FrankTalk.org

Just curious, there's a lot here about penis shrinkage post-infection. If someone has an implant that malfunctions and needs a revision how long can they leave it or wait before there's permanent shrinkage? and is the shrinkage permanent or does the skin stretch out again? I find it hard to see how if one were unable to get a revision (for affordability or whatever reason) within the next two or three months that would mean immediate and permanent loss of penis size, but maybe that is indeed the case.

That is an interesting point. I would think that regular use of a VED during the intervening period would hopefully keep the shrinkage minimized.

A lot of guys here use VED's after prostate surgery for that very reason. No reason it couldn't also be used in the event of an IPP failure.

I think most men fail to understand how the shrinkage occurs. First, infection sets in so the old implant has to come out. Normally a malleable is installed as a place holder. This is an attempt to limit the shrinkage. The infection causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue tries to shrink. Also it gets tough, thus stretching doesn't work very well. Its a never ending battle to cure the infection before the scar buildup gets out of hand.

cwatt1, that makes sense. So it's infection which causes scar tissue, which does not stretch, that is responsible for shrinkage. So assuming no infection but simply device malfunction, there is no shrinkage?

I'm asking because I know I'll need revisions in future, but just not sure how urgent it is to get them done immediately after a malfunction.

I know everyone says on average they last 7+ years etc., but I've had lots of problems with my initial implant so wouldn't be surprised (really hope not) for a shorter survival time for mine. Trying to work it out now so I'm not panicked about it when it malfunctions or fails in future and I need a replacement.

I asked the coloplast rep. If not infected and device malfunctioned there's no urgency to get a revision (from a length loss perspective). Obviously don't want to leave it for many years (but no circumstances in which that would be acceptable from lifestyle perspective either). But the point is infection is the issue and where length loss can occur and urgent revision necessary. If you're implant broke and you need a revision, it's not the end of the world if you need to wait a few months to save up or travel to a different country.