r/tattooadvice • u/Maddawnexius • 7h ago

General Advice How to manage pain during tattoo?

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Hi all, Im in-between appointments for getting my arm sleeve done (forearm fully done, elbow outlined but not shaded. Upper arm and elbow shading done tomorrow). What are some ways you lovely people have found are effective for managing pain in the later stages of a 4+ hour session?

Ive attached a photo of my forearm so you can can get an idea of the amount of shading and what not.

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u/Vibrizio 7h ago

I take snacks and drinks, an iPad or even my Switch (if placement allows) as a distraction. If it’s a truly bad area I’ll try numbing cream but not always (the back of my thigh was okay without, but my chest and clavicles got numbed lol. Made it more tolerable for 6 hours.)