With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.
Pre-Tattoo DO NOT'S
DO NOT take drugs or alcohol within 24 hours of your tattoo (ESPECIALLY on the day, No Oxycotin, Xanax, Tramadol, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. It will not help.)
“You can take things like over-the-counter painkillers, but the sharp pain you have at the surface of the skin will still likely be felt during the procedure.” You can take acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) can help with any soreness that occurs in the hours after you get your tattoo, but there's ...
Fine lines heal quickly and bolder tattoos with thicker lines can take longer. The overall healing process depends on your body and how you look after your tattoo whilst it's healing. If you are able to, you can take Ibuprofen to ease any swelling and Paracetamol for pain relief.
SKIN PREPARATION FOR YOUR TATTOO
Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo. If you've already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You've likely conquered the most painful part already.
You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. If you're getting a bony spot inked, you might feel a vibrating sensation. The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that's moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching TV, or listening to music.
With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.
If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to use ice (20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen) to help bring the swelling down.
Official answer. Yes, ibuprofen (Advil) is considered a blood thinner. It doesn't actually "thin" your blood, but slows down your blood clotting time.
Numbing creams are applied directly to the skin area you want to numb. They work by first blocking the nerve endings in that area of your skin so they can't send pain signals to the brain. Once the cream absorbs into your skin, it works as an anesthetic to numb the area where you're getting a tattoo.
Ibuprofen typically has a half-life of about two to four hours, meaning it is out of your system within 12 to 24 hours. Taking two ibuprofen every day should not generally cause any discomfort, but if you are experiencing any pain or other side effects, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
Myth: In reality, getting tattooed does hurt -- but it does not produce the same type of pain as childbirth. The pain of getting a tattoo feels more like scratching a bad sunburn.
*If a client does pass out during the procedure the best thing to do is stop tattooing, hold onto the client as to not let them fall to the floor and talk to then constantly during their time out. Reassure them they are OK, as people tend to go to strange places in the mind.
Below is a pain chart from Tattoos-Hurt.com that explains it all using color, with yellow being the least painful to purple being excruciatingly painful. It's not surprising that the most painful areas are also considered the most vulnerable areas of the body.
In general, the least painful spots are those with the biggest fat content, fewest nerve endings, and thickest skin. The most painful spots to get tattooed are those with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin. Bony areas such as ribs or hips or chest usually hurt a lot.
Examples include: Accutane, tetracycline medications (minocycline, doxycycline, etc.) Acne medication makes your skin extra sensitive. Skin sensitivities while receiving a tattoo can lead the tattoo process to feel more pain during the tattoo than normal.
Tattoo artists recommend you eat one to two hours before your appointment and a meal full of protein and vegetables is a good choice. Beyond the nutritional benefits, it's unlikely that a healthy meal will overstuff you to the point of nausea — a bonus if you're especially squeamish around needles.