If you’re feeling nervous before getting a tattoo, know that this is completely normal given the pain involved in the process. It’s common to want to pop a pain reliever like ibuprofen to help manage the anticipated discomfort of getting a tattoo. But can you take ibuprofen before getting a tattoo? Ibuprofen is an FDA-approved medication that is commonly used as an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is also used to treat conditions such as inflammatory diseases, dysmenorrhea, A medical term for painful cramps that some women experience during menstruation that can range from mild to severe. , and osteoarthritis A disease characterized by the breakdown of tissue in joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility. (1). Despite being an FDA-approved pain reliever, most health experts advise against using ibuprofen for tattoo pain. Let’s find out why in the following paragraphs.
Can you take Ibuprofen before getting a tattoo?
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If you’re considering taking ibuprofen before getting a tattoo because you think it will help ease the pain of the needle, the short answer is that it’s not a good idea. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsi A class of medications that provide pain relief, lower fever, prevent blood clots, and reduce inflammation. (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are blood thinners. They affect the way blood clots and increase bleeding time, making them risky to take before getting a tattoo, since normal blood clotting is essential during the tattoo process (2). One animal study found that ibuprofen significantly inhibited platelet aggregation (the process of plateleti Small cell fragments in the blood that reach the injured site and stick together to form clots and prevent excessive bleeding. clumping together to form a clot) at all doses tested (3).
Ibuprofen affects the blood clotting process, but what are the specific reasons why it can pose a threat during tattooing? Scroll down to the next section to take a look at some of the problems that can arise from this.
Why is it bad to take ibuprofen before a tattoo session?
Taking ibuprofen before getting a tattoo is generally not recommended because it slows down the formation of blood clots. This can lead to heavy bleeding, weakness, poor tattoo results, and affect the wound healing process. Let’s look at them in detail below.
1. May cause excessive bleeding
Ibuprofen slows down the blood’s clotting time, which can lead to excessive bleeding. During tattooing, the needle pierces the middle layer of your skin, the dermis, which contains tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Because of this, it’s normal to bleed a little during the session. It usually takes 2-7 minutes for your platelets to form a clot (4). However, when you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, they prevent this early clot formation and increase bleeding time (2).
2. May cause logistical problems
While tattooing, a tattoo artist needs to have a clear view of the stencil that he or she is tracing. However, excessive bleeding from taking painkillers such as Ibuprofen can obstruct your vision and make it difficult to etch the tattoo ink accurately in the desired location. A tattoo artist’s limited vision can also result in an unwanted tattoo design. They may have to constantly wipe away the pool of blood every time they use the tattoo machine on the skin, which can also increase the time it takes to complete the tattoo. Since most professional tattoo artists usually charge on an hourly basis, this can also affect the total cost of your tattoo. Most professionals will refuse to do a tattoo in such a case.
3. May cause weakness
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If you are taking Ibuprofen, you will bleed a lot more. This excessive loss of blood from the body can often be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, discomfort, nausea, and even fainting (5). This can become a significant obstacle, making it almost impossible for you to endure and continue the tattooing process.
4. May prolong the healing period
Research suggests that taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen can negatively impact healing (6). Research has also shown how ibuprofen affects wound healing in animals. It was found that taking this drug led to a decrease in fibroblasts (the most abundant connective tissue cell in animals), which slows down the natural shrinking process of the wound and delays the formation of the outer layer of skin over it (6). This means that taking ibuprofen before getting a tattoo could also slow down the healing process.
Did you know?
Listening to music can distract you from the pain and help you relax during a tattoo session. Many tattoo artists recommend putting on headphones and closing your eyes before a session to create a deep state of relaxation instead of taking painkillers.
Obviously, it’s not a good idea to take ibuprofen before getting a tattoo. But can you take it after getting one? And if so, how long after getting one? Let’s find out in the next section.
How long after getting a tattoo can you use Ibuprofen?
