You may be concerned about travelling with your breast prosthesis. It’s safe to wear or carry a prosthesis on an aeroplane – the change in altitude and air pressure doesn’t affect the prosthesis.
Most international airports have full-body scanners, which will detect the prosthesis. Airport security staff may organise another imaging scan or a pat down to confirm that the prosthesis isn’t a threat. They should not ask you to lift your clothing or remove the prosthesis.
How to travel with a prosthesis
- Let the airport security officer know that you are wearing a prosthesis, if you feel comfortable to do so.
- Ask your doctor or breast surgeon for a letter stating that you have a prosthesis and are wearing or carrying it with you.
- Request to be screened in a private area and by a female security officer.
- The security screening officer should never touch the prosthesis you are wearing.
- If you think you haven’t been treated with dignity or respect, let the screening supervisor know. You can also complain in writing to airport management.
- Pack your prosthesis or mastectomy bra in your carry-on bag if you don’t want to wear it.
- The rules about liquids, gels and aerosols don’t apply to silicone or gel-filled breast prostheses.
- Visit the Australian government’s TravelSECURE for more information about travelling with a prosthesis.
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A/Prof Elisabeth Elder, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Dragana Ceprnja, Senior Physiotherapist and Health Professional Educator, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jan Davies, Consumer; Rosemerry Hodgkin, Consumer; Gillian Horton, Owner and Director, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, ACT; Ashleigh Mondolo, Clinical Nurse Consultant Breast Care Nurse, Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane, QLD; Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Moira Waters, Breast Care Nurse, Breast Cancer Care WA; Sharon Woolridge, Consumer; Rebecca Yeoh, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
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