Tattoos... can you reduce the pain?

[SnozzberryBlu]

Hello all!

I have always ALWAYS wanted a specific tattoo... it has a lot of meaning, etc., and lately the desire to get it has put it in the front of my mind a lot. Now my quandry...

For whatever reason, someone played a mean trick on me! I swear I have 50,000 more nerve endings per square inch than the average person out there. The good news.. I am multiorgasmic and sensual... ahhhhh.. the bad news is, every pain a person experiences is also multiplied for me. One example of extremes: Ice feels like fire to me.

So... my question... have any of you used anything to help get through the pain of a tattoo? Alcohol seems to make me MORE sensitive (altho, I like tequila too, and am thinking that may have the opposite affect of wine.. gotta test that one). My hubby has severe back pain, and from time to time can get Lortab, Vicodin, etc., from his doctor. Would those help a person wanting a tatt? What about ice... would a tattoo artist accomodate me on that, or would that be a problem? While ice does hurt me, that shortly disappears once the skin numbs. Alternately, does anyone know if online (non-US) pharmacies will give a person lidocaine?

Ok... now so you know, I am not asking anyone to recommend to ME what to take... nor to recommend illegal drugs lol... that could get someone in trouble or perhaps cause a liability for the board here. But, if you have used any methods to reduce tatt pain, or know of someone else who has used a method, I would like to know what that method was, and how it worked for THEM. So... just to be safe, don't "suggest" that anyone take anything prescription (or illegal) for that matter.. just offer your personal experience as you are comfortable doing.

Thank you for your help.. I reaaaalllly want this!
Snozz

[Vespertine]

I don't think pain medication would be much help.

I don't know of any tattoo parlor that offers lidocaine, I've never seen anyone get iced up first, either. I wonder if icing the skin or injecting lidocaine might alter the way the skin absorbs the ink? That might be something to investigate further.

There's a product called Emla cream, that can be purchased in Canada without a prescription (Check out Canadian Drug websites). It's a topical anesthetic, that numbs the skin for up to an hour. More about Emla cream here.

That might work. Check with a doctor or the tattoo parlor to see if it would be Okay to use.

[SnozzberryBlu]

Wow... you know everything don't you? Hehehehe

Thank you!!!! I will give it a shot (no pun intended)

[OhioCouple]

The pain factor really depends on where you are planning to get the tattoo. I had no pain with mine, but mine was in a fleshy area.

I would reccomend that you choose an area such as one of your breasts or in the vaginal reigon and you will most likely zip through it. At best, even the most sensitive person will experience nothing more than minor discomfort. No pain reliever required. It's also important to choose a reputable tattoist, these folks will know what they are doing and how to read you. Fear itself is a big factor. I know I was terrified and after about ten minutest into it...I was thinking to myself "Hey this isn't too bad."

I don't think I could go for one on the back or an ankle, tho. I've heard those can be quite painful.

[Vespertine]

I agree, Mrs. O.

In my experience, getting the outline of the tattoo was a little uncomfortable, the coloring is a breeze.

My first, a simple butterfly, was a walk in the park. The second one hurt a bit more, I added to the original tattoo (a flower, more elaborate wings) and the outline was more in detail. I noticed that small detail is more uncomfortable.

You become numb to it after awhile though. The pen vibrates against your skin and soothes it too. It's not as bad as people make it out to be. I'm a wuss, and still went back for more.

[SnozzberryBlu]

Mine is going on my butt... and while that is quite fleshy (another issue altogether lol!) we have "played" with small home needles a little just to see if I could take a few shallow quick pokes in a row. Not so good there..

Hubby has a tatt, so we both know it includes going over an area repeatedly... and can make you feel a lot like hamburger. Ugh... just don't want to get 1/3 a tatt that makes no sense and have to stop!

Thanks!

[growgirl]

While I can't offer any suggestions for pain prevention, for me personally, the temporary pain from getting my tattoo was more of a mental badge of honor than something to be feared. Yes, it hurt, it hurt a lot, but that made it all the more worthwhile to me.

Try meditation or wearing headphones with music loud enough to drown out the buzz of the needle. Bring a picture to focus on. Have Mr. Snozz hold your hand. Do you have kids? Did you have an epidural? If not, thats an incredibly handy reference point for pain!!!!!!!!

