Tattoo Removal Questions - FAQs – NAAMA Studios

Frequently asked questions

Here is the expert advice and detailed information on tattoo removal at NAAMA Studios. If you have a specific question or concern, please get in touch.

Treatment

Laser pulses break down the larger ink particles into microscopic fragments, which your body then naturally disposes of in the weeks following treatment. Multiple sessions are almost always required to fully remove a tattoo. The exact number of treatments varies depending on several factors, including the size, colour, depth, location, and age of the tattoo, and unfortunately cannot be predicted with complete certainty in advance. Based on experience, the skin therapist can provide an estimate, but not a guarantee

We recommend waiting three months between your last laser tattoo removal session and getting a cover-up. Your consultant will be best placed to give an exact answer as to how soon you can return to the artist’s chair for new ink.

During the intake consultation, the following topics were discussed with you using a presentation:

  • Explanation of what a tattoo is and how the removal process works.

  • Visible and invisible factors that influence how quickly a tattoo fades.

  • Why only an estimate can be given for the number of treatments, and not a guarantee.

  • The expected results.

  • Examples (before and afters)

  • How quickly results may become visible.

  • Pre- and aftercare instructions.

  • Possible complications and risks.

  • Contra-indications.

Yes, microblading is one of our most popular treatments. The precision of the laser means that we can treat intricate tattoos with extreme care and accurate direction.

Although the skin usually heals completely within a few days to two weeks after treatment, it’s important to allow enough time between sessions for the body to naturally eliminate the fragmented ink particles. We recommend waiting at least 8 to 12 weeks between treatments to give your body sufficient time to clear the ink. In some cases, your expert may advise a different interval based on your individual progress and skin response.

We do not perform treatments during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. During this period, hormonal changes can affect the body’s response, making the outcome of the treatment less predictable

Unlike UV or X-ray radiation, laser light is not mutagenic, meaning it does not cause DNA changes that could lead to skin diseases. To date, there is no evidence that laser treatment causes harmful cell changes.

Side effects such as an allergic reaction to released ink particles or skin infection are extremely rare.

If you have any concerns, we strongly encourage you to contact us immediately.

Most tattoos are made from quality, safe ink pigments, and respond well to treatment. On average it takes 8-12 sessions to completely clear tattoo ink. 

Inks that don’t respond as well to tattoo removal are referred to as “stubborn” and can take a longer time to remove. In severe cases, some inks may not respond to laser removal at all. However, this is very rare.

Our experts recommend waiting until your tattoo has completely healed which can take around 6-8 weeks after first getting the tattoo before you start your removal sessions. This is so that the skin is in the best condition for laser tattoo removal. 

Yes, we can successfully fade tattoos for cover-ups and we do partial removals as well. We usually recommend less sessions for tattoo fade, though this can vary between different tattoo styles, colours, and designs.

Stay hydrated, rest well, and enjoy exercise. The better the state of your general health, the more likely your immune system will respond positively to treatment. 

Additionally, we advise that you protect your skin with a sun-safe skincare routine and use a moisturising sunscreen with high SPF when exposing your treatment area to direct sunlight within two weeks of your treatment.

You may be asked to shave if the removal area is densely covered with hair. We will not ask you to shave your eyebrows. Speak to our expert consultants for more information. 

We welcome and are able to treat all skin types at NAAMA.

Our laser is considered safe for all skin types.

Our laser uses ultra-short pulse durations to break down ink particles with minimal risk of thermal damage to the surrounding skin. This significantly reduces the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes, which are more common in darker skin types when treated with older, more traditional laser technologies

Although the skin usually heals completely within a few days to two weeks after treatment, it’s important to allow enough time between sessions for the body to naturally eliminate the fragmented ink particles. We recommend waiting at least 8 to 12 weeks between treatments to give your body sufficient time to clear the ink. In some cases, your expert may advise a different interval based on your individual progress and skin response.

How many treatments are needed to remove a tattoo cannot be determined in advance.

The speed at which a tattoo fades depends on many different factors, making it impossible to predict the exact number of sessions beforehand. Measurable Factors

Some factors can be objectively measured, these are referred to as measurable factors. Examples include:

Tattoo colour: The darker the ink, the easier it is to remove. Lighter colours typically require more sessions to fade effectively.

Skin tone: Tattoos are generally easier to remove on lighter skin. The more pigment the skin contains, the more sessions are often needed to remove the tattoo successfully without altering the natural skin pigment. This is because lighter skin contains minimal melanin, whereas darker skin has higher melanin levels.

Tattoo size: Larger tattoos usually require more sessions to remove completely compared to smaller ones.

Location on the body: Tattoos located on areas with better blood circulation, such as the arms, legs, and torso, are typically easier to remove than those on areas with poor circulation, such as the ankles and fingers.

Age of the tattoo: Older tattoos are generally easier to remove than newer ones, as the ink tends to fade over time.

