How to Get A Virtually Pain-Free Tattoo

Tattooing has come out of the closet and into the mainstream. Once considered the "consequence" of a night of heavy drinking while on shore leave tattoos have gained tremendous popularity as works of body art. Nearly 40% of all people - men and women - from ages 18 to 40 have at least one tattoo. Many of those already inked would like to get more work done but do not want to experience the uncomfortable "pain" often associated with tattooing. Others would like to get their first tattoo but shy away from inking for the same reason. Inking does not have to extremely painful. In fact, depending on the tattoo artist, the size of the tattoo and use of the following recommendations some tattooing can be virtually painless!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• An appointment with you doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Percsrpiton for a numbing cream.
• Careful instuructions on how to apply cream for it to be effective.

1. 1. The first step in getting a tattoo is truly deciding if you really want one. Remember inking (another term used for tattooing) is usually permanent and you will have your tat for life! (Choose wisely!)
2. Inked tattoos become part of your skin for life. 2. Look at images and decided what you want tattooed and where. Some good old fashion advice to those getting a first tattoo start with a small image. You can always add onto it latter. Tattoo removal is very expensive, painful, and not always 100% effective. So use the motto: "Start small and build big."
3. Your health care provider is a good resouce to make sure tattooing is not going to harm any medical conditions you may have. Make an appointment with your regular health care provider (MD, NP, PA). They know your medical condition best and can advise you if they think that getting inked will negatively impact your health. (There really aren't condition that fall under this category, but it is better to wise than foolish.)
4. 4. Request from your health care provider some "numbing cream". Be clear that your are asking for this medication because you are getting a tattoo. This will help the nurse or physician make a better clinical decision and provide you with the correct amount you may need and instructions on how to use it. (Please note: Most insurances will not cover this numbing medication so you need to take that into consideration. Cost vary but a general rule of thumb is about $50 to $75 per tube which may last for several "small" tats or just be enough for one "big" inking.
5. The "numbing cream" consists of lidocaine (like the numbing medication you get at the dentist) and prilocaine (another type of numbing medication). Remember if you ever had an adverse reaction to these medications NEVER USE THEM FOR TATOOING or any other reason.
6. Apply the numbing as directed by your health care provider. Generally, it is applied in a thick layer as opposed to a cream that is rubbed in and covered with clear plastic wrap with the edges taped around the wrap. This should be done at least one hour before your inking.
7. Remove the dressing and wash away the numbing cream just prior to your inking session letting your tattoo artist know.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wash your hands before and after applying ANY medicated cream.
• Always ask your tattoo artist his or her opinion of numbing cream. (Some may object.)
• Have a friend drive you after you apply the numbing cream. While the cream is "topical" a little amount may get absorbed throughout the body leading to drowsiness.
• Never us numbing medications if you are allergic to any component of the cream.
• Consult your health care provider before using cream and getting a tattoo if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing.