What is the pain level of a stomach tattoo?

Author: Cayla Beier  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Stomach: The stomach can be a moderately painful area for tattoos, particularly around the navel and the sides of the abdomen.

How painful is a stomach tattoo?

Pain Level: 6

And, of course, there are no bones to worry about, which also makes the stomach a less painful place to get a tattoo. People with tighter skin in the stomach area tend to experience less sensitivity while being tattooed here.

How do you make a stomach tattoo hurt less?

1. Eat, drink, sleep. 2. Distract yourself. 3. No alcohol or other drugs. 4. You can use a bit of ibuprofen or aleve, that MAY help. 5. Do not use any ointments that numb you, it will have an effect on the skin which in turn could effect your tattoo (and it usually doesn't work very well.

What is tattoo pain comparable to?

How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

How to breathe during a stomach tattoo?

Try some mind-over-matter if you feel the pain of the tattoo starting to creep near your threshold. You can also reduce your pain with some mindful breathing exercises: Take a deep breath through your nose and into your belly for a count of four. Place your hand on your stomach to feel yourself breathe deeply.

The Most Painful Tattoos #2 | Tattoo Artists Answer

How to prepare for a stomach tattoo?

The Day Of: Eat a Nutritious Meal

"Have a healthy meal before your tattoo session," Wave suggests. "It will help you stay focused and maintain your blood sugar levels." Love adds that you should avoid any foods that are uncomfortable in your stomach after eating since you'll be sitting for hours for the tattoo.

What is the lowest pain tattoo?

Where is the least painful place to get a tattoo?
  • Forearms (this is the number 1 least painful spot)
  • Outside of upper arms.
  • Outside of shoulders.
  • Outside upper thigh.
  • Calves.
  • Lower back.

Which style of tattoo hurts the most?

Different kinds/styles of tattoos can also cause a change in discomfort level. Bold, solid lines may hurt more than dotwork or stick-and-poke tattoo styles. Having a talented artist that can ink your preferred style is the best way to manage discomfort during your tattooing session.

What to expect after a stomach tattoo?

The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

How do you numb your stomach for a tattoo?

First, wash your hands. Then apply a thick layer of the numbing cream or gel right onto the skin that will be tattooed. It is best to completely cover the area with plastic wrap and leave it on for one hour before your tattoo session for the most absorption to occur.

Can I take painkiller before a tattoo?

With that said, don't take painkillers before getting a tattoo either. Painkillers like Advil and Ibuprofen also thin the blood, which will lead to similar issues that alcohol has. Acetaminophen may potentially be fine to take, but should be discussed with the artist beforehand.

How unbearable is tattoo pain?

The sensation is often compared to a scratch or a slight warmth. While some areas can feel more intense, the discomfort is almost always manageable. And remember, tattoos wouldn't be as popular as they are if the process was unbearably painful.

Is it better to get a tattoo on a full stomach?

Eat a balanced meal

Getting a tattoo on an empty stomach can lead to lightheadedness or dizziness. It is best to eat a well-balanced meal before your appointment. This serves to maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep your energy up throughout the session. It is best to eat something light but nourishing.

Can I use numbing cream before a tattoo?

Sometimes we all need a little extra help. Emla numbing cream is a trusted brand that can help you through your tattoo appointment. Emla can also be used to numb the skin before laser tattoo removal.

Do stomach tattoos hurt?

The stomach is a sensitive area, and the skin there is quite thin. As a result, you can expect to feel some discomfort when the needle first penetrates your skin. However, the pain should fade relatively quickly and shouldn't be too unbearable overall.

What painkiller to take after a tattoo?

This is normal for larger tattoos. If some swelling/redness is present the day after your tattoo, and it is uncomfortable or bothering you, it is appropriate to use ice (20 minutes) and/or an NSAID (ibuprofen, Advil, aleve, naproxen) to help bring the swelling down.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

What is the best first tattoo to get?

Outlines are typically starting points for tattoos. Script or cursive tattoos are also among the best ideas for first tattoos. They are typically meaningful to those who get them and are a great way to start your tattoo journey.

How to make tattoos hurt less?

Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!

What's the worst tattoo pain?

Most painful places to get a tattoo
  • Behind the knee. ...
  • Rib cage. ...
  • Ankles, shins, knees and elbows. ...
  • Head, face, and ears. ...
  • Groin and inner thighs. ...
  • Hands, fingers, feet, and toes. ...
  • Inner bicep. ...
  • Upper thighs.

Where not to get a tattoo?

Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It's essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.

What pain is like getting a tattoo?

“The most common answer is that it feels like a cat scratch on a really bad sunburn,” Olivia says. And for Trinity: “Getting a tattoo feels like when you pet a cat's belly, and the cat grabs your hands and kicks, scratching you with its claws,” she says. “It's not aggressive. But it does hurt, at least a little.”

Are tattoos a sin?

Christianity. Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.

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