Non-Measurable Factors There are also other factors that influence how quickly a tattoo can be removed, but which cannot be measured. These are referred to as non-measurable factors. Examples include:

Tattoo depth: The deeper the tattoo was applied, the more treatments will be required for full removal.

Amount of ink: The quantity of ink used during tattooing plays a major role. The more ink present, the more sessions are generally needed to break it down and remove it effectively.

Ink quality: Different ink types have different compositions and may respond differently to laser treatment.

Scar tissue: Tattooing causes trauma to the skin, often resulting in the formation of subdermal scar tissue. While this may not always be visible, some tattoos show significant scarring. If scar tissue is present, additional treatments may be needed to achieve optimal results.

Overall health: A healthy body is better able to process and eliminate fragmented ink particles. Smoking, being under- or overweight, poor nutrition, and alcohol consumption can all negatively affect the number of treatments required.

Because these factors are not measurable, it is not possible to determine the exact number of treatments or guarantee final results before starting the process.

Cost

The cost of your tattoo removal depends on the size of your tattoo and plan. We offer 'pay as you go' sessions and 6 and 10 packages. All prices are available to view on our pricing page.

A free consultation is compulsory for new clients, with the option to go ahead with your first session.

Results

Yes. Once the ink pigment is removed, it won't come back, leaving you with clean, healthy, and smooth skin.

Visible results are often not immediate in the first weeks following a laser treatment (with the exception of very fine lines or shaded areas). During treatment, the laser breaks the ink into smaller particles, allowing the body to gradually eliminate them.

Immediately after the session, the ink particles are still located in the same are, they are simply fragmented into smaller pieces. The body typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to clear these particles, after which the next treatment can take place

Aftercare

Yes, the low-energy laser system leaves skin clear and healthy, ready for what’s next. We also partner with leading tattoo artists who welcome the opportunity to create striking cover-up tattoos. We’re happy to recommend an artist for your next piece.  

We choose not to use tattoo removal creams. That's all we'll say.

The technology for laser tattoo removal has come so far in recent decades, and we are such firm believers in the power of tech to solve dermatological challenges in a safe and efficient manner, that we just don't have time for anything else.

Permanent Makeup Removal

Yes, the good news is you can. We offer a number of permanent makeup removal treatments at NAAMA, including:

  • Eyebrow tattoo removal: microblading; microshading; and ombre.

  • Permanent lip blushing; lip liner; and lip colour tattooing.

  • Face and scalp treatment removal, such as hairline microblading; scalp micropigmentation; and freckle tattoos.

You can come to NAAMA for permanent makeup removal as early as six weeks after it’s done. However, the safety of your skin is our priority, so we will not treat it until it’s fully healed.

If you’re unsure whether your skin is ready for treatment, please contact us for a consultation.

Permanent makeup removal is not ‘one size fits all’ and each case is completely unique.

Although the skin usually heals completely within a few days to two weeks after treatment, it’s important to allow enough time between sessions for the body to naturally eliminate the fragmented ink particles. We recommend waiting at least 8 to 12 weeks between treatments to give your body sufficient time to clear the ink. In some cases, you expert may advise a different interval based on your individual progress and skin response.

Some people see results after one session, but the speed of the process will vary depending on the tattoo, the tech used, and the health of the immune system. 

Once begun, the process happens inside the dermis. We use a dermatoscope to record the progress of your removal and track results. 

There is always a risk of oxidation with permanent makeup. When permanent makeup oxidises, we usually see the ink develop red and then yellow tones.

Prior to treatment, we will assess your skin according to the Fitzpatrick scale. On Fitzpatrick 1-3 skin tones (lighter), oxidised ink can be treated successfully. On Fitzpatrick 4-6 skin types (darker), permanent makeup tends to oxidise to red and purple tones, which is more difficult to successfully treat.  

Seeing success in these instances is challenging, but our specialist consultants will be able to recommend a treatment course that is right for you. Lip blushing can be removed on Fitzpatrick 1-3 skin types. However, there is a risk of oxidation to grey, which remains throughout the treatment process.

If you’re concerned about oxidation, we recommend a patch test.

Side effects are generally very mild for eyebrow tattoo and microblading removal. You might temporarily see some slight redness around the area or experience what we call ‘frosting’

Frosting is a natural reaction when the laser hits the targeted ink and isn’t any cause for concern. It usually goes away after 10 minutes or so, but can last for up to 48 hours in some cases.

If you have particularly dense eyebrow tattooing, you’re more likely to experience some redness or pinpoint bleeding as we need to work deeper to target the ink. However, we’ll discuss this with you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Don’t worry, your eyebrows will not be burned during treatment (this is why we don’t need you to shave prior to your session!).

In very rare cases, clients may temporarily experience mild hair loss following treatment. However, as we do not work deep enough to target the hair follicle, there is no long-term damage and the hair will regrow.