If you have a tattoo and need medical imaging, you may have heard conflicting information about whether tattoos are safe during an MRI. This question comes up often — especially for people with larger tattoos, older tattoos, or heavy black ink.
At American Tattoo Society, we take health and safety seriously. In this article, we’ll explain what actually happens during an MRI, whether tattoos pose a risk, and what you should tell medical professionals before your scan.
Can You Get an MRI If You Have a Tattoo? (Short Answer)
Short answer: Yes — most people with tattoos can safely get an MRI.
Modern tattoo inks are generally safe during MRI scans. However, in rare cases, certain tattoos — especially older ones — may cause mild discomfort or skin irritation during the procedure.
Why Tattoos Are Sometimes Mentioned in MRI Warnings
MRI machines use powerful magnetic fields. In the past, some tattoo inks contained trace metallic compounds, which raised concerns about:
- Skin heating
- Tingling sensations
- Mild irritation during scans
These issues are rare and usually associated with older tattoos, particularly those done decades ago or outside regulated environments.
What the Research and Medical Community Say
Medical studies and hospital guidelines indicate that:
- Most modern tattoo inks do not contain ferromagnetic metals
- Serious MRI-related tattoo injuries are extremely uncommon
- When reactions occur, they are typically mild and temporary
Hospitals still ask about tattoos out of caution — not because MRIs are unsafe for tattooed individuals.
What You Should Tell Your MRI Technician
Before your MRI, always inform the technician if you have:
- Large tattoos
- Tattoos covering a large surface area
- Older tattoos (especially from the 1980s–1990s)
- Cosmetic tattoos (like eyeliner or eyebrows)
This allows them to monitor you appropriately during the scan.
What Might You Feel During an MRI With Tattoos?
Most people feel nothing at all related to their tattoos.
In rare cases, some individuals report:
- Mild warmth
- Tingling
- Temporary irritation
If you feel discomfort, you should immediately alert the technician so the scan can be paused.
Are Certain Tattoos More Likely to Cause Issues?
Tattoos that may warrant extra caution include:
- Very old tattoos
- Dense black or dark ink tattoos
- Cosmetic tattoos done many years ago
- Tattoos done outside licensed studios
This does not mean they’re dangerous — only that awareness is important.
Tattoo Safety Standards at American Tattoo Society
At American Tattoo Society, we use modern, professional-grade inks that meet current industry safety standards. Our studios follow strict health regulations, and our artists stay informed on best practices — including long-term considerations like medical imaging compatibility.
Final Thoughts
If you have a tattoo, you can almost always safely undergo an MRI. While rare reactions are possible, they are uncommon and typically mild. The most important thing is transparency — always let medical professionals know about your tattoos before imaging.
If you have concerns about an existing tattoo or are planning a new one, a professional studio can help guide you responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tattoos heat up during an MRI?
In rare cases, mild warming has been reported, usually with older tattoos.
Do modern tattoo inks contain metal?
Most modern inks do not contain ferromagnetic metals that pose MRI risks.
Should I avoid getting tattoos if I may need MRIs in the future?
No. Tattoos generally do not prevent safe MRI imaging.