Why can't tattoo artists use a local anaesthetic or something to deaden the pain?

Answer 1

there are several reasons why numbing an area before tattooing isn't advisable. here are a few:

1 - local or topical analgesics (pain med) would also cause swelling and distortion of the area. messing up your tattoo before it even began.

2 - pain is evidence of harm or injury being inflicted upon the body. an inexperienced tattoo artist can potentially inaccurately gauge a persons skin depth or apply the ink using "too heavy a hand". one of the only ways for them or you to know this, is by the pain caused when you're receiving the tattoo. to dull the pain, would leave you open to more injury.

3 - the body's response to pain varies from person to person. some people sweat profusely, some giggle hysterically. even others, can develop what is often called "tattoo fever" - similar to the symptoms of a flu, tattoo fever begins with chills and clamminess and can progress into fever and possible body ache. it's not clearly know why it happens, but for some it's just the response to lengthy tattooing or getting tattooed in an unhealthy state (i.e while exhausted, ill, under the influence, etc.) taking oral pain meds or analgesics increases the incidence of tattoo fever.

4 - lastly and quite possibly the most significant to the tattoo artist: a tattoo is a lifelong commitment. something not to be taken lightly. and having said that, if you are willing to commit to it for life, then a little pain in getting there should be no problem.

i know a lot of artists and have numerous tattoos myself. and the general opinion is - if you're that concerned about feeling the pain, you not ready for a tattoo.

good luck!

Answer 2

I would go in with a basic idea of what you want and then see what the artist comes up with. I am assuming that you've done your homework and really, really like the artist's work... I have found it better to let a good artist be a good artist and let then run a bit. My back panel is 180 degrees away from what I asked for when I walked in and way better than anything that I could have come up with. That's why I went to an artist right? Cuz nobody would pay me to design a dog house ;-) As for pain, it all depends on the receiver and to some extent the artist. You'll get descriptions that are all over the place in terms of pain due to that. That being said, the arm isn't that painful for me, other than when the artist gets close to the underside arm like the arm pit or the inside area of my bicep. Don't sweat it. The thing that I keep in mind is, look around at the people that you run across that have tattoos. Are they ALL hardcore pain freaks or hard-a$$es? Doubtful right? A whole range of people get inked. If they can do it, so can you. Pain is part of the deal. It lets you be a "participant" rather than just an "observer". Good luck!

Answer 3

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RE:
Why can't tattoo artists use a local anaesthetic or something to deaden the pain?

Answer 4

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It might be a good idea for you to go to your artist a few days before hand and bring a sketch or picture of what you are interested in. Talk to your artist about your idea and where you want it, the size and details you want in it. This gives your artist the chance to draw a rough sketch of what you want done before your appointment. Then when you go for your appointment all you have to do is go over his or her drawing and approve it. It saves time and you'll get more ink in your appointment that way. After you approve the drawing he makes a copy of it with this machine that makes what looks like a purple carbon copy (I can't remember the name of it). Your artist will clean his work space and clean the area you are getting tattooed. Then he will more than likely shave the area. He will then stick the purple copy on your arm and you will once again approve it. Don't be shy or feel weird to say something if you don't like the position or if you completely change your mind. If everything looks good to you then your artist will begin tattooing the outline. This is just one needle and some people say this is the more painful process. After the outline your artist will use a different set of needles and shade or color in the rest of your tattoo. He will clean you up when you are done and may wrap the new tattoo with plastic wrap. Pay for your ink and remember to tip 20%. Leave the wrap on for an hour and make sure you don't wrap your new tattoo again because it needs to be able to breath to heal. Your artist will give you instructions on how to take care of the tattoo. Make sure whatever you apply on your tattoo (typically it's either Tattoo Goo or A&D ointment) you use just a thin layer so it can breath. Try not to wear clothes that cover your new ink either. As for pain, I didn't find my arms to be that painful. Of course, the needle stings since it is after all a needle, but I didn't find it unbearable. But everyone is different. Plus some sections of your arm may hurt more than a different section. On my arm it was a bit more painful the closer the needles got to my armpit. Good luck.

Answer 5

There are several reasons. To use an injectable anesthetic, you need to have the qualifications to do so. (meaning - you need to be a doctor). There are some topical anesthetics that can potentially alter the skin and therefore make it more difficult to tattoo a person. In addition it will potentially make the process take longer than it needs to.

A tattoo is not that bad. If it something that you truly want, you will deal with the pain that goes along with getting the tattoo. I have a needle phobia but was able to get one.

Answer 6

Most are not licenced to dispense medications. For example, they'd have to be an MD or a certified nurse.

Anaesthetics can also cause problems and complications depending on how well they are used and the type used. You really don't want someone who isn't trained in medicine to use one on you. They seem obvious enough but they just aren't.

Pain, also, is an important part of it. I'm not talking suffering for the art. Pain can be an indication that something is wrong. If you numb your nerves then the tattoo won't hurt but you could also miss any extra pain if something goes wrong.

Answer 7

Anesthesia can only be administered by a qualified health practitioner that has been certified by the appropriate State agency determined by local statutes.

i.e. according to Nebraska statutes
71-1736.03. Practice without certificate; effect on other license. Any person practicing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist who does not hold a certificate as such issued by the department and who possesses a license to engage in any health profession for which a license is issued by the department may have such license denied, refused renewal, suspended, or revoked or have other disciplinary action taken against such license by the department pursuant to the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act or the Uniform Licensing Law relating to such profession, irrespective of any criminal proceedings for practicing without a certificate.
Source: Laws 2005, LB 256, §77. Operative date July 1, 2007.

Answer 8

That's an interesting question - but wouldn't that take the whole essence of getting a tattoo away?
That would defeat the purpose of having such a rite of passage. It wouldn't be a physical accomplishment anymore. There wouldn't be the same amount of pride equated with having endured a tattoo.

Answer 9

That's an excellent question

Answer 10

Why would they need to? If you can't handle the pain you shouldn't be getting a tattoo.