FrankTalk.org

Hi everyone,

I'm preparing for an implant surgery and need to decide on both the surgeon and the implant model. My choices for surgeons are Dr. Eid and Dr. Clavell, and for implants, I'm considering either the AMS CX or the Titan with the Classic Pump.

I've spent a lot of time reading on this forum and have consulted with both surgeons. I'd like to share my measurements, their advice, my concerns, and ultimately seek input from the community on what you think.

My Measurements:
Flaccid, my penis measures 4 inches in girth and between 3.5 and 4.5 inches in length, making it relatively thin. Both Dr. Clavell and Dr. Eid pointed this out. When erect, my girth is 4.5 inches and my length (bone-pressed) is 6.5 inches.

Surgeons' Recommendations:
Both Dr. Eid and Dr. Clavell agree that, given my girth, I’m a good candidate for the AMS implant. I’ve had concerns about the Titan after reading various accounts of discomfort in the flaccid state (e.g., "dog ears"), but Dr. Clavell advised me to take those experiences with a grain of salt. He explained that online forums like FT tend to highlight negative experiences, as people with positive outcomes are often out living their lives. That perspective makes sense to me. Dr. Clavell mentioned he’s only had one patient so uncomfortable with the Titan that they requested a replacement. He believes the concerns are likely overstated, and that I probably wouldn’t have significant issues with the Titan. However, he also noted that I’m still a good candidate for AMS and left the final choice up to me.

Dr. Eid, on the other hand, favors the Titan Classic but said he could order the AMS CX for me, either with the MS Pump or the new Tenacio Pump. He cautioned that the Titan’s thicker cylinders could compress my penile tissues over time, leading to distension of my tunica albuginea (the fibrous tissue around the penis). This could reduce blood flow and possibly cause weaker erections in the future. Dr. Clavell, however, downplayed this concern, noting that tissue compression would only occur during inflation, and any distension could be repaired if necessary. Dr. Eid also mentioned that the Titan Classic’s pump has a squeak, which could be a problem for keeping it discreet, which is a significant concern for me.

Concern - Scar Capsule Formation:
One major consideration for me is the formation of the scar capsule around the implant, as this will define my size for future implants. I didn't really see this as a significant concern until I spoke to Dr. Clavell. Apparently with the AMS, there’s a real risk that the scar capsule could impact erection rigidity, both now and with future implants. Dr. Clavell shared that AMS implants can sometimes feel rock-hard right after surgery but lose some of that rigidity during follow-up appointments. He believes this could be due to the AMS CX cylinders being too weak to properly expand the scar capsule as it forms, which worries me. If the scar capsule forms and limits the expansion, it could result in weaker erections, even with a Titan implant later on. The Titan’s stronger cylinders, however, don’t seem to have this issue when used as the first implant.

This scar capsule concern makes me think that choosing the AMS, particularly without an early cycling protocol to expand the forming capsule, could be a mistake. Ironically, if I do choose the AMS, it might be better to go with Dr. Eid, even though he’s known for his work with the Titan, because he starts cycling earlier—on the third day.

My Questions:
1. AMS or Titan?
I’m leaning toward the AMS for its comfort, better concealability when flaccid, and the quieter pump. Additionally, it puts less pressure on my thinner penile tissues due to its narrower cylinders. However, if this comes with the risk of weaker erections both now and in the future, I’m more inclined to go with the Titan as my first implant.

2. Eid or Clavell?
The implant choice heavily influences my decision on the surgeon. I like Dr. Clavell’s approach to pain management and the fact that he doesn't use a catheter. He’s also younger, though I don’t see Dr. Eid’s age as a major factor. However, if I choose the AMS, there’s the risk of weaker erections that Dr. Clavell mentioned. Dr. Eid’s earlier cycling protocol could help with that. On the other hand, Dr. Eid is renowned for his work with the Titan, so would it make sense to go with him for an AMS implant, considering he likely performs fewer AMS surgeries?

Let me know what your thoughts are. Thank you.

