Penile Implant

Penile implant surgery is carried out as a day-case procedure in our Men’s Health centre using a local anaesthetic injection or sedation. The exact procedure differs slightly depending on the type of implant. 

For inflatable implants:

1. A small incision is made either just above the penis (infra-pubic) or between the penis and scrotum (peno-scrotal).

2. 2 inflatable cylinders are placed inside the erectile chambers of the penis.

3. A small pump is placed in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir is positioned in the lower abdomen.

4. All parts are connected internally, usually through the same incision.

5. The wound is closed, and a dressing is applied.

For malleable implants: 

1. A small incision is made either just above the penis (infra-pubic) or between the penis and scrotum (peno-scrotal).

2. 2 malleable rods are placed inside the erectile chambers of the penis.

3. The wound is closed, and a dressing is applied.

The operation to insert inflatable implants is slightly more complex than the procedure for malleable implants, but both surgeries are usually completed within about an hour. Once your operation is finished, you’ll be able to rest in a private, comfortable area, supported by our dedicated nursing team until you feel ready to go home.

Before you leave, your urologist will explain how to manage your recovery safely at home, including how to reduce discomfort and look after your incision. They’ll also arrange follow-up appointments to check your healing and teach you how to use the device confidently and correctly.

Penile implants are widely used and considered safe, but all surgical procedures carry some risks. Your consultant will explain these in detail and answer any questions you may have. Complications are not common, and most men have successful outcomes.

Possible risks include:

• infection 

• bleeding or bruising

• pain or swelling

• device malfunction (rare, but may require further surgery)

• scarring

Long-term erectile dysfunction may mean that you have a slightly reduced penile length after surgery compared with what you remember, although this varies between individuals.

Before your operation, your consultant will review your medical history and current medications and provide personalised advice on how to prepare. 

Preparation may include: 

• stopping or adjusting certain medications, particularly blood thinners

• arranging for someone to accompany you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself 

On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, as the area may feel tender afterwards.

The genital area is numbed during the procedure, and this usually keeps discomfort to a minimum for the rest of the day. Once the anaesthetic wears off, standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually all that’s needed to help you stay comfortable.

You may leave with a small drain tube to remove any fluid or blood from the surgical area. If a drain is used, it will be removed at your follow-up visit a few days later. You may notice some swelling or bruising during the first week, which is normal and gradually settles.

In the early stages of recovery, it’s important to take things gently. Light activities such as walking can be resumed when you feel ready, but you should avoid heavy lifting, cycling, gym workouts and other strenuous exercise until your consultant confirms it's safe. You should also avoid driving until you feel comfortable wearing a seat belt and can move freely without strong pain medication.

Your first check-up will take place within the first few weeks, and your urologist will make sure you’re healing well. If you have an inflatable implant, your consultant may cycle the device (inflate and deflate it). 

Around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, you’ll have a further appointment where you’ll be shown how to use the implant yourself. Once you’re fully healed and feel confident operating the device, your consultant will confirm when it’s safe to resume sexual activity.

Please contact our Men’s Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our urological surgeons and andrologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book penile implant surgery, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialis,t please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.