MRI Scanning

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Permanent Cosmetics

MRI is a type of painless examination that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce  a computer-enhanced image of internal organs and soft tissues without the use of x-rays.  It is both safe and painless and has no known side effects.  There is no special diet, medication or fasting required before an MRI examination.

Conflicting reports about patients with tattoos or permanent cosmetics (including eyeliner procedure) being unable to receive MRI imaging due to iron oxide content of the implanted pigment have recently surfaced.

Iron oxide is a metallic substance that gives earth tines hues and is found in some pigments used for permanent cosmetics enhancement.  Iron oxides are also used to give earth tone hues to many make -ups from eye shadows to foundations.

The reports came about because a small number of patients experienced transient skin irritation or cutaneous swelling on procedure sites.  Pigment implanted into the skin also showed up on the computer- enhanced image.

MRI Imaging safety

Report number 1

‘MRI safety in regards to permanent cosmetic enhancement wearers’ was presented in the ‘Dear Abby’ column as follows:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging creates a picture of internal body parts using high powered magnets to produce a computer- enhanced image of a specific part of the body.  Permanent cosmetic enhancement is a cosmetic procedure in which colour is implanted permanently within the upper reticular dermal layer of the skin.

Conflicting reports indicate that an MRI is not feasible for permanent cosmetic wearers due to the probability of ‘iron’ particles in some pigments.

Experts for the safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging indicate that they have not experienced problems with imaging patients who have permanent cosmetic enhancement.

Report number 2

The society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals which is the regulating body for permanent cosmetic enhancement in the USA was instrumental in funding and participating in research on permanent cosmetic enhancement and possible MRI interaction.

The project by Whitney Tope M.D. showed that any risks were negligible to the client and non-existent to the specialty equipment employed during the procedure.

In summary a client with permanent cosmetic enhancement can have an MRI procedure safely and effectively with no ill side effects or diagnostic problems.