Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 9/4/2007

Question
Hi Dr.Ronald, I'm having a chinese alphabets tattoo done on my right arm & the tattoo artist uses anesthetic before the tattoo. i want to know if it is ok to have the tattoo with anesthetic or is it preferable to have it done as it is? Will a Tattoo with an anesthetic arm have any effects on the long run? Thanks & look forward to your answer.

Answer
I don't see that it will make any difference other than you will have less pain with the local anesthetic (which is what I am assuming he is using)! On the downside, if he is not a physician, he is not legally allowed to administer local (or any) anethesia! You might want to take that into consideration.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston