Are breast implants visible in a chest X-ray?

Question

Hello, I have Mentor silicone implants put in 3 months ago. Now, I have to have a chest x-ray for a visa where they need to see my lungs for TB and my heart. Are these visible with my implants? I've had an x-ray before my surgery but as soon as I arrive at the foreign country they will need to take one more so I cannot conceal the fact that I've had a breast augmentation. Looking forard for your answers.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Millions of women have implants and also have X-rays of their chests, so this is noting new to medical professionals, who should be the only individuals looking at your films. You cannot conceal the fact that you have breast implants when a chest X-ray is taken, so don't worry about this. Go ahead and get the necessary things done so you can travel, and realize that this is no big deal to those who will be examining your films.

	Relax and have safe travels.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiYes your implants will be visible on x-rays. They however should not interfere with your TB screening.I hope this helps.....

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Health first.  The implants will be visible on x-ray and can not be avoided.  Get a thorough exam this is more important.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implants will be visible on a chest x-ray but should not affect the results. There is no way to hide the implants when having x-rays.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, your breast implants will likely be visible on chest x-ray;  this finding is not going to make the national  newspaper headlines... 

	Best wishes.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

Both silicone and saline breast implants can be seen on a chest x-ray.  This should not, however, conceal sings of TB or affect any health screening.

	Best of luck.

John Whitt, MD (retired) · Answer

Both silicone and saline implants are visible on all chest x-rays. The implants will obscure some of the chest cavity on the anterior view, but with a lateral view (which is standard in chest x-rays) the radiologist should be able to get a good view of your heart and rule out TB.

Are breast implants visible in a chest X-ray?

Answers (7)