For those anxious about pain.
A tattoo studio that offers numb cream
Low-pain tattooing in Ueno, Tokyo, with numb cream consultation and application via our partner clinic. Sensation varies by individual.
Read the full guide to tattoo pain, painful areas, and pain control
IN 30 SECONDS
Numb Cream Tattoos in 30 Seconds
Numb cream use is determined by a doctor
Handled by doctors and nurses at our partner clinic inklinic. The studio itself does not perform medical procedures.
A topical cream that reduces pain
A cream applied to the skin, not an injection. A reassuring experience even if you're anxious about pain (sensation varies by individual).
Numb cream is included — no extra charge
Numb cream is included in the price, and reapplication during the session is free.
THE SCIENCE
How Far Can Numb Cream Reduce Pain?
It quiets the nerve signals
Topical numb cream contains agents such as lidocaine that penetrate the skin and temporarily dampen the nerve signals carrying pain. It is a cream, not an injection, so it is easy to accept even if you are anxious about pain.
Time is the key
Studies of a lidocaine-prilocaine cream (EMLA) show the depth of anesthesia reaches about 3mm after ~60 minutes and about 5mm after ~120 minutes [1]. Tattoo ink sits about 1.5–2mm below the surface [2]. Applied properly and for long enough, numb cream can cover the depth the needle reaches — too short or too shallow and it won't, which is the main reason people say 'numb cream doesn't work.'
Not a magic zero-pain switch
That said, numb cream does not remove pain entirely. Even in medical studies, topical anesthesia greatly reduces pain but some remains [3]. That is why we combine numb cream with careful placement, design, and breaks.
Survey of our clients who used numb cream (in-house, n=988)
~93% rated it 'slightly painful' or less
About 62% reported little or no pain. Individual results vary and effect is not guaranteed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is a 'Painless' Tattoo Possible?
Can a tattoo be painless?
No one can guarantee a completely painless tattoo. But by using numb cream properly under medical supervision, choosing less painful areas and designs, and taking breaks, getting close to 'barely painful' is very achievable. Be wary of ads promising 'zero pain.'
Does numb cream ruin the result?
You often hear that numb cream worsens color or healing, but this is usually stated without medical evidence. Used with the right product, timing, and area, it is possible to preserve the result while reducing pain. What matters is not whether you use it, but who uses it and how.
Never self-apply strong numbing products
Overseas, high-strength numbing products sold to consumers have caused serious harm. In 2024 the U.S. FDA warned that high-concentration lidocaine products used around tattooing or laser hair removal — over large areas, covered with wrap for long periods, or on broken skin — can cause serious effects such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing problems [4]. Excess absorption acts on the whole body and can be life-threatening [10]. This is exactly why numb cream should be used under a doctor's or nurse's supervision.
TYPES & REALITY
Types of Anesthesia & What's Realistic
In short, the only realistic option for tattoos is topical (cream) anesthesia. Any injected anesthesia is strictly a doctor's domain.
| Type | Who performs it | Realistic for tattoos? |
|---|---|---|
| Topical (cream/gel) | Under a doctor | ◎ Main option |
| Infiltration (injection) | Doctor only | × Rare |
| Nerve block | Doctor only | × Almost never |
| IV sedation | Doctor + monitoring | × Almost never |
| General anesthesia | Anesthesiologist + facility | △ Overseas, long sessions |
Overseas, general anesthesia or sedation is sometimes used for long, large pieces, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists has published patient guidance. Even so, the ASA states plainly that 'a tattoo studio is not a safe place to receive anesthesia' — it should be done in a licensed facility by qualified professionals [6]. In Japan, anesthesia is strictly a doctor's domain.
THE 'STRENGTH' MYTH
The '40%' / '100%' Myth
Consumer 'tattoo numbing creams' often show big numbers like 40%, 55%, even 100%. They look strong, but this is misleading. The U.S. FDA allows 0.5–4% lidocaine in over-the-counter topical pain products and advises consumers to avoid OTC lidocaine above 4% [4].
The '40%' in a product name is a brand 'strength' label, not a standardized concentration. An FDA warning letter noted that a 'Numbing Gel 40%' actually contained 8% lidocaine [5]. Name and contents don't match, and '100%' is simply impossible for an anesthetic.
Bigger numbers do not mean safer or more effective — higher concentrations increase absorption and the risk of systemic toxicity (LAST) [10]. Numb cream should never be chosen by 'percentage,' but under medical guidance.
LEGAL (JAPAN)
The Legal Situation in Japan
Injected anesthesia may only be performed by a physician (a dentist in dental contexts). A non-physician who performs it as a business violates Article 17 of the Medical Practitioners' Act, punishable under Article 31 by up to 3 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 1 million yen [7] — a criminal penalty, not merely administrative. Artists cannot give anesthetic injections.
Tattooing itself was ruled by the Supreme Court in 2020 not to be a 'medical act,' so it is lawful without a medical license [8]. But that ruling concerns tattooing — not anesthesia.
This is not limited to injections. The topical creams that actually work for tattoos (lidocaine products such as EMLA) are prescription-only drugs whose labels state 'use only by a physician's prescription' [9]. Obtaining or using them as a business outside a doctor's management can violate the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. 'It's just a cream, so an artist can apply it freely' is false — which is exactly why anesthesia must be handled under a doctor.
* This page is general information, not legal advice. Interpretation of laws may vary by circumstance.
HOW IT WORKS
Who Does What
Tattooing is done by inkly tattoo; numb cream consultation and application are handled by our partner clinic. Clear roles mean peace of mind.
inkly tattoo (this studio)
Design consultation, counseling, tattooing, and aftercare. We prioritize care for those anxious about pain.
Partner clinic inklinic
Numb cream consultation and application based on a doctor's judgment, handled by qualified medical staff.
About inklinicWHY INKLY
Why Anxious Clients Choose Us
PRICING
Pricing (Numb Cream Included)
All prices include topical numb cream. See size-based estimates on the pricing page.
View Pricing DetailsLEARN MORE
Learn More
The complete tattoo pain guide
Pain by body area and by stage, and how to reduce it — doctor-supervised.
Read moreHow numb cream works
Ingredients, how it works, and safe use — with the evidence.
Read moreNumb cream basics before your Tokyo tattoo
Numb cream basics and what to check in advance, for those getting tattooed in Tokyo.
Read moreMedical Supervisor
Reviewed by Dr. Kosuke Suga
Physician and certified occupational physician; representative of inklinic; CEO of Dermart Inc. Graduate of Keio University School of Medicine. In 2024 founded inkly tattoo, Japan's first medically-partnered tattoo studio.
References
- Wahlgren CF, Quiding H. Depth of cutaneous analgesia after EMLA. JAAD. 2000.
- Tattoos: Does the ink travel through your body? Medical News Today.
- Topical Anesthetics (review). PMC4676230.
- U.S. FDA. Warns Consumers to Avoid Certain Topical Pain Relief Products. 2024.
- U.S. FDA Warning Letter: TKTX Company (2024).
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Anesthesia for Tattoos. 2025.
- 医師法（昭和23年法律第201号）第17条・第31条. e-Gov法令検索.
- 最高裁判所 令和2年9月16日決定（タトゥー施術と医師法第17条）.
- EMLA Cream (lidocaine 2.5% / prilocaine 2.5%) FDA label. NDA 19-941.
- Lidocaine Toxicity (LAST). StatPearls / NCBI.
Anxious about pain? Talk to us first
Feel free to ask about numb cream eligibility, design, pricing, and anything else.