If I cannot remove my jewelry (recent piercing, stuck jewelry, microdermal...)
Plan A: visit your piercer
This is the cleanest option: appropriate tools, controlled technique, and quick replacement with suitable jewelry if necessary. This is particularly important if the piercing is recent (the channel can close quickly).
Plan B: a non-metallic retainer (if authorized)
Retainer: a discreet temporary piece of jewelry, designed to keep the piercing channel open for a short period (e.g., for a medical exam), without aiming for an aesthetic result.
Depending on the medical context and the area concerned, a retainer can be offered in plastic (often made of PTFE/bioplast type materials depending on the model) to limit the presence of metal. Please note: this is not an "automatic authorization" — the medical department decides if this is suitable for your exam or procedure.
Plan C: a temporary retention solution in case of emergency (to be approved)
If you are facing an urgent situation (exam on the same day, stuck jewelry, very recent piercing), the goal is to avoid forcing and traumatizing the area. There are temporary solutions to maintain the opening (e.g., "spacer"), but this should not be improvised: it is better to seek advice from a piercing professional and notify the department.
Special case: microdermal / surface anchor
A microdermal is not "simple" jewelry to remove like a labret. Depending on the situation, removal may be impossible on-site or require a specific procedure. Another reason to anticipate and discuss it with the department before the appointment.
FAQ — MRI / X-ray / Surgery and titanium piercing
MRI: my piercing is titanium, do I have to remove it?
Often, yes, because many centers apply a "remove all jewelry" protocol. Even if quality titanium is often non-ferromagnetic, the decision depends on the area examined and the department's rules.
If the MRI is on the knee, do I have to remove my ear piercings?
Sometimes no... but don't assume. Some centers ask to remove all jewelry as a matter of safety principle. The safest thing is to call or follow the instructions you receive.
CT scan / X-ray: is it dangerous to keep a piercing?
Most often, the problem is mainly the image: if the jewelry is in the area, it can hinder reading and require re-takes. Outside the area, it can sometimes remain.
Surgery: why am I asked to remove it even if it's far from the operated area?
Because the operating room operates with safety protocols (electrocautery, devices, sterile fields, unexpected events). To avoid any risk and inconvenience, removal is often systematically requested.
My piercing is recent: how long before it closes?
It's impossible to give a universal timeframe: some areas close quickly, others less so. If you need to remove it, anticipate with your piercer to avoid losing the channel.
Microdermal: what do I do?
Notify the department in advance. Removal is not as simple as a classic threaded piece of jewelry. Depending on the exam and the area, the team will tell you what to do.
Conclusion
To avoid mistakes: don't look for a single rule like "titanium = OK." The correct method is exam + area + department protocol. And if you cannot remove your jewelry, anticipate (piercing professional, retention solution if appropriate) and notify the medical team before your appointment.
