Why is there a 12-week period at Prescan?
A new tattoo or permanent makeup causes a wound in the skin. The skin needs time to heal. In the initial period, the skin may still be red, sensitive, swollen, or irritated.
Therefore, as a safety rule, Prescan requires that a tattoo or permanent makeup must be at least 12 weeks old. Was the treatment done less than 12 weeks ago? If so, please contact us before booking or attending your appointment.
Why can tattoos react during an MRI?
An MRI scanner creates images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Some tattoo inks and pigments for permanent makeup may contain small amounts of metal-containing substances.
As a result, in rare cases, the tattooed skin during the MRI can:
- feel warm;
- tingle or prick;
- become irritated;
- give a pulling or burning sensation;
- temporarily become red or slightly swell.
What should I do if my tattoo gets warm?
You will receive a bell to hold during the MRI scan, which you can use to alert the MRI technician. Use this immediately when you experience around a tattoo or permanent makeup:
- warmth;
- tingling;
- pricking;
- pain;
- irritation;
- a burning sensation.
Do not wait until the sensation becomes stronger. The technician can pause the examination and check what is happening. Then follow the technician's instructions.
Can a tattoo interfere with MRI images?
Yes, it can. Metal-containing pigments can locally cause a distortion or deformation in the images. This is called an artifact.
The likelihood of this being relevant is greater when the tattoo or permanent makeup is located close to the body part being examined. For instance, permanent makeup around the eyes or eyebrows may more heavily impact images of the head than an MRI of the knee.
Whether the images are sufficiently assessable depends on:
- the location and extent of the tattoo;
- the pigments used;
- the body part being scanned;
- the MRI protocol used.
The radiologist ultimately determines if the images are of adequate quality.
Does this also apply to microblading?
Yes. Microblading is a form of permanent or semi-permanent makeup where pigment is applied to the skin. Therefore, for an MRI, microblading should be reported in the same way as other permanent makeup.
At Prescan, microblading must have been performed at least 12 weeks ago. Also, report a recent touch-up or follow-up treatment, as this involves applying new pigment and the skin needs to heal again.
Does this also apply to medical tattoos?
Yes. Also report medical tattoos, areola tattoos, radiation tattoos, and micropigmentation to the MRI technician beforehand.
Very small markings usually do not pose a problem, but pigments may also be used here. Therefore, the technician needs to know where the tattoo is located and when it was applied.
Can I wear regular makeup during an MRI?
Regular makeup is different from permanent makeup. However, some cosmetics can contain small metallic particles or metallic pigments. This applies, for example, to certain mascaras, eyeshadows, eyeliners, highlighters, and products with glitters.
For a head or neck MRI, it is preferable to come without makeup and hair products with glitters or metallic particles. The MRI technician may ask you to remove makeup if it might affect the scan.
What if my tattoo hasn't fully healed?
Contact Prescan before your appointment if the skin still:
- is red or swollen;
- feels painful or sensitive;
- has scabs or sores;
- exudes moisture;
- shows signs of irritation or infection.
Even if the tattoo is almost 12 weeks old, the condition of the skin may be a reason to postpone the examination. The time frame alone is not the only factor; the skin must also be fully healed.
Can I book an MRI if my tattoo is less than 12 weeks old?
Prescan maintains a minimum period of 12 weeks. Therefore, do not book or modify the appointment based on general information; confirm in advance when the examination can safely take place.
