Can You Get an MRI Scan With a Fresh Piercing

Introduction: Why Piercings and MRI Scans Can Clash

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is one of the most important medical scanning techniques used in hospitals today. It relies on powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body, which can be crucial for diagnosis. If you have a fresh piercing, however, the idea of going into an MRI scanner can raise questions. Jewellery is made of metal, and not all metals are safe in such strong magnetic fields. Understanding the risks and how hospitals handle them will help you feel more at ease if you ever find yourself needing an MRI while still healing a piercing.

Why Metal Jewellery Is a Concern in MRI Scanners

The main issue with piercings and MRI scans is the magnetic field. Metals that are ferromagnetic, such as certain grades of stainless steel, can react strongly to magnets. This means jewellery could be pulled, moved or heated by the scanner, creating a safety risk and potentially interfering with the images. Even metals that are non-magnetic, such as titanium or gold, can cause distortion on the scans, making it harder for doctors to get a clear picture. For these reasons, hospitals usually ask patients to remove all jewellery before undergoing an MRI.

The Problem With Fresh Piercings

For a fully healed piercing, removing jewellery is inconvenient but usually manageable. With a fresh piercing, however, taking out the jewellery can cause problems. The hole can begin to close quickly, sometimes within hours, especially if the piercing is only a few weeks old. This can undo the progress of healing and mean you have to start the process again. Some people also worry about infection if the jewellery is removed too early, as the wound is still sensitive and open to bacteria.

What Options Do You Have

If you need an MRI while you have a fresh piercing, the hospital staff will usually work with you to find the safest solution. In many cases, the jewellery will still have to be removed, but your piercer may be able to provide a non-metallic retainer made from glass, acrylic or bioplast. These retainers keep the piercing open during the scan without interfering with the magnetic field. Not all hospitals allow retainers, but it is worth discussing with both your piercer and the medical team before your appointment.

When Jewellery Can Stay In

In some situations, very small piercings made from MRI-safe materials such as implant-grade titanium may be allowed to remain in place, particularly if they are far from the area being scanned. However, this depends entirely on hospital policy and the advice of the radiographer in charge of your scan. Even if the jewellery itself poses little risk, the possibility of image distortion often means removal is still recommended. It is best to assume that jewellery will need to come out and plan ahead for this possibility.

Final Thought

You can have an MRI with a fresh piercing, but jewellery will almost always need to be removed to keep you safe and to ensure the scan results are accurate. While this can be inconvenient during the healing stage, there are solutions such as non-metallic retainers that can help preserve the piercing. The most important step is to be honest with your medical team about your piercing and to seek advice from a professional piercer about the best way to protect it. With careful planning, you can prioritise both your health and your piercing without long-term setbacks.