The Pain of Tattoos
A tattoo is going to hurt. Only you can figure out ahead of time what your pain level will be. Part of the pain level is dictated by your frame of mind. It won’t hurt as much if you prepare yourself for what is about to happen. If you are scared and really feel that it is going to hurt a lot, it probably will hurt. You can help your self if you set your mind to the fact that it is passing pain.
Whenever you puncture the skin it hurts. The size of the tattoo and where you have chosen to place it can make the pain level increase. Also remember that the level of pain you can tolerate will dictate what level of pain you can stand with tattooing.
During the tattooing process the needle moves very fast and pierces at variable depths. Easily the most painful part is the outline of the design you have chosen. Because this is the line that makes the tattoo stand out it is applied with black ink and is pushed further under the skin. Artists are trained that this is the most important part of holding the design together and will sting the most.
Placement of the design makes a difference as well. Where there is less tissue and directly over bone the pain may be more intense. These areas are the wrist and chest. Arms and legs having more tissue, muscle, and further distance from the bone, are less likely to be painful. The normal pain you may feel is a slight burn or scratchy feeling.
You can lessen you pain to some extent. Here are some ways that seem to work well:
1. Always get a tattoo when sober. Drinking or drugs tend to thin your blood and make you bleed more.
2. Be sure you know your artist and feel confident that you are in good hands. He can help lessen you pain.
3. Be determined, and make plenty of time. It is an art and great art takes time.
4. Don’t suffer silently, let the artist know if you are in pain. He should allow you breaks and be will to break up your sessions. Tattoos don’t need to be finished in one sitting.
5. Try bring your favorite music so that you can redirect your thoughts away from the tattoo process.
The pain does not last forever. Be sure that you are ready to take care of the tattoo until it is healed.
Tags: music, picking a tattoo, tattoo, tattoo design, tattoo pain, tattoo-rama, tattoos