Cosmetic Procedures With a Cochlear Implant: What You Need to Know

In this guide, we’ll explain what to keep in mind when it comes to cosmetic procedures and how to make sure your cochlear implant (CI) stays safe before, during, and after the treatment.

Procedures That Are Generally Safe With Precautions

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are generally safe, especially when performed on the part of the face away from the cochlear implant. However, deep peels or those involving heat or electrical stimulation should be avoided near the CI. Inform your aesthetician so they can adjust the treatment to your needs.

Dermapen/Microneedling

Standard mechanical microneedling does not pose a direct risk to your cochlear implant. But some advanced microneedling devices use radiofrequency (RF) energy through the needles. RF microneedling must not be used near the implant site. If you choose microneedling, use mechanical (non-RF) microneedling only, and always keep treatment away from the implant area.

Botox and Fillers

Botox injections are generally safe for CI users. Just make sure injections are kept well away from the implant site and avoid any energy-based devices (like electrical stimulation or radiofrequency treatments) during the session.

Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis

Removing hair with lasers is generally safe if you have a cochlear implant because it uses light energy. However, avoid treatment directly over the implant site to prevent heat damage to the skin covering the implant. As always, inform your technician so they can take the necessary precautions. You should also take off your audio processor.

Electrolysis has a higher risk as it uses electrical current to destroy hair follicles, and it is strictly forbidden to perform it near the implant site.

Tattoos and Tattoo Removal

Getting a tattoo is safe as long as it’s not done near the site of the cochlear implant. Tattoo removal, however, especially with lasers, is not recommended close to the implanted area due to the risk of heat and energy transfer. Always inform your technician about your CI before starting any tattoo-related procedure.

Wart Removal

Whether wart removal is safe with a CI depends on the method used.

• Diathermy should not be done near a cochlear implant. It can create electrical currents that might damage the implant or harm the surrounding tissue.
• Other methods, such as cryotherapy or topical treatments may be safer alternatives.

Procedures That Require Special Caution

Dental Treatments

Most routine dental treatments are safe with a cochlear implant, but it is critical to inform your dentist, dental hygienist, and oral surgeon that you have a CI, as safety depends entirely on the specific tools and type of work being performed.

• Routine Work: Procedures like standard fillings or extractions are generally considered safe and should not affect your cochlear implant.
• Procedures Requiring Caution: Special care must be taken with tools that use strong energy or vibrations:

1. Ultrasonic tooth cleaners (scalers) have specific restrictions; their use near the head and neck should be limited or avoided.
2. Electrosurgery (used for some soft-tissue work) also has strict limitations for CI users, like those in other surgeries.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery (e.g., LASIK) is generally safe for cochlear implant users as long as the external audio processor is removed before the procedure. This ensures that the laser does not interfere with the device. Always let your ophthalmologist know about your CI in advance.

In rare cases, a bleeding-control tool may be needed during surgery, but monopolar electrosurgery must not be used in people with CIs. The medical team can choose other safe methods instead, so make sure they know about your CI before the procedure.

Facelift and Other Face or Neck Surgeries

Although it is higher risk than other cosmetic surgeries, a facelift is possible with a cochlear implant, but specific precautions related to the surgical tools must be followed as the procedure involves the same anatomical region as the implant.

Always ensure your surgeon is fully aware of your CI location so they can plan the surgery accordingly, especially if they use electrosurgery.

Electrosurgery Restrictions (Non-Negotiable CI Safety):

• Monopolar electrosurgical instruments can’t be used in the head or neck region if you have a CI.
• Bipolar electrosurgical instruments need to stay at least 2 cm (1 inch) away from the implant.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty requires extra caution for CI users. Many rhinoplasty surgeries use electrocautery to control bleeding. Monopolar electrocautery is contraindicated for cochlear implant users and must not be performed in the head and neck region. If rhinoplasty is planned, we recommend telling your surgeon early and asking them to review CI medical safety procedures in advance so they can choose safe alternatives.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant does not pose a direct risk to your cochlear implant. Still, it’s important to tell your surgeon that you have a CI so they can follow CI-specific medical safety guidelines if any additional tools or techniques are needed. If you have the choice, it’s usually simpler to do a hair transplant before cochlear implantation.

Liposuction

Liposuction itself does not pose a direct risk to your cochlear implant. However, your surgical team must be informed about your CI and must not use suction, laser, ultrasound, or other energy-based tools on or near the implant area. For safety, procedures involving the head and neck region should be avoided whenever possible.

If Your Procedure Isn’t Listed Here

Cosmetic treatments evolve quickly, and new devices are introduced all the time. Even if a procedure isn’t mentioned in this article, you can still protect your implant by following the same steps:

• Tell the clinician you have a cochlear implant
• Avoid treatment directly over the implant site
• Remove your external processor
• Ask the clinician to check the CI medical procedures manual
• Contact your local MED-EL team if you need guidance

The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.