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Frequently asked questions

Here is some general advice and information about tattoo removal at NAAMA. If you have a specific question or concern, please get in touch.

Treatment

How does laser tattoo removal work?
When you get a tattoo, ink is injected into the dermis. In the days following, you may notice the tattoo naturally fades as a result of ink escaping through the surface of the skin, or being cleared away by the body’s natural response to a foreign substance. The final tattoo is made up of ink pigment which is too deep to have escaped through the surface of the skin, and too large to have been removed by the body.

Laser tattoo removal selectively targets tattoo ink with light energy in the form of a laser. The beam breaks down large pigments of ink into smaller ink pigments, that can be more easily cleared away by the body’s immune system.
Can you completely remove a tattoo?
Yes, complete tattoo removal is possible. Contact us for more information on how we can help you achieve your goals.
How long does tattoo removal take?
There are three treatment truths that impact tattoo removal - the laser, your tattoo, and your health.

NAAMA uses the LightSense laser system, an advanced technology that is skin-safe, fast, effective and exclusive to our studio. This means we can remove tattoos in months, not years.

However your tattoo’s distinct characteristics come into play. The composition of the ink used will significantly impact the success of laser tattoo removal. High-quality ink from reputable manufacturers is the easiest to break down with cheaper inks being slower to fade.

Likewise, the size, colour, density and depth as well as location on the body are all critical components dictating the speed of removal. Small and faint tattoos tend to remove more quickly than large, dense tattoos. Tattoos that are closer to your heart tend to remove faster due to the increased blood flow.

Finally, the efficiency of your immune system influences how quickly your body is able to clear away the ink particles once they’ve been broken down. Therefore activities that positively contribute to your general health, such as quality sleep and frequent exercise will improve removal rates. Unsurprisingly, smoking and drinking alcohol are detrimental and may slow the process.

Can you treat eyebrow tattoos or microblading?

Removing eyebrow tattoos and microblading is one of our most popular treatments. The precision of the laser means we can treat intricate tattoos with extreme care and exact direction. Our low energy technology significantly reduces the chance of any damage to the skin and allows for more frequent treatments.

Whilst we recommend shaving your eyebrows prior to treatment to achieve optimal results, we realise this is not always possible. At NAAMA, we can treat eyebrow tattoos through the eyebrow hair without risk of hair loss. And to protect your eyes during treatment, you will be asked to wear specialist goggles.

If you would like us to review your eyebrows please send a picture to consultation@naamastudios.com.

Does it hurt?

Pain really varies from person to person - what one person finds mildly unpleasant, another will find painful.

The LightSense™ laser is much gentler on the skin than older technologies. Many of our clients say that it’s less painful than getting a tattoo. You can read more about their experiences on our client stories page.

How long do I have to wait between sessions?

The LightSense laser system causes no lasting skin damage and requires little downtime. Most clients are therefore able to return for treatments every 3-5 weeks, rather than 8-12 weeks with older technologies.

Can I have laser tattoo removal if I am pregnant?

No, laser tattoo removal is not recommended during pregnancy.

Are there any side effects of tattoo removal?

Because NAAMA uses the LightSense™ laser system, the likelihood and severity of any side effect is greatly reduced. Your skin safety is our priority and of the 10,000+ treatments completed so far, not a single client has been left with a scar.

You will likely observe whitening on the surface of the skin immediately following treatment. This is called “frosting” and is a natural chemical reaction.

It happens when the heat of the laser hits the ink pigment. Gas bubbles form and rise to the surface of the skin, before releasing as carbon dioxide and appearing as a temporary white frosting.

It is entirely normal and usually subsides within 15-30 minutes of the end of your session.

In the 24-72 hours following treatment, you might experience redness or slight elevation of the skin - often described as similar to sunburn.

If you notice other reactions or are concerned about how your skin is reacting in any way, please contact us at hello@naamastudios.com or via WhatsApp on +44 7429 983355 .

How do different inks respond to treatment?

Reputable tattoo artists and studios will use inks produced by qualified ink manufacturers. Others might use lesser quality inks or even make their own.

Generally, the higher quality the ink, the better it will well respond to laser treatment. However, should your tattoo contain a resistant chemical - for example, a harsh plastic or undiluted acrylic - it may take a lot longer to remove.

In severe cases, some stubborn inks may not respond to laser removal at all and can take a very long time to remove.

Be sure to tell your NAAMA Consultant as much as you can about the tattoo artist or studio, and anything you know about the ink used for your tattoo.

How soon after getting a tattoo can I get it removed?

We recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after getting a tattoo before undergoing removal.

What if I don’t want to fully remove a tattoo? (Can I fade my tattoo?)

We welcome those looking to fade ink - potentially for a cover up. Our treatments are skin-safe and precise, leaving skin clean and smooth. This means you can easily tattoo over a faded tattoo in the future and your new design will not be compromised.

We partner with leading tattoo artists and are happy to recommend an artist for your next piece.

How do I prepare for a tattoo removal session?

Preparing for successful tattoo removal starts before your initial consultation.

The better your general health is, the more likely your immune system will respond positively to treatment. Stay hydrated, rest well and do moderate exercise.

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.

Do you treat all skin types?

We are able to treat all skin types at NAAMA. However there are some restrictions when it comes to coloured tattoo inks and darker skin tones.

If you would like to speak to one of our experts you can request a callback here.

The NAAMA difference

Why NAAMA?

We spent 10 years developing the world’s most advanced tattoo removal laser technology: the LightSense™ laser system. It’s FDA and CE-certified and backed by clinical studies.

LightSense™ is quick, effective, and doesn’t damage your skin.

Our pioneering technology is only available at our state-of-the-art studio in Marylebone, London, under the supervision of our expertly trained team of NAAMA Consultants.

What is the NAAMA process?

Your NAAMA tattoo removal journey starts with a consultation and first session. Because our technology is gentle on skin, you often benefit from two treatments in each session, and return for your next within 3-5 weeks. Your NAAMA consultant will create a bespoke treatment and aftercare plan for you and check in on your progress in between your visits until you have achieved the result you desire.

How is NAAMA's technology different from other laser tattoo removal devices?

The LightSense™ laser is the most advanced laser tattoo removal technology on the market. We break down ink using significantly less energy than the average Pico laser, have an ultra-precise spot size for superior accuracy, and are FDA and CE-certified.

Our pioneering, low-energy technology is tough on your tattoo but kind to your skin, allowing for more regular sessions. You can return for treatment as often as every 2-3 weeks, compared to the industry average of 8 weeks. Less downtime = faster results.

How are your treatment consultants trained?

We take pride in ensuring all NAAMA consultants are trained to an exceptional standard. Drawing on previous experience from leading healthcare and hospitality practices, all consultants hold the required industry certifications such as NVQ L3. And when they start with NAAMA they also undergo a 10-day education programme, far more rigorous than the 3-day market standard.

Read more about our team here.

What is NAAMA For Good?

We believe removing unwanted tattoos can empower people to start new beginnings. That’s why we partner with The Forward Trust (an organisation empowering people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction) to develop a programme allowing people to do just that.

For more than 25 years, The Forward Trust has been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. They believe that anyone is capable of lasting change and their services have supported thousands of people to build careers, family life and a sense of community.

NAAMA offers free tattoo removal to members of The Forward Trust community who are looking for a clean slate.

Cost

How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?

We charge £249 per session (for a standard tattoo) during which we aim to treat your tattoo twice. You can save money by choosing one of our multiple session pricing plans up front.

You can view our pricing options here.

Is it covered by insurance?

You should check with your insurer as to whether they will reimburse costs associated with tattoo removal. We do not accept insurance, though you might be able to arrange reimbursement or co-pay with your insurer directly.

Results

Are the results permanent?

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

How soon will I see results?

Everybody is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how quickly your ink fades. Every session, you'll be able to see your ink fade under the dermascope (a piece of kit we use to look at your skin very closely).

Aftercare

Do tattoo removal creams work?

A tattoo artist injects ink into the dermis, which is protected by the outer layer of skin. In order for the cream to work, it needs to bleach or remove the top layer of skin by using harsh chemicals. These chemicals carry a risk of side effects such as burning, severe irritation, skin discolouration, and allergic reactions.

What tattoo removal aftercare do you suggest?

We design bespoke aftercare plans for each customer including topical creams to revive skin and gel-based wraps to hydrate and protect the treated area, as well as advice from your NAAMA consultant.

Read more about our aftercare programme here.

Can I get a new tattoo after removal?

Yes. NAAMA’s advanced technology doesn’t damage skin, so you can easily tattoo over a faded or fully removed tattoo in the future.

We also partner with leading tattoo artists who welcome the opportunity to cover-up tattoos. We’re happy to recommend an artist for your next piece.  

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Rapid removal
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All skin types
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Skin-safe
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5* service
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LightSense laser system
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Unique technology
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Rapid removal
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All skin types
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Skin-safe
Icon
5* service
Icon
LightSense laser system
Icon
Unique technology

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