GG's .02

[JustAskJulie]

Both of mine are in areas with mostly nerves and bone (top of shoulder - partially on the collarbone) and around the ankle. I also have an extremely high tolerance for pain, so I'm probably not a good person to talk to. Although, I've always been told that those areas would hurt more, neither of them hurt for me. In fact, I laughed through the one on my shoulder - it tickled- so hard that he had to stop several times to get me to stop laughing so he could continue.

I don't think you would be able to use a topical anesthetic simply because they usually don't want you to have lotion or anything on your skin either.

[Vespertine]

Emla might work though, after you prep the skin with it, you can cleanse the area and it's still effective for about an hour.


*edit
I did a quick search and found this article you might find interesting. The author seems to think any numbing agent wouldn't be worth it.

Scratch my Emla theory.

[WesternSwing]

The pain is what is so addictive. It's like while you're getting the tattoo you're saying to yourself "Damn, why am I doing this to myself?" Then when you're done it's "Damn, I need another one!"

First, do not use alcohol at all before you get your tattoo. It thins out your blood and makes you bleed more while getting the tattoo. Most tattooists worth their weight in ink won't tattoo a drunk person for this reason (and of course the remorse the next day when they're sober). Tylenol (Acetaminophin) is good because it will numb nerve endings and thus reduce the pain. Do not take Advil (Ibuprofin) because it is an anti-inflamatory and thus also thins your blood.

My advice it take the maximum allowable dose of Acetaminophin (usually around 1000mg every 6 hours for a maximum 4000mg in 24 hours for adults) about an hour before you get your tattoo. This will give it time to get in your bloodstream.

Good luck!

Mr. WS

[EvilMJ]

I can't help much as I have a pretty high pain threshold and when I got my tatto I didn't find it too too bad.

I am not sure what the policy is in the USA, but up here they will not give you a tatto if you are under the infulence of alchohol or drugs. It is posted right on the door. I guess that is something you might want to look into. If you have a found a good studio I would suggest dropping in and having a chat with them about your fears/concerns and perhaps they might offer some assistance.

[looking2swing]

I have several tattoos (bikini area, ankle and lower back), and all of them hurt. The pain was very intense, but no so bad that I could not bear it. Any reputable artist will not put ink on anyone that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But be sure that you want it. I am in the process of having the one on my ankle removed, and it hurts a zillion times more getting it taken off rather than put on!

[NotsoNew]

I have three - one on breast (did not hurt), one on ankle (hurt) and one on lower back (really hurt). I think the suggestion for Tylenol is a good one.

Also agree that the outlines hurt the most and then you sort of get numb to it. And since you are getting yours on your butt, it should not be too bad.

Take the time to really decide on who will do your work. Lot's of tattoo artists have web sites and most don't mind if you stop in and take a look at their books. Also, there are many places that don't allow you to get it right away - you make an appointment, tell them what you are looking for and put down a deposit.

Also, follow the instructions you get after you get your tattoo - I know you said hubby has one, so you should have some idea. Remember that it will bleed a bit and although they put on a sterile pad and have you keep it covered (I believe 12 hours, no more than 24) that it will bleed through especially on your butt since you will be sitting. Suggest wearing something that you won't mind getting stained or where it won't go through (like sweats or loose jeans). After uncovered, my artist recommends Lubridirm lotion to keep it moist and no exposure to sun (if you tan nude) for a while.

Since it is going to be a part of you forever (unless you decide on removing it), just want to be sure that the artist is competent. I have seen lots of bad work.

Let us know how it goes!

[eroticsensation]

I have 4 tattoos and am in the process and getting them removed by laser surgery....without a local. Now that is painfull!!
and it costs a heap.
Think twice and even more before getting a tattoo. Even though it wasnt good for me doesnt it isnt for someone else......but still. Think about it.

Per tattoo to get removed costs me $250 with one session. I need around 8-10 sessions with each tattoo. you do the maths

And I am lucky my tattoos are black. Easiesty colour to remove.

I think they are sexy though. I love a girl with a tatt on her shoulder or ass.....or ankle. My wife sometimes puts those peel on/off ones. That is enough. Have out little fantasy and after a week it comes off.

[ccarcharias74]

I agree about the whole "out line" hurting like hell.
That is why I had a teddy bear to squeeze.
The shading was a breeze! What also made it easier was
my man-friend was my artist and he new what to say to take my mind off the 4 hours of pain; in between my shoulder blades. :)
When I got home I did take some extra-strength tylenol~
and a couple shots! facelick