Getting a tattoo involves inserting pigment into the dermal layer of the skin, a process that inherently causes pain. The idea of “being put to sleep” refers to receiving general anesthesia (GA), a medically induced state of unconsciousness. While GA eliminates all sensation, its use for an elective, cosmetic procedure like tattooing involves complex risk assessment, strict regulations, and high costs. For most people, pain management relies on accessible, localized methods that do not involve systemic sedation.
Why General Anesthesia is Not Used for Cosmetic Tattooing
General anesthesia (GA) is a systemic intervention that renders a patient completely unconscious and insensitive to pain. The procedure requires specialized equipment and monitoring, including intubation to manage breathing, and the continuous presence of an anesthesiologist. The risks associated with GA, such as respiratory depression, cardiac events, and prolonged recovery, are substantial and must be weighed against the benefit of the procedure itself.
Since cosmetic tattooing is a non-life-threatening procedure involving only the upper layers of the skin, the inherent risks of GA far exceed any potential benefit. The medical principle of “risk versus reward” dictates that this powerful intervention is disproportionate for managing the pain of a needle penetrating the skin. Furthermore, the logistics of administering GA are immense.
A tattoo studio is not a medical facility, meaning it lacks the necessary equipment, emergency protocols, and licensed personnel to safely administer and monitor general anesthesia. Legally and practically, GA can only be performed in accredited hospitals or surgical centers under the supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist. The cost reflects this necessity, with medically supervised sedation for a large tattoo session potentially ranging from $29,000 to over $40,000, which covers the medical team, facility fees, and the anesthetics.
In very rare, high-end cases, some specialized services now offer monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or GA for extremely large, multi-hour tattooing projects. These procedures are performed in a surgical setting with a full medical team present, treating the tattoo session with the same level of medical protocol as an elective surgery. This remains an exception to the rule and is primarily sought by those with a high pain intolerance or for very lengthy, complex body-covering projects.
Common Non-Medical Pain Relief Strategies
The most common approach to managing tattoo pain involves accessible, non-prescription methods focused on localized relief and physiological preparation. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics, typically containing lidocaine in concentrations up to 5%, can be applied to the skin before the session begins. Lidocaine works by temporarily blocking the sodium channels in nerve endings, preventing them from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
These creams are generally effective for the initial portion of a tattoo session, providing about one to three hours of reduced sensation. It is important to apply them correctly, often requiring a thick layer covered with an occlusive dressing for 30 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure to maximize absorption. Clients must communicate with their artist before using these products, as some artists find they can alter the skin’s texture, making it “spongy” or “rubbery,” which can complicate the process of evenly implanting the ink.
Preparation strategies also play a substantial role in pain tolerance and overall comfort during the session. Clients are strongly advised to eat a protein-rich meal beforehand to stabilize blood sugar, which prevents lightheadedness and fainting during long sessions. Hydration is also crucial, as a well-hydrated body is better equipped to handle the physical stress of the procedure.
Certain over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly aspirin and ibuprofen, should be avoided because they are blood thinners. Increased bleeding during the process can dilute the ink and compromise the final result. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safer option for pain management, as it does not carry the same blood-thinning risk. Distraction techniques, such as listening to music or engaging in conversation, are simple tools to shift focus away from the sensation of the needle.
Advanced Localized Pain Management Options
When topical creams are insufficient or when tattooing highly sensitive areas is planned, advanced localized pain management methods are available, but they require the involvement of a medical professional. This category includes the use of injectable local anesthetics, such as prescription-strength lidocaine or bupivacaine. These are administered directly into the subcutaneous tissue by a licensed physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner, and provide a deeper, more profound level of numbness than a topical cream.
Injectable anesthetics are particularly useful for medical tattooing, reconstructive procedures, or for small, intensely painful areas. This approach blocks nerve signals more thoroughly and lasts longer, but it must be performed in a sterile, clinical environment to minimize the risk of infection and systemic toxicity. The medical professional must carefully monitor the total dose administered to avoid symptoms of lidocaine toxicity, which can include central nervous system effects or cardiovascular issues.
Another advanced technique is a nerve block, where the anesthetic is injected near a cluster of nerves to numb an entire region, like a finger or a section of the arm. This is a highly effective, though temporary, way to eliminate sensation for a focused area. For any of these localized injection methods, coordination between the medical professional and the tattoo artist is necessary to ensure the skin’s condition is optimal and the anesthetic does not interfere with the tattooing process.