A method of forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) containing device is provided in which a patterned sacrificial material is present atop a MTJ pillar that is located on a bottom electrode. A passivation material liner and a dielectric material portion laterally surround the MTJ pillar and the patterned sacrificial material. The patterned sacrificial material is removed from above the MTJ pillar and replaced with a top electrode. A seam is present in the top electrode. The method mitigates the possibility of depositing resputtered conductive metal particles on a sidewall of the MTJ pillar. Thus, improved device performance, in terms of a reduction in failure mode, can be obtained.