Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) creates detailed images of internal body structures using an extremely powerful magnetic field and radio waves. Because the machine generates a magnetic field thousands of times stronger than the Earth’s, any metal object poses a significant safety and image quality risk. The general protocol requires removing all metal jewelry, including nose piercings, before entering the MRI suite. However, the true answer depends heavily on the specific material of the jewelry and the location of the body being scanned.
The Risks of Metal in the Magnetic Field
The most significant safety risk posed by metal piercings during an MRI is thermal injury. Radiofrequency (RF) energy transmitted by the scanner induces an electrical current within conductive metal jewelry. This induced current can cause the jewelry to heat up rapidly, potentially leading to severe burns on the surrounding tissue.
The strong static magnetic field can exert a physical force on ferromagnetic materials. If a piercing contains iron, nickel, or certain types of steel, the magnetic attraction can cause the jewelry to move or twist within the piercing tract. This movement can result in discomfort, displacement, or localized trauma to the soft tissue.
The third major issue is imaging artifacts, which directly impact the quality of the diagnostic scan. Any metal present disrupts the uniformity of the magnetic field, generating dark spots or distortions on the resulting images. These artifacts can obscure the area of interest, potentially making the scan unusable, especially if the piercing is near the region being imaged, such as the head or neck.
Material Matters: Safe Versus Unsafe Jewelry
The interaction of a nose piercing with the MRI environment is entirely determined by its metallic composition. Ferromagnetic metals, which are strongly attracted to magnets, must be removed without exception due to the risk of movement and significant heating. This category includes standard steel, iron, and nickel, which are often found in cheaper or uncertified jewelry and pose the highest risk.
Materials that are non-ferromagnetic or weakly paramagnetic are safer because they are not pulled by the strong static magnetic field. The standard for body jewelry is implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136), which is the same material used for many permanent medical implants. Niobium is another non-ferromagnetic metal acceptable in the MRI environment.
Non-ferromagnetic metals like titanium do not pose a risk of movement, but they are still electrically conductive and can heat up due to RF energy. Even high-quality surgical stainless steel (316L) and precious metals like gold and silver can generate thermal energy and cause artifacts that degrade image quality. Since most patients cannot definitively prove the exact grade and composition of their jewelry, the safest institutional policy is to request the removal of all metal.
When Removal is Not Possible: Alternatives and Protocols
If a nose piercing cannot be easily removed—such as a new piercing that may close quickly or jewelry that is difficult to manipulate—patients have alternative options to ensure the procedure proceeds safely. The most common solution is to temporarily replace the metal jewelry with a non-metallic retainer. These retainers are made from materials like PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Bioplast, Bioflex, or glass.
These materials are non-conductive and non-magnetic, thus eliminating the risks of heating, movement, and image distortion, making them acceptable for the MRI environment. Patients with stuck or difficult-to-remove jewelry should consider consulting a professional piercer before the appointment, as they have the specialized tools and expertise to safely swap the metal piece for a temporary retainer.
Patients must communicate with the MRI technician and the referring physician about any non-removable piercing before the appointment date. The facility may require a signed waiver or implement safeguards, such as applying tape to stabilize the jewelry or using gauze to insulate it from the skin to mitigate potential heating. If the material is unknown or the risk is assessed as too high, especially for head or neck scans, the radiology team may postpone the scan until the jewelry is safely removed or replaced.