Episode 10 - Metal Detectors and Security Scanners After Hip Replacement

July 11, 2025

Hip replacement and metal detectors: what really happens at TSA, airports, and security checkpoints after hip replacement surgery.

Hip replacement metal detectors, TSA screening after hip replacement, airport security with hip replacement, and security scanners after joint replacement—these are some of the most common and anxiety-provoking questions people have after hip replacement surgery.

In this episode of The Hip Replacement Podcast, host Chris Bystriansky, a double hip replacement patient more than 10 and 12 years post-surgery, breaks down exactly what happens when you go through metal detectors, TSA security, airport body scanners, and other security checkpoints after hip replacement surgery.

Many people worry:

Will my hip replacement set off metal detectors?
Will TSA stop me or pull me aside?
Do I need a medical card or documentation?
Will everyone know I’ve had a hip replacement?
Is traveling after hip replacement embarrassing or stressful?

Chris answers all of these questions honestly—based on real-world experience, not theory. After dozens of flights, amusement parks, hospitals, and government buildings, he explains how security screening actually works for people with metal hip implants and why it’s far less stressful than most people fear.

This episode covers:

The three main types of security scanners (walk-through metal detectors, handheld wands, and full-body scanners)
What happens at TSA airport security after hip replacement
Whether metal hip implants usually trigger alarms
How to handle pat-downs calmly and discreetly
What to say (and what not to say) to security officers
How anxiety and embarrassment fade with experience
Why most security staff treat hip replacements as routine

Chris also shares the mental side of recovery—how early embarrassment around hip replacement can limit travel and freedom, and how reclaiming confidence is part of truly returning to life after surgery.

If you’re preparing for air travel after hip replacement, worried about metal detectors, or simply want peace of mind before your next trip, this episode will help you walk into security checkpoints informed, confident, and calm.

This podcast is for:

Hip replacement patients
Joint replacement patients
Caregivers and spouses
Anyone anxious about TSA or security after surgery

Life after hip replacement doesn’t stop at the airport gate—and it shouldn’t stop you from traveling, exploring, or living fully.

New hips. New you. Let’s go.

Thanks for joining THE HIP REPLACEMENT PODCAST.

-Chris

LINKS & RESOURCES

Download my Top 12 Tips for Hip Replacement Patients here

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Episode Transcript

Welcome to The Hip Replacement Podcast, where recovery meets motivation and healing leads to a whole new lifestyle.

I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m an author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient. I’ve been through the surgeries, the setbacks, and the comebacks, and I’m here to help you do the same.

Each week, I bring you tips, tools, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you take back your life one step at a time. Thanks for joining The Hip Replacement Podcast.
New hips, new you. Let’s go.
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Welcome back to The Hip Replacement Podcast. I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m more than 10 years out from one hip replacement and more than 12 years out from the other, and I’m here to share my experiences with you. Thank you for being here.

Today, we’re going to talk about metal detectors — and not the kind people use on the beach to look for lost coins or jewelry. I’m talking about security metal detectors and scanners, like the ones you encounter at airports, government buildings, hospitals, and amusement parks.

After hip replacement surgery, we have metal in our bodies. Early on, this created a lot of anxiety and embarrassment for me. For the first couple of years after surgery, I actually avoided situations where I thought I’d have to go through security checkpoints. Eventually, I had no choice — and over time, it became a complete non-issue.
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There are generally three types of security scanners you’ll encounter:

First, there’s the handheld wand, which security officers use to scan specific areas of your body.

Second, there’s the walk-through metal detector, where you simply walk through an archway.

Third, there’s the full-body scanner, where you stand still with your arms raised while the machine scans you from front and back. This scanner looks for both metal and non-metal objects.

You’ll see these scanners in airports, government buildings, hospitals, amusement parks, and increasingly in other public spaces. They’re just part of everyday life now.
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Before surgery, walking through security was never a concern. After surgery, it suddenly felt like a big deal — mostly in my own head. I worried about being embarrassed or drawing attention to myself.

At first, I would quietly whisper to the TSA officer, “I’ve had my hips replaced.” I’d launch into an explanation, trying to avoid setting off alarms.

The truth? They didn’t care — not in a disrespectful way, but because this is completely normal to them.

They would simply direct me to a pat-down or scanner, and that was it.
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In the beginning, I felt self-conscious during pat-downs. I’d stand there with my arms out while people walked past, and I didn’t love the attention.

After five or ten trips, something shifted. I realized this was just part of the process. I stopped caring — and eventually, I even started to find humor in it.

I encountered three types of security officers:
• Friendly and chatty
• Professional and efficient
• Clearly annoyed to be doing pat-downs

Oddly enough, I started enjoying the interaction. I embraced it.
Eventually, instead of explaining my medical history, I simplified everything. I’d walk up and say:

“I’ve got metal.”
That was it.
They didn’t ask where or why. They didn’t need details.
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I also had the option of going through the full-body scanner. Early on, I preferred pat-downs.

Later — especially after COVID — I switched to the scanner to avoid close contact.

Both options worked fine.

Most of the time, the body scanner didn’t trigger anything at all. Occasionally, they used a wand afterward, but it was quick and painless.
More recently, I’ve gone back to pat-downs simply because I don’t mind them.

The key point is this:
Going through security is no longer stressful or embarrassing.
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Outside of airports — at amusement parks, hospitals, or government buildings — the experience is even simpler. Nine times out of ten, the walk-through detector doesn’t go off at all.

If it does, I mention I have metal, they use a wand, and I’m on my way.
No drama. No explanations. No issues.
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Early on, my anxiety came from embarrassment — not from the actual process. Today, I don’t even think about it.

If you’re worried about metal detectors after hip replacement surgery, here’s the bottom line:
• You usually won’t set off alarms
• If you do, it’s routine for security
• You don’t owe anyone an explanation
• A simple “I have metal” is enough

Be polite, answer questions if asked, and you’ll breeze through security.
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I hope this helps ease any anxiety you may have about traveling or entering secured buildings after hip replacement surgery.

Thanks so much for joining The Hip Replacement Podcast. Until next time, I wish you the best recovery possible. Take care.

Episode 10 - Metal Detectors and Security Scanners After Hip Replacement

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