Did your permanent makeup (PMU) turn out wrong or not live up to your expectations? Think of issues like the wrong shape, the wrong color, fading, or even asymmetry. You’re not alone—failed PMU is more common than you might think, but fortunately, there’s always a solution.

What do you find out?
- 1 What is permanent makeup?
- 2 Why does permanent makeup sometimes go wrong?
- 3 What are the most common problems we see with failed PMUs?
- 4 What can you do if your permanent makeup didn't turn out right?
- 5 Ways to Prevent Permanent Makeup Failures
- 6. Not happy with your PMU? New Skin Laserclinic can help you get rid of your botched permanent makeup right away
What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique in which pigments are inserted into the skin using a fine needle to provide long-lasting enhancement of your natural eyebrows, lips, or eyeliner. It differs from a traditional tattoo in that the pigments are placed less deeply and usually fade after 1–3 years.
PMU can be the ideal solution if you don’t feel like spending half an hour in front of the mirror every morning to make sure your eyebrows look perfect again that day. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always go perfectly, and a PMU treatment can sometimes go wrong.
Are you no longer satisfied with your permanent makeup and would you like to have it removed? At New Skin Laserclinic, we can safely and effectively remove your PMU.
Why does permanent makeup sometimes go wrong?
Have you had permanent makeup done, and did it turn out poorly? There can be a number of reasons for a failed PMU:
1. Inexperienced or poorly trained specialist
It is possible that the PMU specialist lacks sufficient experience and that the PMU was applied incorrectly. Permanent makeup requires in-depth knowledge of skin layers, facial shapes, and pigment behavior. When pigment is applied too deeply or unevenly, this can lead to:
- Permanent discoloration
- Blurred lines
- Errors That Are Difficult to Correct
2. Incorrect pigment color or deep placement
Not every pigment is suitable for every skin type. When pigment is deposited too deeply in the skin, it can discolor over time. This is often seen in:
- Gray or blue eyebrows
- Red/orange undertones in the lips
- Eyeliner that gets darker
3. Skin Type and Healing
The skin plays a major role in the final result. Oily, sensitive, or thin skin may absorb pigment differently or shed it more quickly, leading to:
- Irregular fading
- Stains
- Poorer recovery after treatment
4. Insufficient or improper follow-up care
Aftercare is crucial for a good final result. If the skin is not adequately protected during the healing process, this can result in:
- Rapid fading
- Infections or irritation
- Uneven pigment distribution

What are the most common problems we see with failed PMU?
In practice, at New Skin LaserClinic, we see these problems come up most often:
- Wrong color: PMU that has turned out too dark, too cool, or too red
- Asymmetry: PMU eyebrows are not even
- Fading: pigment that has faded in a patchy or uneven manner
- Outdated results: old PMU techniques that no longer suit the face
- Other expectations: You may have had different expectations going in, or the shape may not end up suiting your face.
The older the PMU, the greater the likelihood that the result is no longer aesthetically pleasing.
What can you do if your permanent makeup didn't turn out right?
The right solution depends on the severity of the problem, the color of the pigment, and how deep it is embedded.
Getting your failed PMU corrected
In cases of minor irregularities in shape or color, an experienced PMU specialist can sometimes perform a correction. This is only recommended when:
- The pigment isn't too deep
- Healthy skin is
- The existing color lends itself to correction
Unfortunately, correcting botched permanent makeup isn't always easy. Usually, only a few minor adjustments are possible, even for experienced specialists. But fortunately, there is another solution.

Removing Failed Permanent Makeup with a Laser
If a correction isn't an option, you can also have your permanent makeup removed. Fortunately, permanent makeup can be effectively removed with laser treatment.
At New Skin LaserClinic, we remove botched PMU using advanced laser technology, allowing us to treat everyone safely and effectively. This allows the permanent makeup to be completely removed without leaving any scars. It is also possible to have new PMU applied afterward, but be sure to have it done by a certified specialist.
Would you like to learn more about laser treatment for failed permanent makeup? In our other article, we’ll tell you everything about PMU laser removal, how the treatment works, and what you need to keep in mind.
Looking for the best clinic to get rid of your PMU? Have your PMU removed in Amsterdam at New Skin Laser Clinic
Avoiding Permanent Makeup Failures
A botched permanent makeup procedure can happen to anyone. You probably have permanent makeup right now that you’re not too happy with, but if you’d like to get new permanent makeup in the future, we recommend keeping the following things in mind:
First of all, it’s very important that you always go to a GGD-certified salon. This minimizes the risk of infection. Make sure the specialist follows proper hygiene practices. Look for things like wearing a face mask and gloves, disinfecting the equipment, and maintaining a clean workspace.
In addition to hygiene, it’s also important to do your research thoroughly. Check out other people’s reviews, stop by for a consultation, and ask all your questions. Also, ask to see photos of their previous work—specifically, photos of fully healed eyebrows, not freshly done ones. That way, you can clearly see how the color and pigment change over time.
Make sure your own PMU—or a friend’s—doesn’t go wrong, and always check the salon thoroughly before you get started.
Curious about the results and experiences of customers who’ve had PMU removed at New Skin Laserclinic? We’ve already helped many customers achieve great results.
Not happy with your PMU? New Skin Laserclinic can help you get rid of your botched permanent makeup right away
Did your permanent makeup eyebrows turn out badly, and would you like to have them removed? At New Skin Laserclinic, you can have your botched PMU safely and quickly removed by a certified laser specialist.
At New Skin Laserclinic, we use the most advanced laser system, the Fotona Starwalker MAQX. It removes your botched permanent makeup without causing skin damage or leaving scars. Curious about how we can help you? Schedule a free consultation.
