How a local anesthetic injection reduces pain, and why the $75 start is worth it
By Arizona Tattoo Removal | October 31, 2026
Old Town Scottsdale, South of Indian School | Serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Arcadia, and South Scottsdale
When someone tells us they were nervous because color tattoos are harder to remove, we get it. A local anesthetic injection gives fast, reliable numbness so you can get through your non-laser tattoo removal session with fewer breaks and less stress. Here in Scottsdale, especially around Old Town Scottsdale, South of Indian School, that predictability matters. You want results without your schedule getting wrecked.
Our injection add-on is a quick 20-minute appointment and starts at $75. It’s designed for people who want comfort they can count on during body art procedures, especially when you’re working on a larger area, a sensitive spot, or you just don’t want to white-knuckle it.
What we mean by “local anesthetic injection” for body art
A local anesthetic injection is exactly what it sounds like. We place a numbing medication in the area being treated so the skin and the tissue underneath go numb for the session. People often call it a lidocaine shot or a lidocaine injection. You might also hear it described as an injection of anesthesia, since it’s meant to block pain signals right where we’re working.
For our non-laser tattoo removal work, comfort is a big deal. The procedure itself isn’t anyone’s favorite feeling. That’s why this injection is a key part of how we keep sessions manageable. Clients regularly tell us the numbing step is gentle, and that it makes a real difference in how calm they feel going into treatment.
Local detail: Our studio is in Old Town Scottsdale, South of Indian School. If you’re coming in for a quick consult before a session, this add-on fits neatly into the plan.
The real benefits: fewer breaks, steadier sessions, and better momentum
If you’ve ever tried to sit through tattoo removal without strong numbing, you already know the biggest issue. Pain makes you tense up. And tension leads to more breaks, more movement, and a session that feels longer than it needed to be.
1) Faster, more reliable pain control than topical creams alone
Topical numbing creams have their place, but they don’t always penetrate enough, especially on areas that are stubborn or sensitive. With an injection, the numbness tends to be stronger and more consistent. That’s why people tell us things like “she numbs the area the tattoo is in and you don’t feel anything.” We can’t promise you’ll feel zero sensation, but the goal is simple. Make it doable.
2) Less movement means more precise work
Pain causes flinching and micro-movements, even when you’re trying not to. When you’re numb, you’re steadier. That helps us work more consistently across the treatment area, which matters for even fading. It’s a big reason some clients start noticing ink lift early, including people who’ve told us they saw ink lifting after their first appointment.
3) Better use of your appointment time
A numbed session usually runs smoother. You take fewer “I need a second” pauses. That can shorten total chair time and help you keep your day on track. A lot of our Scottsdale clients are balancing work, events, and travel. They don’t want unpredictable downtime.
4) Confidence boosts matter more than people admit
Regret tattoos can carry a lot of emotion, especially when they’re visible like fingers, brows, or a spot you can’t stop looking at. Clients have shared that just feeling “in expert hands” and seeing early progress makes the whole process feel lighter. When comfort is handled well, you can focus on the part you actually care about. Getting the ink gone.
From the very first session, I felt confident I was in expert hands. The results have already started showing, which is so encouraging.
, a recent visitor
What the $75 starting price covers, and why it’s set up this way
Our local anesthetic injection starts at $75 and takes about 20 minutes. In practical terms, that starting price covers the numbing injection itself and the steps around it that keep things clean, controlled, and appropriate for your session. That includes dosing decisions based on the area we’re working on and basic monitoring for comfort right after the injection.
It does not mean a long, separate medical workup. If you have a complicated history or you’re unsure if an anesthetic is a fit, let us know during your consult. We’ll talk it through before you commit to anything.
Our quick safety checklist (the stuff we ask every time)
- Any history of reactions to numbing medications
- Current medications and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Any health conditions we should know about before we numb the area
We’re direct about this because it’s how we keep you comfortable and safe.
Is an injection the right call, or will topical numbing and breaks do?
If you’re removing a tattoo that’s emotionally loaded, in a sensitive area, or you’ve already tried to power through removal before, injected numbing is often the switch that makes you say, “Okay, I can do this.” We also see it help a lot when you want efficient sessions and predictable downtime, which is common for people with busy professional and social lives in Scottsdale.
