Can I Safely Get An MRI If I Have Cheek Implants with Screws?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had cheek implant surgery with Dr Eppley many years ago, and I have a question if the Dr used any metal or screws in my face during the surgery to hold the implants in place. Im writing because im going to have a MRI Scan soon and i need to know if there was any metal, screws, or other matieral atached other then the implants? It would be very helpfull too know this.. Thanks alot for your help!

A: I can not recall the specifics of any surgery from 11 years ago. But since I always use screws for facial implant fixation I will assume that was done in your case. Such medical-grade facial screws since 1991 have been composed of titanium, a non-ferromagnetic metal, they are perfectly safe for undergoing MRIs.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon