MRI Face – Examination of soft tissues, nerves and deep structures
MRI Face is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination with the aim of giving you a detailed image of the soft tissues of the face, muscles, salivary glands, nerve structures, temporomandibular joint and deeper tissues. Unlike an MRI sinus, which mainly focuses on the sinuses and nasal cavity, MRI Face focuses on the soft tissues of the face and anatomical structures outside the sinus system itself. The examination is carried out in the usual way without X-ray radiation.
MRI face is not very common in healthcare but is used for unclear swelling, lumps, facial pain, nerve involvement, suspected tumors or when you need to map changes in the salivary glands, temporomandibular joint or deeper tissues. The method is particularly valuable when you need high contrast resolution to assess soft tissues and distinguish between inflammation, cystic changes and tumor tissue.
MRI of the face can also be performed in the event of complications after aesthetic treatments such as fillers. The examination can map filler placement, identify migration, inflammation or granuloma formation and distinguish filler from other soft tissue changes. In the event of persistent swelling, lump or pain after injection treatment, MRI can be a valuable part of the investigation.
When is MRI of the Face recommended?
The examination is recommended for symptoms or findings that cannot be explained with simple imaging diagnostics, or when a more detailed assessment of the facial soft tissues and nerve structures is needed.
- Unexplained swelling or lump on the face.
- Suspected tumor in the salivary gland, soft tissue or deep facial tissue.
- Facial pain or suspected nerve involvement (e.g. trigeminal nerve).
- Investigation of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ problems).
- Inflammation, abscess or deep infection in the facial region.
- Follow-up of previously known change or after surgery.
- Aesthetic examination and/or treatment.
What can an MRI of the face show?
- Soft tissue changes in muscles, fatty tissue and connective tissue.
- Salivary glands (parotid, submandibular) and possible tumors or inflammation.
- Nerve structures and signs of nerve involvement.
- The discs of the temporomandibular joint, joint capsule and surrounding structures.
- Cysts, vascular malformations or deep infections.
- Relationship between changes and nearby structures prior to surgery.
The difference between MRI Face and MRI Sinus
MR Sinus focuses primarily on the sinuses, mucous membranes and nasal cavity in cases such as chronic sinusitis or polyps. MRI Face, on the other hand, focuses on soft tissue, salivary glands, nerve structures, temporomandibular joint and deeper tissues in the facial region. The choice of examination depends on your symptoms and the medical question - our doctors will help you determine the right method.
Dialogue with a doctor is always included
When booking an MRI Face, a consultation with one of our doctors is always included. We ensure a clear question, review your medical history and assess whether the examination is medically appropriate. In some cases, other imaging diagnostics may be recommended depending on the symptoms and clinical picture. If, for example, your symptoms instead indicate a sinus problem, we recommend MRI Sinus.
This is an important part of our medical quality assurance and helps ensure that you receive an accurate and relevant examination.
Book an MRI Face - safe and radiation-free examination
The examination is painless and usually takes 30–40 minutes. You lie comfortably in the magnetic resonance imaging camera while high-resolution images are taken of the area in question. No X-rays are used. The images are reviewed by a radiology specialist and you will receive a written medical report within a few days.
MRI cannot be performed if you have certain metal implants, pacemakers or other contraindications. A safety form is always filled out before the examination. Pregnant women before week 12 are only examined for special medical reasons. In cases of severely impaired kidney function (GFR