Topical numbing, cooling, and taking breaks can be enough for smaller areas or for people who tolerate discomfort well. But if you know you tense up, if you’ve quit a session early in the past, or if you’re working on something like color that can take time, the injection is usually worth serious consideration.
Seasonal note for Old Town Scottsdale: Our hot, dry climate can make skin feel reactive. Many clients like scheduling in the cooler months (fall through winter) because swelling tends to be calmer and healing can feel easier to manage.
Why people drive in for us in South of Indian School, and how to prep
We’ve been doing this work for 9 years, and our clients notice the difference in how we run sessions. They talk about the space being immensely clean, the team checking in about comfort, and the process feeling “fast and easy” even when the goal is a big one.
People also come to us after disappointing laser experiences. We regularly hear variations of the same story: lots of laser sessions, little change, and frustration. Then they start with our non-laser method and feel encouraged once they see real lift early on. Results vary and healing rates are different, but momentum matters. It keeps you consistent.
Two simple things that make the injection work better
- Tell us your health history and meds. Don’t downplay it. It helps us keep you safe and comfortable.
- Follow aftercare closely. Multiple clients have said the best results came when they stayed mindful of post instructions.
If you want to stack comfort supports, we also put together options in our blog on comfort and skin-soothing treatment add-ons. It’s a good read before your first visit.
FAQs about lidocaine shots and local anesthetic injections
How much does a local anesthetic injection for body art usually start at?
In our studio, the local anesthetic injection add-on starts at $75 and is scheduled as a 20-minute service. Starting price typically covers the injection and the basics around dosing and immediate comfort checks. If your treatment area is larger or your plan needs more time, we’ll talk through pricing during your consult so there are no surprises.
How long will the numbness last after a local anesthetic injection?
Numbness length depends on the medication used, the dose, and the area being treated. Many people stay comfortably numb long enough for most multi-hour sessions. We’ll time the injection so you get the most benefit during the procedure, not just in the waiting room.
Is a local anesthetic injection safe for tattoos and non-laser tattoo removal?
For most healthy adults, local anesthetic injections are commonly used for numbing skin and are generally considered safe when administered by a trained injector with proper screening. That screening is the key. We ask about allergies, medical conditions, and medications before we numb anything.
Will an injected anesthetic affect tattoo quality or healing?
Injected anesthetic is meant to control pain, not change your results. That said, healing is still healing. Your best outcome comes down to steady technique during the session and good aftercare afterward. We’ll give you clear post instructions and we want you to follow them closely.
Do I need to disclose medical conditions or medications before getting a numbing injection?
Yes. Please tell us about any medical conditions, allergies (especially to numbing meds), and all medications or supplements you take. If you’re unsure what matters, bring a list. We’d rather sort it out together than guess.
Is a “lidocaine shot” the same thing as a local anesthetic injection?
Often, yes. “Lidocaine shot” is a common way people describe a local anesthetic injection because lidocaine is one of the best-known numbing medications. We’ll confirm what’s appropriate for you during your visit.
What does “injection of anesthesia” mean for body art?
It means we inject a numbing medication locally, right where we’re working, instead of putting you to sleep or numbing your whole body. You stay awake and aware, but the area being treated is significantly less sensitive.
Are “ester local anaesthetics” the same as lidocaine injections?
They’re in the same general category of local anesthetics, but they’re not the same thing. Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic, while ester local anesthetics are a different class. The distinction matters mainly for allergy history and medication selection. Tell us if you’ve ever reacted to dental numbing or any anesthetic, and we’ll take it seriously.
Ready to feel calm going into removal?
If you’re in Old Town Scottsdale, South of Indian School, we can usually get you in for a quick consult without making it a whole event. And if you’re coming in from Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Arcadia, or elsewhere in South Scottsdale, we’ll keep the plan straightforward so the drive feels worth it.
Call us with the tattoo size and location, and tell us how you’ve handled pain in the past. We’ll tell you honestly if the local anesthetic injection add-on makes sense for your session.
Arizona Tattoo Removal
4310 N 75th St Ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Call: +16025449911 | Email: info@arizonatattooremoval.com