such interference with pain. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely get rid of pain during a tattoo, but you can minimize discomfort by resorting to our advice.

1. Why you CAN’T numb a tattoo with medications 2. Painkillers for tattoos in the pharmacy 3. What you should not do on the eve of a tattoo session 4. What is recommended to do the day before getting a tattoo 5. How to reduce tattoo pain during the session

Why can't tattoos be anesthetized?

"Taking painkillers affects blood clotting."

For example, the aspirin и ibuprofen make the blood thinner. In the process of tattooing, blood and lymph push out the paint, complicating the work of the master. As a result, the master has to spend more time on work, and also, the tattoo becomes more traumatic and heals worse.

Painkillers for tattoos in Pharmacy

“None of the pharmaceutical medicines is intended for tattoo pain relief. “

There are special gels and ointments for pain relief, but these are mostly NOT popular pharmacy products common in the USA.

You should also not buy painkillers in tablets, painkillers for wound healing or gel with a cooling effect in a pharmacy., as they can not only NOT affect the pain of the tattoobut  harm the picture.

“About the anesthetic gel you need to consult with the master in advance, since many masters are opposed to any medication during a tattoo. Any additional interference of substances into the skin may adversely affect the quality of the tattoo and the work of the master".

Try to use our recommendations for avoiding pain!

On the eve of a tattoo session, DO NOT:

- Drink alcohol (per day and on the day of the session). Alcohol increases the release of blood during the process of tattooing, and the blood pushes the paint out and complicates the work of the master.

— Take pain pills. The fact is that many of the drugs act on a different nature of pain (for example, remove muscle spasm) and will not help get rid of pain during a tattoo. Many drugs, as well as alcohol, increase blood flow, which will damage the tattoo to a greater extent.

“Before the tattoo, I read reviews on the Internet, and decided to take a couple of painkillers and did not tell the master. Of course, it was not possible to hide this, because the blood stood out more strongly and interfered with his work. It was embarrassing and embarrassing. A good master will understand anyway, and the pain during a tattoo is not as unbearable as many people write on the Internet.

— Drink plenty of coffee, strong tea and energy drinks. This can lead to poor health during the session up to loss of consciousness.

— Sunbathing or solarium. The fact is that there is a risk of getting a skin burn, even the slightest redness and irritation will interfere with the tattoo process.

- Girls are not recommended to get a tattoo before and during women's days, as blood clotting decreases.

On the eve of the tattoo it is recommended:

— Good to rest and sleep. The more strength and endurance you have, the easier the process will go.

— Eat in a few hours. It is advisable to avoid spicy or too salty foods so that during the session you do not drink a lot of water and avoid distractions. You must create comfortable conditions for yourself and the master, and try to avoid distractions.

— Chat with your friends and acquaintances who already have a tattoo. People who have gone through this process can give you encouragement and confidence.

“When you ask people who already have tattoos, it turns out that it doesn't hurt that much. None of them said they would never get a tattoo again in their lives. Yes, there are unpleasant sensations, but not so terrible as to give up the idea of ​​​​doing it again. ”

— Ask the master all the questions that concern you, clarify the time and place of the session, as well as all edits according to the sketch. Make sure everything is 100% ready for the tattoo.

— Create the most comfortable conditions for yourself at the upcoming session. To do this, it is better to wear clothes that you are not afraid to get dirty, preferably something dark. Take a bath or shower, because you can’t take a bath after a tattoo. The more carefully you approach the preparation process, the less excitement you will have on the day of the tattoo.

How to reduce tattoo pain during a session:

There is one very important point which you need to learn: The body itself is able to cope with pain. When you feel pain or discomfort, a signal is sent to the brain and pain-relieving mechanisms begin to work. During the tattoo you will feel that after a few minutes, you begin to get used to the sensations and do not feel such discomfort as at the very beginning of the process. This is the work of the defense mechanisms of your body.

1. There are special painkillers (eg TKTX, Dr. Numb, Painless Tattoos Cream). They are relevant, to a greater extent, for large-sized tattoos. Be sure to check with your stylist about these products, as many stylists find that painkillers interfere with ink application. You may realize along the way that you don't need pain relief, but it's best to be prepared for any of the options.

2. Take a friend with you. Check if the master is against it, and invite a friend with you. The presence of a loved one always defuses the situation and helps to relax.

“My best friend is friends with a tattoo artist. Naturally, she recommended him to me, and also offered to go to the session with me. I didn’t have to think about the pain, we talked all the time, laughed, and this tattoo session left only pleasant memories.”

3. Calm down, relax and breathe deeply. Perhaps a walk helps you relax, then you can get out of the transport earlier and walk to the master on foot.

4.  Don't be afraid to ask for a break. During the session, communicate with the master and tell him about your feelings. Do not worry that the session time will increase a little, but this will help to avoid pain.

5. You can twist something in your hand. Fidgeting (the habit of twisting something in your hands) psychologically helps to relax and divert attention.

6. Listen to your favorite music in the player, this is also a great way to relax.

7. Choose the most painless places for a tattoo. Read more about this in our material.

“If you are so worried, then do not get your first tattoo on the most painful places. Trust me, once you make one, you will want more. Therefore, the first tattoo may not be too big and in places where there is no severe pain, for example, on the shoulder or thigh.”