Forum Topic: Thoughts on Numbing Creams
Sunday November 16, 2008
ThumperWabbt writes: "Lidocaine creams and patches take a long time (an hour or more) to actually numb the skin, and after that the numbing fades too quickly (15-30 minutes) to be of much use for the typical tattoo. And injections--it would take several to get an area of skin good and numb, and then you have issues with little holes in your skin where you want to get tattoo'd...plus it really stings when the lidocaine goes in. For that pain, you might as well get the tattoo without it... And then you have the issue of numb skin sometimes being more slack, which can result in a really screwed up looking tattoo.
I'm a major pain weenie...if I can get inked without numbing, anyone can. Creams and patches just aren't worth the time and expense involved."
Comments
I am working on getting a full back piece. All of the outline was endured and most of the coloring. I decided to try Emla when we started coloring over my kidney’s. When used correctly (covered with plastic wrap for one hour before) I got a solid pain free hour of tattooing. I’ve got my badge, I endured the pain so why continue with the pain when I can sit comfortably. So there it is and tattooed person who says if you need to be numbed go for it. Try it without first and see what your endurance is. Some of my tattoo’s were totally bearable.
I’ve never used any kind of numbing agent for a tattoo. I have my entire head covered, down the full length of my spine and on my ankle. Tattoos are an experience meant to be endured. It makes it all the more worth it when the piece is finished.
goodness! never use a numbing cream then wrap it in a plastic wrap. Someone died a year ago because of doing that procedure. I tried dr. numb and it works! you don’t have to wrap it after having your tattoo. be wise my fellow Americans! Used the best.