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Permanent cosmetics interfere with MRI?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from GnuMonia: I have been told that permanent cosmetics, i.e. eyeliner and eyebrows, will interfere with a future MRI. Is this true?
Answer —Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S.: There are iron oxide-based products or pigmentations that are more likely to have a reaction or reactivity to MRI. The response comes from the mercury or the chemicals in the iron, and it can leave a rather strong stain in the eyeliner and brow area. So this is a consideration. If your doctor approves this procedure, the nurse will provide this service, and they will try to find you the pigment that has less of these iron oxide-based products. There are some doctors that will agree and say it's all right; it's a minimal response in comparison to what they are looking for in an MRI. There are others who will say to avoid it completely. It's really between the patient and the physician. In my experience, plastic surgeons have said, "Okay, we will do it."

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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