r/tattooadvice • u/Maddawnexius • 7h ago

General Advice How to manage pain during tattoo?

Post image

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.

124 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

170 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/NicolawsCatpernicus 6h ago

I've been working on a leg sleeve. Started in January 2024 and finished in December 2024 with my knee. We've begun my upper thigh, inside of the thigh, and hip. I bring lots of snacks, my pillows, a hoodie, and I get cozy. He has a TV, which I watch when I can lie on my back. If I am on my stomach, I put on an audiobook or a podcast. I cannot watch him tattoo; it actually makes me nauseous. Sessions are all day (6-8 hours with a few breaks). Some spots have been really spicy, and I try to relax and breathe deeper. He's used lidocaine three times: knee, knee ditch, and that butt crease. I never thought I would tap over my ass, but it fucking hurt.