You must always ask your artist first before using a numbing solution. Some artists advise against using numbing creams because it can affect the tattoo process. It is possible that the cream or gel can temporarily alter your skin texture, making the artist's job much harder.
In some cases, it can make the tattoo harder to produce, if not impossible altogether–as numbing cream pulls the blood supply away from the area, making it harder to tattoo effectively, as it becomes greasy, flabby and otherwise a hard surface to use.
Yes, it's okay to use numbing cream for your next tattoo - it won't affect your new ink. Just make sure to consult with your artist & dermatologist and apply at least 60-90 minutes before your session. It won't affect the color, design, or the healing process of your tattoo.
Some tattoo artists say that numbing creams can alter the texture of a client's skin, making it “spongy” after the cream is applied. Others report that it makes the skin not stretch evenly, become mushy, or form raised hive-like bumps.
At LaserYou we do not recommend the use of numbing creams as they swell the skin which is thought to slow down laser penetration and therefore treatment results. If the skin is numbed it also prevents the client from giving accurate feedback and can affect the visible endpoint.
Many artists are happy to use and even provide numbing cream for your session, while others refuse to use it.
Leaving a numbing cream on for too long, using too much, or using the cream on damaged skin can cause the cream to enter your bloodstream. In severe cases, this can cause seizures, difficulty breathing, and comas.
After the tattoo is finished, start aftercare as per your artist's normal instructions. If you'd like more pain relief, feel free to apply a very thin layer of anesthetic cream to the tattoo once or twice daily. Make sure you wash the cream off after 20 minutes. No need to cover with plastic.
When should should I apply the cream? We recommend applying numbing cream at least 60-90 minutes before your appointment begins to ensure full numbing. Leave it on until you're sitting in the chair. If you're reapplying during a long session, wait at least 20-40 minutes before resuming the artwork.
Short answer: YES we definitely recommend the use of numbing cream prior to your tattoo treatment commencing. Not only does this ensure that the tattooed area is extremely comfortable during your treatment; but it also and helps to reduce potential inflammation and bleeding.
Tattoo numbing cream is an increasingly popular option for those who want to diminish the discomfort when getting a tattoo. While it offers some advantages such as less pain and speedier tattooing, it also carries certain risks like allergic reactions, interference with healing, and impact on tattoo quality.
Emla cream can be used for tattoos. We suggest you speak to your tattoo artist before your tattoo session to let them know that you will be using Emla to numb the area. You'll also want to keep in mind the length of time you are being tattooed as well as the size of your tattoo.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. 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.
Letting the cream stay on too long can also negatively impact the healing process. That's why you should never leave your cream on longer than the recommended time and definitely no more than an hour. Doing so can make the numbed area more sensitive and affect blood flow to your skin.
In order to ensure maximum numbing, please don't drink Alcohol, and/or Milk within 24 hours of Tattooing, or the numbing may not be as effective. We recommend spot testing the day prior to use, especially if you have sensitive skin for 10-20 mins on a small area to ensure that your skin doesn't become inflamed.
It is used on normal, unbroken skin or on the outer genital area to prevent pain before certain procedures such as inserting a needle, skin grafts, or skin laser surgery. It works by temporarily numbing the skin and surrounding area.
Apply the numbing cream, and leave it time to absorb into the skin. Zensa Numbing Cream should be applied 30-45 minutes before tattooing. Cover it immediately with saran wrap to increase its absorption rate. Take off the wrapping and wash off the numbing cream right before stenciling for your tattoo.
Emla's numbing effect usually lasts at least 2 hours, so bear this in mind if you are planning a large/intricate tattoo or have a longer tattoo appointment. Remember, Emla usually takes about 1 hour to get to work, so make sure you apply it in advance. Emla can be left on the skin for up to 5 hours.
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.
We recommend the cream is applied for 1 hour 30 mins - 2 hours to get full numbing effect. This ensures longer numbing experience.
BE ON TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT AND EAT BEFORE YOU GO
Just don't take aspirin or paracetamol or drink alcohol before your tattoo as they thin the blood slightly and can cause more bleeding during tattooing, effecting how the ink takes to the skin.