Numbing Cream & Tattooing
The use of numbing cream during the tattoo procedure remains controversial. Many professional tattooers do not recommend using numbing creams based on their, and their client’s experience’s.
Many tattooers perceive that topical numbing creams changes the skin’s texture, making it more difficult to tattoo. Many have also had feedback from clients that they experience increased inflammation and irritability during the healing process along with scabbing which can lead to pigment fallout.
Potential side effects can be mitigated by using numbing creams which have been approved by the Australian regulator.
Are numbing creams legal in Australia?
The use of numbing creams is legal however the concentrations within the product are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration(TGA).
Only some numbing creams can be legally purchased without a prescription.
Creams containing more than %10 lidocaine require a doctor’s prescription.
Most high strength numbing creams sold onlineare not approved by the TGA.
Commonly Used Numbing Creams in Australia:
- Emla Cream/Patches: Contains 5% lidocaine/prilocaine (2.5% each). Widely used for numbing before needles or cosmetic procedures.
- LMX4: A 4% lidocaine cream, often used in clinical settings for rapid action (around 30 minutes).
- Numit: Contains lidocaine and prilocaine, commonly used for cosmetic injectables.
How Do They Work?
When applied to the skin, numbing creams penetrate the outer layer and target nerve endings in the dermis. These active ingredients temporarily interrupt the nerves’ ability to send signals of pain or discomfort to the brain. The result is a numbed area where treatments can be performed with significantly less pain.
Tips for Best Results
- Clean and dry the area before application.
- Apply a thick layer and cover with plastic wrap to enhance absorption.
- Follow your practitioner’s instructions on timing—removing the cream too early can reduce effectiveness.
- Avoid excessive use or applying to broken skin.
Numbing creams are a simple but powerful wayto make tattoo procedures more comfortable.
They do however come with certain risks so speak to your tattooer prior to your appointment. If you have concerns about potential reactions or are experiencing a reaction speak to your GP.
At GreenLotus Tattoo we have close to 20 years’ experience with working with all types of skin and all types of clients. Your experience matters to us, if you are considering using numbing cream you can speak to us! We cater to all styles of tattooing, from fine line to realism!
We are located at 300 Sydney rd Brunswick, Melbourne 3056.
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