How to optimize penis length after penile implant surgery? I am Dr. Sébastien Beley , a urologist and andrologist based in Paris, and today I want to talk to you about a crucial topic for men facing erectile dysfunction who are considering penile implant surgery: how to optimize penis length after the procedure. Penile implant placement is an effective therapeutic solution for restoring erectile function when drug treatments or other options have failed. However, many men are concerned about the impact of this surgery on the size and appearance of their penis.
In this article, I will explain in detail the various medical, physical, and organizational strategies that can help you preserve, or even improve, penis length when a penile implant is fitted . I will also give you practical advice to avoid post-operative complications and disappointments, so that you can approach this stage with serenity and confidence.
Why might penis length decrease before or after implant placement?
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with an alteration in the structure of the corpora cavernosa, the two columns of erectile tissue in the penis. These tissues can suffer from a number of pathological phenomena that lead to a reduction in penis size, including:
- Shortening of smooth muscle fibers: lack of oxygen to the corpora cavernosa causes muscle fibers to contract and lose elasticity, reducing the overall size of the penis.
- Scar tissue formation (fibrosis): Certain diseases, such as Peyronie’s disease, or infections, can lead to the formation of rigid scar tissue that limits elasticity and causes deformation and reduction of penile volume.
- Decline in vascularity: Poor blood circulation in the corpora cavernosa accentuates loss of volume and length.
These alterations are not only a consequence of erectile dysfunction, but can also be aggravated by a delay in surgical management. Indeed, the longer you wait before placing an implant, the greater the risk that the penis will undergo irreversible shortening. This can lead to a situation where the size of the penis after implant placement is significantly smaller than it would have been if the operation had been carried out earlier.
The three pillars for optimizing penis length before surgery
To improve the results of surgery, it is essential to act upstream. Three types of strategy can be implemented:
- Drug treatments
- Physical preparation methods
- A judicious organization of the operating schedule
1. Drug treatments: preserving tissue vascularization and flexibility
Before a penile implant is inserted, it’s advisable to continue using all available medical treatments, even if these don’t provide a complete or satisfactory erection. These treatments may include:
- Tablets such as Viagra (sildenafil) , Cialis (tadalafil) or other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
- Intra-urethral gel (Vitaros) stimulates local blood circulation.
- Intracavernosal injections to promote dilation of the blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa.
These treatments aim to improve blood flow to the corpora cavernosa. By increasing oxygen supply and maintaining tissue elasticity, they combat fibrosis and muscle retraction. Thus, they preserve penile length while awaiting surgery.
It is important not to interrupt these treatments before surgery, even if they are only partially effective. Their role is preventive: they help maintain better tissue quality and facilitate the placement of an optimally sized implant.
2. Physical methods: stretching and softening penile tissue
In addition to drug treatments, physical methods play a key role in preparing for surgery. Their aim is to relax smooth muscle fibers, reduce fibrosis and increase the flexibility of the corpora cavernosa. Here are the main techniques recommended:
- Penile traction exercises : Using a traction device on the penis several times a day for about 30 minutes gently stretches the tissues. This practice promotes the reduction of scar tissue and can improve penis length and girth.
- Vacuum pump: By drawing blood into the corpora cavernosa, the vacuum pump helps to stretch tissues and stimulate blood circulation. Using the pump daily for half an hour or more can be very beneficial, especially for patients with significant fibrosis or deformities associated with Peyronie’s disease.
- Manual massage: For those unable to use a traction device, gentle, regular massage of the penis can help soften scar tissue and improve the mobility of muscle fibers.
These methods are particularly important for patients suffering from conditions such as :
- Peyronie’s disease: characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques that deform the penis and reduce its size.
- Poorly controlled diabetes: promotes fibrosis of penile tissue and poor vascularization.
- Infections or penile trauma: can damage tissues and lead to rigid scarring.
- Patients who have undergone radiotherapy in the pelvic region, particularly for prostate cancer, which causes hardening and atrophy of the corpora cavernosa.
3. Scheduling surgery: avoid unnecessary delays
One factor too often overlooked is the timing of surgery. It’s essential to avoid delaying penile implant surgery for too long, especially if medical treatments begin to lose their effectiveness or if
For patients with prostate cancer , planning is even more delicate. Indeed, some associated treatments, such as salvage radiotherapy or hormonal therapy, can worsen fibrosis and penile volume loss. Here are some tips:
- If you are about to undergo radiotherapy or hormonal treatment, discuss with your urologist the possibility of inserting the implant before these treatments.
- Limiting the duration of exposure to these treatments before surgery can preserve the penile structure and facilitate the fitting of a suitable implant.
- Do not wait until the erection disappears completely or until the penis has already lost a lot of length before seeking surgery.
In short, it’s best to anticipate and plan surgery at the right time, in consultation with your medical team, to maximize the chances of achieving a satisfactory result, both functionally and aesthetically.
The consequences of poor preparation and delayed surgery
When patients don’t follow these recommendations, they can end up with disappointing results after penile implant surgery. Here are the main consequences:
- Significant reduction in penis length and circumference: A shortened penis can be a source of frustration, negative body image and reduced self-confidence.
- Discomfort or difficulty during intercourse: Reduced size can interfere with sexual satisfaction and provoke derogatory remarks from your partner.
- Increased technical complexity during surgery: fibrosis and deformity make implant placement more difficult, sometimes necessitating smaller implants or more invasive surgical techniques.
- Increased risk of complications: Poor tissue quality can lead to a higher risk of infection, erosion or implant malfunction.
Unfortunately, these situations are a source of deep disappointment for patients. That’s why it’s vital to be proactive and to work closely with your urologist to optimize upstream preparation.
Practical advice for patients considering penile implant surgery
To help you make the most of your surgery, here is a list of practical recommendations:
- Continue your medical treatments even if you don’t feel a complete improvement. These drugs preserve vascularization and tissue suppleness.
- Use a vacuum pump or penile traction device regularly, especially if you suffer from fibrosis or Peyronie’s disease. Daily use of 30 minutes is recommended.
- Don’t delay consulting your urologist as soon as you feel that medical treatments are losing their effectiveness or that your penis is starting to shrink.
- Discuss the timing of your surgery, taking into account any associated treatments, particularly in the case of prostate cancer.
- Use gentle massages if you can’t use a traction device, to keep tissues supple.
- Find out about the different surgical techniques and implant options available so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
- Maintain good control of chronic diseases such as diabetes, which can influence the quality of penile tissue.
Conclusion: Take charge of your sexual health for optimal results
Penile implant surgery is an important step in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. While this procedure can restore erectile function, it does not automatically guarantee the preservation of penile length and girth. However, as we have seen, proper preparation, combining medical treatments, physical methods, and rigorous organization, can greatly improve the results.
It’s essential to take charge of your sexual health, not to delay surgery unnecessarily, and to follow your urologist’s advice to preserve the structure of your penis. In this way, you’ll optimize not only the functional success of the implant, but also your aesthetic satisfaction and self-confidence when you resume your intimate life.
Don’t hesitate to talk openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have, and to ask any questions you may have, so that you fully understand the issues at stake and the steps involved in your treatment. Clear communication and good preparation are the keys to a result that lives up to your expectations.
I also invite you to explore the resources available on male sexual health and regularly follow the advice of specialists to maintain your overall well-being.
To learn more about penile implants, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and other topics related to male sexual health, I encourage you to subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out the various educational content I offer. Together we can improve your intimate quality of life and restore your confidence.
