WITH INKLINIC / TOKYO / UENO
For those anxious about pain.
A tattoo studio that offers numb cream
Numb cream is available (optional, no extra charge). It is applied by a doctor or nurse at our partner clinic inklinic on the 1st floor, with a doctor's examination on your first visit. Some pain may remain even with numb cream, and sensation varies by individual.
Read the full guide to tattoo pain, painful areas, and how to prepare
IN 30 SECONDS
Numb Cream Tattoos in 30 Seconds
Numb cream use is determined by a doctor
It is applied by a doctor or nurse at our partner clinic inklinic on the 1st floor, with a doctor's examination on your first visit. The studio itself does not perform medical procedures.
A cream applied to the skin, not an injection
If you're anxious about pain, you can choose it. Some pain may remain even with numb cream, and sensation varies by individual.
Numb cream is included, with no extra charge
Numb cream is included in the price, including reapplication during the session.
TWO-STAGE NUMBING
First & Second Application: How It Goes on the Day
First application: before the session
Before the session, a doctor or nurse at our partner clinic inklinic on the 1st floor applies the numb cream (with a doctor's examination on your first visit). It takes about 50-70 minutes to settle into the skin, and we use that waiting time for the final design consultation, refining placement, size, and details together.
Second application: a top-up during the session
Around 1-2 hours into tattooing, a gel-type anesthetic is added if needed. As a guide, the gel takes about 5 minutes to settle in. Whether to add it, and the application itself, are handled by an inklinic doctor or nurse, at no extra charge.
Skin with numb cream on it feels distinctive. inkly's artists tattoo with the condition of numbed skin in mind.
Worried about color loss? It is the studio's view, not a medical guarantee, that numb cream does not make the color fall out more easily.
Some pain may remain even with numb cream, and sensation varies by individual.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Does Numb Cream Take the Pain Away?
Does numb cream take the pain away?
We can't say it will. Some pain may remain even with numb cream, and sensation varies by individual. Talk to us in advance about placement, design, and breaks too. Be wary of ads that promise the pain will disappear.
Does numb cream ruin the result?
You often hear that numb cream worsens color or healing, but this is usually stated without medical evidence. 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 topical numbing products used around tattooing or laser hair removal, when applied over large areas, covered with wrap for long periods, or used on broken skin, can cause serious effects such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing problems [1]. 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 [3]. 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 the common numbing ingredient at 0.5–4% in over-the-counter topical pain products and advises consumers to avoid OTC products above 4% [1].
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 its active ingredient at 8% [2]. Name and contents don't match, and '100%' is simply impossible for an anesthetic.
Bigger numbers do not mean safer or more effective. 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 [4]. This is 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 [5]. But that ruling concerns tattooing, not anesthesia.
This is not limited to injections. The topical numbing creams that clinics use before tattooing are prescription-only medicines whose labels state 'use only by a physician's prescription'. 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 guidance. 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 numb cream at no extra charge. See size-based estimates on the pricing page.
View Pricing DetailsFAQ
FAQ: Numb Cream & Pain
LEARN MORE
Learn More
The complete tattoo pain guide
Pain by body area and by stage, and how to prepare, supervised by a doctor.
Read moreHow numb cream works
The limits of numb cream and what to watch out for, 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; CEO of Dermart Inc. Graduate of Keio University School of Medicine. In 2024 founded inkly tattoo, Japan's first medically-partnered tattoo studio.
Anxious about pain? Talk to us first
Feel free to ask about numb cream eligibility, design, pricing, and anything else.