PMU Removal Treatment Guide
Read our PMU Removal treatment guide and search for providers near you.
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What is a PMU Removal?
PMU removal lightens or removes unwanted permanent makeup, most often old, faded, discolored, or poorly shaped brows, eyeliner, or lip pigment. The two main methods are saline removal, which uses a tattoo machine to implant a saline solution that draws pigment to the surface as a scab, and laser removal, which uses a laser to shatter the pigment for the body to clear.
Each session takes 30 to 60 minutes and is spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. Most cases need a series of three or more sessions, and fading is gradual, not instant. Saline is often preferred near the eyes and for delicate work; laser can be faster but carries pigment-shift risks (some PMU pigments turn dark when lasered). Each session forms a scab that must be left to heal undisturbed.
Removal is slower and more nuanced than people expect, and certain pigment colors (white, flesh tones, some warm pigments) resist removal or can shift. A skilled removal specialist will set realistic expectations about how light your skin can get.
How much does a PMU Removal cost?
PMU removal nationally typically costs $150 to $400 per session, and most people need a series of three or more, so plan for the total, not a single visit.
Last updated June 2026. Estimates reflect national averages and Get Clear Beauty provider data — read how we estimate prices.
What to ask your provider
- Do you recommend saline or laser removal for my pigment and location?
- How many sessions will I realistically need?
- Could my pigment color shift darker, especially with laser?
- How light can my brows or liner realistically get?
- How far apart are sessions, and what is healing like?
- Who performs the removal and what is their training?