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I've read many posts regarding airport security screenings with implant BUT I still have questions.

Some guys talk about cards they bring to the airport with them to show TSA. Where do I get these cards?

Has anyone made an excuse to the TSA as to why the alarm is going off?

Any horror stories?

How long does the process take once TSA has to pat you down?

Any other information is greatly appreciated.

THANKS! Vagabond127

Hi vagabond, I actually haven't heard about the implant setting off TSA screenings.

By the way, what was your length and girth before the implant, if you don't mind my asking? Did you gain/lose size?

Hey wolfpacker-I was 6 inches length and 4.25 inches girth before surgery. I am still 6 inches length and 4.5 girth. BUT I had stopped aggressively cycling for awhile and just started cycling again. I have high hopes for more girth.

Wow, still you must be thrilled to gain 0.25 of girth so far. That's awesome. Hope my implant result is as good as yours when I get it done.

Did you get yours yet? Feel free to PM me if you want.

hey just flew twice, once fla to ky then cinna oh to fla. 3 airports and had no problems. I've got a pacemaker so I go thru the image scanner. I've had my implant since 2016. Flown many times. Only problem I've had is forgetting to get everything out of my pockets

Beachbum-was it the old metal detectors or new ones?

Vagabond127 wrote:I've read many posts regarding airport security screenings with implant BUT I still have questions.

Some guys talk about cards they bring to the airport with them to show TSA. Where do I get these cards?

Has anyone made an excuse to the TSA as to why the alarm is going off?

Any horror stories?

How long does the process take once TSA has to pat you down?

Any other information is greatly appreciated.

THANKS! Vagabond127

My advice is focused on attitude.

I have been patted down even before my implant. Don't know why. Don't care, really.

If I did set of an alarm, I just consider that it is their alarm and they should deal with it. If it threatens to delay my flight/connection, ask for a supervisor and explain that I have a medical implant and if he wants to know more, a private screening would be appropriate. On the other hand, I really don't care if my fellow passengers suspect or know.


Tig Notaro (comedienne who has had a double mastectomy without reconstruction and also has short hair) has, as part of one of her routines, the story of one trip through TSA. Tig made quite a funny segment on her stand-up routine out of it.

The agents were unable to figure out if she was male or female. So, she was eventually patted down by both male and female agents (including the front of her pants) who finally got a supervisor involved. Tig never gave them a clue and they were apparently too embarrassed to ask. Her story of their confusion and consternation is hilarious (Be warned, Notaro's humor is a bit different than most can appreciate).

The point of the story is that you should maintain your sense of humor and also realize that theirs is just a job. If you can do something to lighten their day, so be it.

I believe the implant shows up on the body scanner, but does not have enough metal to set of the metal-detecting wand or trouble an MRI machine. But ALWAYS tell the imaging staff in any medical facility, for sure.

There is very little metal in an IPP, there shouldn't be an issue. I would think there is less metal in the implant then the zipper in your pants.

Lost Sheep wrote:
I believe the implant shows up on the body scanner, but does not have enough metal to set of the metal-detecting wand or trouble an MRI machine. But ALWAYS tell the imaging staff in any medical facility, for sure.

You are right LS. I asked the same question to my doctor. He it too tiny to trigger the alarm.