Tattoos and MRI

Of course you can get an MRI if you have a tattoo. MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's a big magnet. Occasionally, especially with Jewelry, or implants, the magnetic waves from the MRI will bounce off of metal objects. You should always remove jewelry before getting an MRI. When the waves bounce off of certain metals, especially Ferrous (containing Iron), they cause the metal to move and possibly heat up.

There is generally a very low, if any, level of Iron in any tattoo pigment. Some people have reported a slight burning sensation, and others have noted tightness where the tattoo is. I have not found any substantiated reports of bad imaging, severe pain, or permanent damage. If I do, I will update. Surprisingly, the one customer I have had reports of tightness during an MRI scan was affected by his black tribal armband, rather than his brown eagle.

I have mentioned that Iron Oxide is present in most commercial permanent cosmetic pigments. Permanent cosmetics are usually not dense enough to cause these effects.