How long to wait for MRI after tattoo?

Author: Destin Runolfsdottir  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Tattoos: If the tattoo is in the area of interest and is less than six weeks old, reschedule the patient. Ice packs or padding should be used against any tattoo that is in contact with the bore of the scanner or the MRI coil.

Can I get an MRI after a new tattoo?

After getting a tattoo, it's generally recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before undergoing an MRI. This waiting period allows the skin to begin healing and reduces the risk of infection or irritation.

Is there anything to avoid before an MRI?

Don't apply personal care products. Personal care items like make-up, antiperspirants, powders and lotions may include elements that can interfere with the clarity of your imaging. So, feel free to shower as normal, just don't apply personal products until after your appointment.

How long do you have to wait after an MRI?

The radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan, who will discuss the results with you. It usually takes a week or two for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they're needed urgently.

How long to wait for MRI after microblading eyebrows?

If you have an MRI or CAT scan within 3 months of your Microblading procedure; you should notify and discuss with your physician possible side effects. Though it is possible scarring may occur, it is rare.

How to know when the tattoo is healed⚡CLIP from The Tat Chat (9)

Can you have an MRI with tattoo eyebrows?

Of the three specified pigments, a tattoo/permanent makeup made with ink based on black iron oxide (not Carbon Black) will 100% react to the MRI machine. Ink based on red oxide is questionable. Ink based on yellow oxide will not react to MRI.

What can you not do after getting eyebrows tattooed?

Your eyebrows must not get wet for at least 10 to 15 days post-tattooing. This includes sweat, rain and keeping them out of the water in the shower. No make-up or lotions other than the provided aftercare cream should be applied anywhere near the eyebrow area. You should avoid touching or wiping your eyebrows.

When should an MRI not be done?

Because radiation is not used, there is no risk of exposure to radiation during an MRI procedure. However, due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with: Implanted pacemakers. Intracranial aneurysm clips.

Why can't you drink water before an MRI?

Eating or drinking triggers processes in the body to digest what has just been ingested. This involves peristalsis - involuntary muscle contractions throughout the digestive tract to move the food through the digestive system. These muscle movements can cause smearing or anomalies in the MRI image (known as artifacts).

Why drink pineapple juice before MRI scan?

The local pineapple juice preparation used in this study is an effective, affordable and natural negative oral contrast agent for enhancement of MRCP images, and specifically improves visualisation of the common bile duct.

What interferes with MRI results?

You will typically be asked to change into a gown and to remove things that might affect the magnetic imaging, such as:
  • Jewelry.
  • Hairpins.
  • Eyeglasses.
  • Watches.
  • Wigs.
  • Dentures.
  • Hearing aids.
  • Underwire bras.

Why no caffeine before MRI?

Caffeine alters resting-state functional connectivity measured by blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI.

Does tattoo ink have metal in it?

Tattoo ink and other makeup cosmetics also contain potentially toxic heavy metals. Heavy metals may build in the body after prolonged exposure. Most of them, including Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Sb, are carcinogenic, allergenic, neurotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic contributing to hair loss and other cosmetic issues.

What happens if you cough or sneeze during an MRI?

What happens if I cough during my scan? It is very important to remain still during your MRI scan as any movement can cause blurring on the images. If you cough during the scan and the images are not clear, we may need to repeat the scan.

Why do they ask if you have tattoos before surgery?

Infection can occur after tattoos and even the most well-done and safe of plastic surgery procedures. If there is any chance one procedure will affect the other, your cosmetic surgeon will guide you to the best (and safest) direction.

Do MRI techs know if something is wrong?

Your technician is not qualified to tell you if something is wrong – you can ask, but they will decline to answer. While you might see this as adding to your stress, the reason is to prevent any stress that would come from incorrect or inaccurate interpretations of your images.

How long does diarrhea last after MRI?

You will be asked to drink a water based solution steadily over 45-60mins prior to your scan. This helps enlarge the small bowel and provide better pictures. However, this can cause symptoms of nausea, bloating and diarrhoea which may last for up to 24 hours.

Can MRI results be seen immediately?

You might wonder, can MRI results be seen immediately? While the radiologist, a medical doctor trained to interpret medical images, can usually view the scans right away, it takes some time for them to review and analyse the images carefully before writing a detailed report.

Are tattoos safe in MRI?

The stronger the magnetic field, the more likely the tattoos are going to be a problem and could cause skin discomfort. If you need an MRI, you may want to ask for a lower-strength MRI machine because that may lessen the chance of skin discomfort or burning.

Why do doctors not recommend MRI?

The strong static magnetic field (B0) of MRI scanners can attract and accelerate ferromagnetic objects toward the center of the machine and turn them into dangerous projectiles. This magnetic field can also displace implants or affect the function of devices such as pacemakers and pumps.

Can you have an MRI if you have fillings in your teeth?

You Can Have Metal Fillings and Get an MRI!

MRI magnets don't attract every type of metal, so they won't attract any type of metal that isn't ferromagnetic. You only need to be concerned with things like nickel, iron, and cobalt.

Who should not get their eyebrows tattooed?

Individuals with any kind of skin condition on or near the treatment area. Eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis or any one of these skin conditions may compromise the surface and texture of the skin. Procedure performed on skin with these type of condition may have sub par results.

How can I speed up the healing of my tattooed eyebrows?

To speed up the healing process, follow a proper aftercare routine, including gentle cleansing, applying recommended ointments, avoiding direct water and sun exposure, and not picking at scabs or scratching the area.

Does hair grow over tattooed eyebrows?

It is common for hair to grow over tattooed eyebrows as the hair follicles are still present even when tattoo ink is applied.

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