Doesn't lidocaine hurt more than the actual piercing?
e-mail question:
I've been piercing for 3 years here in Iceland. I'm not sending this E-mail
to make an appointment but to get some information.
I've heard that the use of Lidocaine isn't in fact necessary in bodypiercing since the injection of the lidocaine is in fact more painful (in most cases) then the actual piercing. Personally I never use lidocaine (I'm not licensed to use it) and most of my piercees don't hurt that much.
Do you feel that it's better to use lidocaine in bodypiercing and what do you think are the most benefits in using it.
e-mail reply:
Lidocaine is not necessary and is not better. I offer it to clients because
many are fearful of pain.
I regularly pierce without it. If injected slowly it causes minimal pain. The minimum amount should be used as it causes some swelling. I like it in nipple piercing as that is one piercing that can really hurt. Also in clitoral piercing it lets me take my time.
The biggest advantage is that if the client does not like the position of their jewelry, it can be easily and immediately re-pierced without fear, pain or argument. This should not happen often, but does happen occasionally.
Most radically I am a "freehand" piercer - rarely using clamps - and I find that this helps to reduce swelling particularly with tongues. I simply hold the tongue with a piece of cotton gauze - and do the piercing. It works well.
Revised 3 February 2003
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