Penile implant surgery is a procedure that can provide individuals with a penis to get an erection. Penile implants, also known as penile prosthetics, are devices placed inside the penis to allow you to get an erection.
If you are a transgender man interested in an erection, you most likely wonder which penile implant is right for you. It can be challenging to decide which option is best for you, and the information on the internet is often scarce. Nowadays there is a special penile implant as part of gender-affirming surgery. Dr Kanhai or Dr Glas will provide you with more information.
What to expect
Pre-operative:
- Bring a list of your questions and concerns to your pre-operative visits. It is essential to understand the expectation for recovery, based on your plan.
- You will need surgery referral letters from two qualified mental health professionals.
- You will be given guidelines on eating, drinking and adjusting current medications before the surgery can take place.
- Smoking is a relative contra-indication to subcutaneous mastectomy. Because of the increased risk of infection i.a., you are advised to stop smoking as soon as possible.
- After you have discussed which surgery technique is best for you, Dr Kanhai will draw up a plan for the operation.
- The anaesthesiologist will provide information on the anaesthesia, and doctor Kanhai about the type of the operation, and the follow-up procedures that might be necessary.
- Dr Kanhai will also ask about any risk factors for blood clotting issues (past deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), bleeding problems (like haemophilia), or family/personal history of issues with anaesthesia.
- You will undergo a physical examination to ensure readiness for the operation.
Peri-operative:
- We will give you general anaesthesia through a vein in your arm. You will be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel any pain during surgery. Penile implant surgery usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.
- A tube (catheter) will be inserted into your bladder via your penis, to collect urine during surgery.
- Dr Kanhai or Dr Glas will make an incision at the base of the penis and in the lower abdomen area.
- He will stretch the penis and create a cavity, in which the implant can be placed.
- Dr Kanhai or Dr Glas will choose the correct size implant and place the implant cylinders inside your penis. All implants are customised to your body measurements.
- Once the device is in place, Dr Kanhai or Dr Glas will sew the incisions closed.
Post-operative:
- You will likely feel soreness and discomfort for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. After 3 weeks, most of the soreness should be gone.
- Complications after penile implant surgery can happen. Symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea or vomiting. Contact us if you experience any complications.
- You should also contact us if you feel your soreness is not getting better, if it is getting worse or if you see redness around the incision.
- You should limit your strenuous activities and avoid heavy lifting for the first six weeks after surgery.
- Your body may need up to a year to recover fully from the surgery and to adjust to the device. Minor instances of discomfort, such as twinges of pain or some soreness when you inflate the device, are a normal part of that process.
