Should I use Lidocaine for tattoos? lidocaine does not affect the shape or color of your tattoo, Using a numbing agent before getting a tattoo is not a bad thing at all.
Have you ever seen a person almost passing out from the pain of a tattoo? Well, it happens sometimes. That is why numbing creams are available on the market to alleviate discomfort.
Lidocaine is by far among the best local anesthetic types every artist highly praises. You might wonder, should I use Lidocaine for tattoos? If this matter bothers you, give our article a check to find out the satisfactory answer!
Source: Pixabay
Related:
- Do You Tip Tattoo Artists (And How Much)? Find Best Rates
- How To Remove A Tattoo At Home – The Most Detailed Guide
- How Much Does A Forearm Tattoo Cost And How To Get A Great Tattoo With The Best Price?
Contents
Is It Bad To Use lidocaine For Tattoos?
Not really. The purpose of producing numbing agents is to help people tolerate the pain better. It works well in temporarily deadening the nerves in the area where you are going to get a tattoo and reducing swelling and bleeding.
It is undoubtedly a lifesaver for those having low pain tolerances. It also gives a feeling of protection for those wanting to get inked on a large sensitive area, like the elbow, rib, spine, or head.
Before getting a tattoo, you can apply an over-the-counter or prescription cream to your skin to mellow out the soreness. However, no numbing agent can make the ache disappear totally, but it will help you get through the appointment.
Remember that improper usage can lead to danger to your skin and health. As such, it will be best if you ask for the doctor’s advice beforehand and follow their instructions.
Do Tattoo Artists Recommend Numbing Cream?
Many artists do not recommend numbing cream because they are skeptical of its effectiveness. Some even do not utilize any anesthetic while getting a tattoo.
At the same time, they view the soreness as a necessary part of obtaining the ink and making the art piece more meaningful. That’s why these artists will not advise consumers to apply numbing agents.
Tattoo artists avoid using water-based numbing creams because they can make your skin slippery and difficult to tattoo. Other products can even mess up the final result.
However, that’s not always the case! Many shops will give you a numbing agent, usually Lidocaine, before tattooing. You may question, should I use Lidocaine for tattoos? Don’t worry; you can rely on this cream. It works wonders in alleviating pain without interfering with the process.
Why Don’t They Numbing You Before A Tattoo?
As a customer, you will decide whether to use an anesthetic or not. However, the shops do not readily prepare numbing cream due to its cost and slippery effect. It is understandable why your artist does not numb you before doing the work.
Some parlours are quite strict with their clients with some requirements.
For example, they often want the prior commitment to the first application of the agent, including cleaning your skin and applying it before getting to the appointment. Some even ask for some information about the brand of cream you use before doing the design.
Normally, you experience no to little discomfort around the first to four hours of getting the design, depending on the quality of the cream. Then, you can feel the impact of needles against your skin.
Some clients claim that the pain will become stronger, and you will feel worse once the cream fades.
Source: Pixabay
What Are The Most Painful Spots To Get A Tattoo?
Head
Your head area is known as the most painful place for tattooing. The head has low fat, muscle content, and sensitive skin.
In fact, there is only a very small protective layer between your skull and the needle. Also, this area contains numerous nerve endings that can be inflamed, causing severe aching.
It tends to bleed a lot as a result. You can also experience the vibration and noise when getting a tattoo on the head.
Rib Cage
Many factors make the rib one of the most painful places for tattooing, including thin and tight skin, less fat, and a high amount of nerves. Plus, you move the skin around the rib area every time you breathe, which can intensify the sensation here.
If you want to check your restraint and pain tolerance, just get yourself a rib tatt piece.
Elbow
Source: Unsplash
Your elbow is pure skin, that’s why it is among the awful areas and even difficult to heal.
What is more, this area is quite close to the bone and has minimal protection, making it an extremely sensitive part of the body. Let’s remember when your elbow hurts while being hit on some hard things. The discomfort from tattooing in the elbow will be multiplied by ten.
Sternum
The sternum acts much like the rib cage. That’s why you can feel the same hurt as being tattooed in two places. This area has low fat, protruding bone, and many nerves. As such, you can feel the pain from your chest to your stomach as well.
Hand
Source: Pexels
Compared to other parts of your body, your hands are similarly sore due to their bones, ligaments, and skin content. While the back of your hand is quite bad, the palm is particularly painful since it has a lot of nerve endings that cause shudders when tattooed over.
Back Of Knee
The back of your knee will be the place where you experience severe aches. The thin back here is rarely touched, making it super sensitive. What is more, the skin of this area is relatively loose and stretchy, along with lots of nerve endings. You can feel the discomfort from needles here.
Conclusion
So there you have the answer to the question of should I use Lidocaine for tattoos?
Using a numbing agent before getting a tattoo is not a bad thing at all, so feel free to apply it if you cannot endure the pain. It is up to your decision that not any artist can control you.
Good luck with your informed decision, and have the most beautiful art piece on your body!