Flying with tissue expanders

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Kariapril19
Kariapril19 Member Posts: 3
edited July 2018 in Breast Reconstruction

I am flying in a few weeks and have not flown since before my cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment. I had tissue expanders put in and have not yet done the "swap" surgery. This may seem like a silly question, but has anyone had any issue with security and their tissue expanders since they have metal in them? Thanks!

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  • momtomygirls
    momtomygirls Member Posts: 119
    edited June 2011

    I flew in February and had no problem.  I was terrified that I would be searched and have to explain everything but nothing was said.  Also, my PS gave me a card that said I had a TE with a metal port.

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  • TifJ
    TifJ Member Posts: 1,568
    edited June 2011

    I flew a couple weeks ago and did not set off the metal detectors, nor was I patted down. I was very relieved! Hope you have no problems!

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  • Paula1231
    Paula1231 Member Posts: 456
    edited June 2011

    I flew with the TE and did not set off any alarms.  I was patted down tho..no issues there either.

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  • shortlady
    shortlady Member Posts: 78
    edited June 2011

    I did not fly with my TE's, but I had to go thru metal detectors at other locations.  I had a note from my plastic surgeon.  I had to be taken to another room where they used a wand on me and then I had to show them my bra.  They were very nice about it.  

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  • tembo
    tembo Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2011

    Not a silly question! I worried about the same thing. I flew with expanders in February and being only 5 weeks from my BMX I was fearful I would set off the metal detectors or the new scanners and have to be patted down.  I had no problems either with the scans or the metal detectors.

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  • greytcruise
    greytcruise Member Posts: 105
    edited July 2011

    I flew twice, November and February, not a problem, but I was nervous, especially because in Miami and Ft Lauderdale were sure we would go through body scanner and didn't.  I didn't even feel the fluid move at take off, thought I might.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2011

    I also flew once with the expanders about 3 years ago. A previous poster suggested a letter from your doc - a good idea.  I'm on oxygen - a special tiny machine that converts oxygen from room air.  It's supposed to be approved for flying but I also take a note from the doc to be on the safe side.  With TSA, you never know.

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  • Kariapril19
    Kariapril19 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2011

    Thank you all! I just got back home from Chicago to California and had body scanners at both airports, but all went well. Norhing went off and no other security measures were necessary Did not enjoy that lymphadema sleeve (gauntlet) but no swelling so I guess it worked.

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  • jyg
    jyg Member Posts: 198
    edited July 2011

    Take a note from your doc. Scanners are set to various sensitivities. If I get patted down on our trip to Hawaii, the TSA agent will have a shock with my rock hard TE's and extra breast tissue awaiting final surgery!

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  • MoMos_MaMa
    MoMos_MaMa Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2013

    I'm flying out of bush international in Houston today and I'm worried about having to be strip searched. Glad to know it wasn't a problem for most. Feeling a little less nervous. Thanks guys!

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  • Rose_d
    Rose_d Member Posts: 144
    edited May 2013

    When I flew last year after my BMX with the TEs I choose not to go through the scanners (I sort of assumed I would set them off).  I told them I had a letter and they had me do a pat down by a woman TSA agent.  She was very kind, asked where I had pain and was careful. It was all done out in the open (which freaked my kids out a bit), no need to take any clothes off!

    Now, I go through the regular scanner but opt out of the big new ones (I had radiation and am just worried there isn't enough research on the effects of those machines).  So when that's the only option I ask for a pat down.  Have always had a perfectly good experience with the TSA folks. I do tell them that I have implants following breast cancer treatment.

    Good luck!

    Rose

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  • fd1
    fd1 Member Posts: 239
    edited May 2013

    I was nervous about this but had no problem.  I brought my card with me to show them if needed.  The thing that I was really worried about was the clips in the wig.  It wasn't logical, since regular hair clips don't set it off, but just in case anybody else is worried, it's fine!  :)

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  • Houston2016
    Houston2016 Member Posts: 317
    edited July 2018

    I had radiation too, last time was 01/31/17. I'm planning to fly in August, still have TE in my left breast. If I don't want to go through the scanner is it an option to ask for a pat down? Thanks.

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