A method and system for fabricating a magnetic transducer is described. A magnetic junction is defined from the magnetoresistive stack. The magnetic junction has a top and a plurality of sides. The step of defining the magnetic junction redeposits a portion of the magnetoresistive stack and forms fencing adjacent to the top of the magnetic junction. At least one hard bias structure is provided after the magnetic junction is defined. A first portion of the at least one hard bias structure is substantially adjacent to the magnetoresistive junction in a track-width direction. The magnetic junction is ion beam planarized, thereby substantially removing the fencing.