Yes, piercings usually need to be removed before an MRI scan, mainly due to the risk of burns, image distortion, and the effects of the strong magnetic field. The metal can become hot or be attracted to the magnet. You could get burned.
Be prepared to remove all jewelry. Plastic/bioplastic jewelry is an option if you want to prevent the piercing from growing back, but it is best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
There are various factors that play a role in whether you have to remove your piercing jewelry when you are going to have a regular plain X-ray (also called a conventional X-ray). It mostly depends on which part of the body is being x-rayed whether you can or are allowed to keep your piercing jewelry in during the X-ray procedure. For example, if you are going to have an X-ray of your face or head, you will probably need to remove piercing jewelry that you have in your tongue, nose, lip, ears or other locations in the area. The reason is that the jewelry can interfere with suboptimal images and you risk having to redo the entire examination or take more images. However, if you are going to have an X-ray of your leg, for example, you can usually keep your piercings on other parts of the body. Always ask the staff what they want you to do BEFORE you have the X-ray. Plastic/bioplastic jewelry is an option if you want to prevent the piercing from growing back, but this should preferably be communicated with the healthcare staff.
Most piercing studios use titanium piercing jewelry (Ti6AL-4V, ASTM F136). It is the same high quality used in Swedish healthcare, but many doctors still want you to remove the jewelry even if it is titanium. You should always listen to your doctor or nurse's advice as they always know what is best in your particular situation.
Yes, you usually need to remove all your piercing jewelry (especially metal ones) before surgery. This is a safety measure to avoid complications.
Risk of burns: During surgery, electrical equipment (diathermy/cauterization) is sometimes used to stop bleeding. Metal jewelry can conduct electricity and cause burns to the skin.Hygiene and bacteria: Jewelry can collect bacteria, which increases the risk of infection in the surgical wound.Safety and swelling: If you swell after surgery, jewelry can be difficult to remove, and there is a theoretical risk that it will come loose.
Plastic/Bioplastic: If you absolutely cannot remove a piercing, in some cases you can change to a plastic/bioplastic jewelry (retainer) that does not conduct electricity, but this must be approved by the surgical staff.Always consult the staff about what they want you to do BEFORE you have surgery. Plastic/bioplastic jewelry may be an option if you want to prevent the piercing from growing back, but this should preferably be communicated with the healthcare professional.