Do Tattoos Hurt? How to Predict and Minimize Pain

The intensity of pain you’ll feel during a tattoo depends on several factors, including the location of the tattoo and your individual pain tolerance.

Yes, getting inked is uncomfortable, but people experience pain differently. What you feel won’t be identical to someone else’s experience.

Pain levels also differ based on:

• where the tattoo is placed on your body
• the tattoo’s size and style
• the artist’s method
• your overall physical condition
• how you prepare beforehand

Below we’ll outline what to expect during the tattooing process and offer tips to ease the discomfort.

What does it feel like to get a tattoo?

When getting tattooed, one or more needles deposit pigment into the dermis, the skin’s second layer.

The needles are mounted on a handheld tool that operates similarly to a sewing machine. As the needles move up and down, they repeatedly puncture the skin.

This sensation can be described as:

• stinging
• scratching
• burning
• vibrating
• dull pressure

The exact sensation varies with the artist’s action. For instance, you may notice a sharper sting during outlining or when fine details are being added.

The duration of your appointment also influences how it feels. Lengthier sessions needed for large, complex pieces tend to be more painful.

For big jobs, the artist may split the work into multiple two- or three-hour sessions. The number of sessions depends on the design and the artist’s approach.

Some body parts are inherently more painful to tattoo. If pain is a concern, consider placement carefully.

Which body areas are most and least sensitive?

Sensitivity varies throughout the body.

Less sensitive areas tend to be fleshier with more muscle or skin and fewer nerve endings. Bony regions with little padding and many nerve endings are usually the most painful.

Below are generally less and more painful spots for tattoos:

How long does the pain last?

Your tattoo will continue to be tender after the appointment.

Here’s a typical healing timeline:

• Days 1 to 6. Expect soreness and swelling. It may feel like a moderate to severe bruise or sunburn.
• Days 7 to 14. Soreness should lessen while itchiness increases. A burning sensation is common and unpleasant but normal.
• Days 15 to 30. Pain and itchiness should be markedly reduced.

Your tattoo may continue to bleed slightly for up to two days afterward. It’s wise to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during this period because they thin the blood and can prolong bleeding and slow healing.

The outermost layer of skin usually repairs within two to three weeks, while deeper layers may take as long as six months.

Overall healing time varies with the tattoo’s size and location.

Once fully healed, the tattoo should not be painful. If discomfort persists or the area is red and warm, consult a doctor to rule out infection or an allergic reaction.

How can you reduce the pain?

To help lessen tattoo pain, try these tips before and during your session:

• Choose a licensed artist. Skilled artists typically work faster and more efficiently. Meet your artist beforehand to assess their style and studio cleanliness.
• Opt for a less sensitive location. Discuss placement options with your artist (see the table above).
• Sleep well. A rested body copes better with pain.
• Avoid certain pain relievers. Don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen within 24 hours before your session, as they can thin your blood and extend the procedure.
• Don’t get tattooed while ill. Being sick increases pain sensitivity and can delay healing.
• Stay hydrated. Tattooing dry skin is more painful. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Eat beforehand. Low blood sugar can heighten pain and cause lightheadedness. Have a solid meal before your session.
• Avoid alcohol. Refrain from drinking at least 24 hours before your appointment; alcohol dehydrates you, increases pain sensitivity, and thins the blood.
• Wear loose clothing. Comfortable, loose garments over the tattoo area make the process easier.
• Breathe steadily. Controlled breathing helps you stay relaxed.
• Distract yourself. Bring headphones for music, chat with your artist if they’re comfortable with conversation, or bring a friend if allowed.
• Ask about numbing creams. Your artist may recommend topical anesthetics to ease pain.
• Communicate with your artist. If the pain becomes too intense, tell them. A professional artist will allow breaks as needed.

After your appointment, follow the artist’s aftercare guidelines closely. Proper aftercare promotes healing and lowers the risk of infection.

Does tattoo removal hurt?

Tattoo removal is painful as well, and pain intensity depends on where the tattoo is located.

Common removal methods include:

Laser therapy

Laser removal is the most widely used approach. Local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, and high-intensity light pulses break the ink into particles that your immune system clears away over time.

Many liken the sensation to a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Possible short-term effects include:

• redness
• bleeding
• blistering
• crusting

Typically the treated area heals within about five days.

Most tattoos need 6 to 10 sessions to noticeably fade, scheduled six to eight weeks apart so your immune system can remove pigment between treatments.

Laser can significantly fade a tattoo but may not remove it entirely. Results depend on:

• the ink’s composition and color
• how deep the ink sits in the skin
• your immune response
• the specific laser used

Laser removal can also cause side effects such as skin discoloration, textural changes, or scarring.

Surgical excision

Surgical excision is effective for small tattoos. The tattooed skin is cut out and the area is stitched closed, leaving a surgical scar.

Local anesthesia is used so you won’t feel the cutting during the procedure.

Afterwards, the wound may feel sunburned. Doctors may recommend cold compresses, topical treatments, or pain medication to manage discomfort.

Wounds from excision typically heal within about seven days.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves a rotating device that sands away the top layers of tattooed skin to promote new skin growth.

Because it’s painful, local or general anesthesia is given.

Side effects can include:

• redness
• swelling
• burning
• aching
• tingling
• itching
• scabbing

The wound usually heals within 10 to 14 days, though swelling may persist for weeks or months.

Like laser treatment, multiple dermabrasion sessions are often needed to significantly fade a tattoo. It tends to work best for smaller tattoos.

Takeaway

Getting a tattoo will cause pain, but individual tolerance varies, so the exact sensation is unpredictable.

In general, fleshy areas such as the outer thigh are less painful, while bony regions like the ribs are more sensitive.

If you’re planning a tattoo, consider placement carefully and research both the design and the artist. Tattoos are a lasting choice, so preparation and planning matter.

Share any worries with your tattoo artist. A skilled artist can advise on ways to reduce pain and improve your comfort during the process.