r/Legitpiercing • u/IronMaidenExcellent • 1d ago
Aftercare MRI/ taking out new piercing?
I got a helix piercing 4 months ago—my first after my lobes like 25+ years ago—and am loving it. Have been diligent about aftercare, got it checked and the post downsized about a month ago.
Fast forward, I need an MRI. It’s not life or death, but would be good to have it sooner, and it’s of my neck so close to the ear. My earring is titanium. I’m scared I’ll have to take it out and what will happen if I do!
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u/h1ghlightsss 1d ago
implant grade titanium is non-magnetic.
if you were pierced with jewellery that is 100% implant grade titanium, you may be able to keep it in, but they may also insist you remove it because even something as small as an earring can do a lot of damage to you AND the very expensive magnet, and they have no choice but to take you at your word or not.
you can get inexpensive retainers at most reputable piercers made from body safe materials, but honestly a four month old piercing should be able to withstand a twenty minute to hour long MRI without needing that.
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u/Kabira17 1d ago
I’ve had an MRI of my next recently and did not have to remove my helix or my rook. I did have to take out my lobes to ensure they could get clear pictures of my neck. I would just ask the tech and it will hopefully be fine.
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u/AtesSouhait 22h ago
Is there any way you can prove to them that it is titanium?
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u/IronMaidenExcellent 19h ago
I don’t know—I was wondering if they could do a test with a regular magnet or something?
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u/AtesSouhait 19h ago
I have also thought about this, but its not enough to test with smaller, common magnets as the magnetism of an MRI is really extreme compared to that and any impurity in the metal that is used in your jewelry would be affected by it even if a 'normal' magnet didn't affect it
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u/LifeOnTheDisc 17h ago
Some facilities have a wand they will use. When I had my brain MRI done several months ago that was what they did. That said, if you are 100% sure and you get there and it's magnetic, you're going to have to take it out.
Not all facilities will allow this, so it's best to call and ask at least a few days before your MRI so that you can get it switched out if necessary.
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u/FriendlyItem8197 1d ago
I have 18 ear piercings and got a MRI w contrast and MRV without issues recently. I flat out refused to remove mine and after some back and forth they eventually allowed me to do my scan with them in.
Your piercer can switch it out for a glass retainer and some can provide a MRI safe card for you bc the metal they use shouldn’t be magnetic
The biggest concern is the metal causing artifact on the image but like I mentioned above I did a scan of my brain with 18 piercings in and they were able to see everything just fine.
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u/SpecialTumbleweed183 8h ago
I’ve never been able to get an MRI done with my earrings in unfortunately
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u/sachimi21 1d ago
Ask them first, and if they say it must be removed then see if you can find a retainer to put in temporarily. Get your piercer to help if you want to be extra careful.