Michigan requires a physician-signed prescription/note to use topical numbing during your tattoo service. Numbing is OPTIONAL, not required. If you want numbing applied, please complete one of the options outlined below.
Option 1 (this is very easy, available with in 1 business day): Obtain your prescription from Youthology. Youthology is Brighton-based med spa familiar with the requirement:
Step 2. Call Youthology at (810) 355-4383 between Monday and Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Youthology staff will conduct a telehealth review of your submission and issue the compliant physician-signed letter/prescription (cost $25 but Youthology will credit this for a future product/service)
Step 3. Bring your signed prescription to your appointment.
You do not need to bring a numbing product to your appointment. We will provide the product.
End of Option 1
Option 1 (easy): Obtain your prescription from Youthology. Youthology is a Brighton-based med spa with a medical staff that is familiar with our process, familiar with Michigan's topical anesthetic requirements for tattoo services, and will issue a compliant physician-signed order (pending your medical history). To receive the signed order from Youthology, follow the steps below:
1. Complete the online form here:________________. This form is provided by Youthology and will be received by their staff.
2. After submitting your form, contact Youthology by phone between Monday and Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. They will conduct a telehealth review of your submission and (pending your medical history) issue the compliant physician-signed order.
3. Youthology charges $25 for the telehealth service (due when filling out the form), but they will CREDIT you $25 towards any of their services after you complete the process. They are an exceptional med spa offering anti-aging products. Check out their list of services, here.
Option 2: Contact your personal physician and request they provide the signed letter. A sample request and template for the letter are included in the section below. The letter must include:
1. Your name
2. Your date of birth
3. Approval to use topical anesthetic during a tattoo service
4. Approval to use topical anesthetic product containing lidocaine up to 5% and tetracaine up to 2% (recommended not to specify exact product)
5. Instructions: i.e. apply up to 2 grams of topical anesthetic to the procedure area, occlude for 1 minute, remove before continuing
6. Physician signature and license number
7. Date signed
Sample request: I am requesting a medical clearance letter to use a topical numbing agent containing up to 5% lidocaine and up to 2% tetracaine for a cosmetic tattoo (permanent makeup) service. The numbing cream is commercially available over the counter, but Michigan body art law now requires a doctor’s clearance letter before I am allowed to use it during the appointment. Is this something you are able to provide for me? I have attached a draft letter that the studio has received in the past for your convenience.
You do not need to bring a numbing product to your appointment. We will provide the product.
FAQs:
Q: Will it hurt without topical anesthetic? A: This is not a large tattoo. The pain is very manageable without a numbing agent.
Q: Do I need to bring the topical anesthetic with me to my appointment? A: No. We will supply the products (as long as your letter specifies up to 5% lidocaine and up to 2% tetracaine).
Q: Do I need to send the letter to the studio before my appointment? A: No. Just bring a digital or printed copy of the signed letter to your appointment.
Q: Do I need a letter for each visit? A: No. We will keep your letter on file for 1 year.
Q: What if I don't have a doctor? A: You can use the telehealth option described, above. This is the quickest solution.
Q: Why do I need a prescription for an over the counter product? A: Although available over the counter, the Michigan Health Department requires a prescription to use topical anesthetic during a tattoo service.
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