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It’s generally recommended to avoid taking ibuprofen for the first 48 hours after getting a tattoo. This may be because pain relievers like ibuprofen act as blood thinners and slow down the clotting time and wound healing process (6). Instead of opting for these medications, follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist provides during the early stages of healing to prevent infection. Aftercare usually involves keeping your fresh tattoo clean, moisturizing it, and avoiding immersion in water and wearing tight clothing. If you experience any pain or discomfort after this time, such as inflammation, consult your tattoo artist or healthcare provider before taking any medications, including ibuprofen.
Taking Ibuprofen before getting a tattoo is not recommended for pain relief. But does taking it help with tattoo pain? The following section addresses this question.
Does Ibuprofen Help With Tattoo Pain?
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Since over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen are used for general pain management, you may feel that they help with tattoo pain. While Ibuprofen is also not ideal for tattoo pain management due to the reasons mentioned earlier, research suggests that if you experience swelling after your tattoo is done, Ibuprofen may be beneficial in providing relief as it has anti-inflammatory properties (1). However, since it slows down the healing process, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider before taking it (6). Alternatively, you can also use topical numbing creams to manage tattoo pain during the actual procedure. These are applied to the skin before you tattoo to minimize pain and discomfort. You can consult your tattoo artist to recommend a suitable cream for you.
Quick tip
You can try out temporary body tattoos or henna designs to see how you feel about decorating your skin with a particular design if you are afraid to make a long-term commitment right away.
An often suggested alternative to Ibuprofen is to take Tylenol for inflammation and pain after getting a new tattoo. The following section provides a comparison of the two.
Tylenol or Ibuprofen After a Tattoo: Which is Better?
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Both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are over-the-counter medications. Tylenol is generally considered a pain reliever and fever reducer. However, it does not have any anti-inflammatory properties (7). As such, it may be less effective at reducing swelling if you experience it after the initial healing process of your tattoo. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, can help reduce both pain and inflammation (1). However, as previously discussed, it slows down the healing process of your tattoo (6). Because of this, there are mixed opinions on the use of either medication. Whether you want to take Tylenol or ibuprofen before or after a tattoo session, it is best to consult a professional tattoo artist or visit a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
All in all, the answer to the question “Can you take Ibuprofen before a tattoo?” is that you should avoid it. The drug can do more harm than good during your tattoo session, as it increases the blood clotting time, leading to excessive bleeding. It can also increase the tattooing time and cost, and prolong the healing period. It is also recommended that you do not take it right after the process. If you want to take it after the initial healing of the tattoo due to swelling, consult your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medications should you take before getting a tattoo?
Do not take any medications before getting a tattoo. If you are taking any prescription medications, such as those for diabetes or blood pressure, consult your healthcare provider or tattoo artist for personalized advice based on your medical history. If you want medication for pain relief throughout the tattooing process, your artist may recommend the use of numbing tattoo creams that are applied directly to the skin.
Can you take aspirin or ibuprofen before a tattoo?
No, just like Ibuprofen, it is not recommended to take Aspirin before a tattoo as it is a blood thinning medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during the process (2). This in turn can make you feel weak and uncomfortable.
How Long Does Ibuprofen Stay in Your Body?
Ibuprofen has a half-life of 1.8 to 2 hours. This means that it takes your body almost two hours to eliminate half of this medication. However, it can take almost 24 hours for the entire dose to be out of your system after the last one (8).
Key Points
It is recommended not to take Ibuprofen before a tattoo, as this blood thinner medication slows down blood clotting and increases bleeding time. The excessive bleeding interferes with the tattoo artist’s view of the tattoo stencil, complicating the entire procedure during your session. Taking Ibuprofen for fresh tattoo swelling is also not recommended, as it can also slow down the healing process.
Still wondering if it’s a good idea to take ibuprofen before getting a tattoo? This video is all about dealing with tattoo pain. Watch it to find out if this blood thinning medication is the right choice!
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