The Michigan Health Department requires a signed physician’s order (prescription/note) to use topical numbing during your tattoo service. Numbing is OPTIONAL, not required...you may proceed without it. If you do want numbing applied, please complete one of the options outlined below.
Options for obtaining the letter:
Option 1 (easy, available within 1 day): 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. Contact Youthology by phone at (810) 355-4383 between Monday and Friday from 9:00am - 4:00pm. They will conduct a telehealth review and issue the compliant physician-signed order (pending your medical history).
2. Youthology charges $25 for the telehealth review, 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 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.
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 4% 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 he 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.
Questions or concerns? Let's connect!
Success! We will be reaching out soon :)
Oh no! Something went wrong submitting the form. Please try again.
