Penile implant recovery and before and after
Most men have a follow-up visit at about 2 weeks and can start using the implant and resume sex 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Here is what to expect at each stage, and what changes before and after an implant.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chirag Dave
At a glance
- Performed in a surgery center by a Coloplast Center of Excellence since 2016.
- Approaches: scrotal, infrapubic or subcoronal, with a modified no-touch technique.
- Follow-up visit at about 2 weeks.
- Implant use typically begins 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Before surgery
Review the penile implant checklist (PDF). Insurance prior authorization may affect the surgery date.
During surgery
Our surgeons are trained in all three approaches (scrotal, infrapubic and subcoronal) and use a modified no-touch technique. Careful measurements are taken at the start of surgery, and the implant size is chosen to match the length found on a penile stretch test.
Recovery
- First days: follow the post-op discharge instructions (PDF). A post-op care kit is available.
- About 2 weeks: follow-up visit (in person or by video for patients who travel).
- 4 to 6 weeks: most patients can begin using the implant and resume sexual activity. You will be shown how to inflate and deflate an inflatable implant.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks, including pain, reactions to anesthesia, repeat surgery because of infection, damage to surrounding tissue, and mechanical problems with the device. Some men notice a slight decrease in penile length.
Penile implant before and after: what changes
We do not show patient photos. Here is what men can expect, described in words.
| Before an implant | After recovery | |
|---|---|---|
| Erections | Unreliable or absent; may depend on pills or injections | Available when you choose, for as long as you choose |
| Planning | Timing medication or injections before sex | No medication timing |
| Appearance at rest | Your natural flaccid penis | Inflatable: relaxed and natural-looking. Malleable: firm, bent down against the body |
| Sensation and orgasm | Your current sensation and orgasm | Not changed by the implant |
| Natural erections | May still occur | Not expected, because the spongy erectile tissue is replaced by the implant |
| Length | Your current length | Implant erection may be shorter than your former natural erection |
| Visibility | None | Completely inside the body; small scars usually covered as hair grows back |
The goal of an implant is reliable function, not a change in size. Talk with your surgeon about realistic expectations and about length-preserving procedures.
Penile implant recovery timeline
- Day of surgery: the operation is performed under anesthesia; you go home with written discharge instructions.
- First week: soreness and swelling are expected. Rest, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid strenuous activity.
- About 2 weeks: follow-up visit to check healing, in person or by video for patients who travel.
- 4 to 6 weeks: most patients are cleared to use the implant and resume sexual activity.
Contact the office at 404-586-4570 if you have fever, increasing pain, redness or drainage.
Length-preserving procedures
Many men report that an implant erection is shorter than their former natural erection, and weight gain can bury part of the penis under skin. At the time of implant surgery, our surgeons may use one of four procedures to address apparent length:
- Ventral phalloplasty: releases the penoscrotal web to improve the perception of length.
- Augmentation corporoplasty: reshapes the tunica albuginea, the fibrous envelope of the penis; often used with Peyronie's disease.
- Suprapubic lipectomy: removes fat above the pubic bone, with release of the suspensory ligament.
- Suspensory ligament release: lets the penis sit in a lower position for a perceived gain in length.
Penile implant recovery questions
How long is recovery after penile implant surgery?
Most men are back to light daily activity within days, have a follow-up visit at about 2 weeks, and can resume sexual activity 4 to 6 weeks after surgery once your surgeon has checked your healing. Your surgeon will tailor this to you.
How long after penile implant surgery can I use it?
Most patients can begin using the implant 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You will be shown how to inflate and deflate an inflatable implant before you start.
Is penile implant surgery painful?
Soreness and swelling are expected for the first days. Your surgeon will give you a plan for pain control and follow the post-op discharge instructions.
When can I go back to work?
It depends on your job. Desk work usually resumes sooner than heavy lifting or physical labor. Ask your surgeon at your consultation.
What does a penile implant look like after surgery?
The implant is completely inside the body. With an inflatable implant, the penis looks relaxed when deflated; small scars are usually covered as hair grows back.
Will my penis be shorter after an implant?
Many men report that an implant erection is shorter than their former natural erection, and some notice a slight decrease in length. Your surgeon may discuss length-preserving procedures at the time of surgery.
Related: cost and insurance · inflatable implant · malleable implant
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