Wow you're over-thinking this. Yes, it is a tough decision and there is no going back.
On that note why are you getting an implant? Either doctor and either device will fix the issue, correct? My thought is go with the doc you feel most comfortable with, get the device that doc works with the most. At your age more than likely there are going to be revisions down the road. You can change up then if you want. Most important is the after care, which will be what you need to do to get the most out of it.

Totally agree with oldguy. You’re overthinking this. Prior to implant I was sold out on titan with the classic pump as a couple years ago the one touch was having issues. My titan is rock hard when needdd and after 6-8 months the dog ears are a non issue… they are there but not an issue. The classic pump is probably rated the best in longevity and overall quality but it definitely does make a quacking sound when inflating it! After reading about both major brands here for about three years I’ve decided on my revision(whenever it occurs) I’ll go to Clevell as he’s younger and closer to my geographical location. He anlso has his own private practice. I’ll also go with whatever he recommends.

You have made a good case for either implant or dr. Perhaps a deeper look is helpful. Cut the cards anyway you want. Eid's time is short. Any problems very far forward in time will not be addressed by him. Travel, some men travel well, some don't. I personally would be more inclined to shelter in place in Clavells area than in NYC. But thats just me. Also, do you have anyone to care for you? Big decision if you hit a rough spot. In my case, after the catheter was removed my wife drove us 450 miles to our condo. Its well stocked except for perishables. I did pump the gas. At day 5-6 it got a little rough. I did take a few pain pills with me that were left over from a root canal. I did have plenty of ibuprofen & acetaminophen on hand. At day 10 we did the return trip for a followup appointment. I guess where I going is pick a city where you can hunker down & have lots of supplies on hand. Some kind of gf, spouse, friend or relative is good to have near by. You don't mention how this will be paid for. That might influence your dr & travel choices. You can't spend every penny you have on the surgery. You need to budget for emergencies. Btw, I doubt an emergency fund goes very far in NYC.

Finally, implant choice. From what you've said. I personally would pick a BS implant. Nothing wrong with Coloplast but it doesn't sound like you're in their target market very well. Rodsman has lots of length & girth with his. I have plenty of girth with mine. But despite popular beliefs. We started with good girth. I don't believe IPP's are designed for enhancement. Maybe to maximize what you have. BS products are soft enough that I don't think you need to worry about this distention thing. So there you are. Travel, emergency plans, dr choice & IPP choice is about all you need to worry about. Yea right, no worries.

Mine decisons were relatively easy to make. Dr is reasonably well rated. I got feedback on him in pm's here on FT. He was relatively local to me. I have a place & a person to nest with for my recovery. I'm retired so no job worries. Good luck.

AMS-Clavell all the way. I did Titan-Eid for my first implant and wish I didn't. I think you'll enjoy an AMS much more

The one touch pump of Coloplast also makes the noise. So if noise is an issue, I recommend you go for an AMS. AMS is known to be more natural and your measurements suggest it would be a good choice. I wouldn’t base my decision on whether doctor leaves you with a catheter post surgery or not. In my case I had significant issues post surgery to pee and I was actually hoping I had a catheter in place. So I do understand where Dr. Eid comes from when he recommends having the catheter for an extra 2-3 days.
You have 2 good choices in surgeons and can’t really go wrong with either. Look at who will be more convenient logistically and insurance wise.
Good luck!

Really excellent responses here. If I'm into anal penetration, I would personally choose the device recorded to withstand (buckling point) a higher average or range of axial forces in implanted patients.

As for the surgeon, assuming all other considerations are equal, I would personally go with the one who has performed more number of surgeries.

I chose Dr. Clavell even though it was an 18 hour drive to get there. I told him beforehand that I wanted to go with the AMS. When he bopped in before surgery I asked if he could go with the LGX. I think he was planning on the CX just the way he looked when I questioned him. However he said When in surgery if he thought the LGX would work he would do it. In recovery I found out that I did indeed get the LGX. As far as I am concerned I made the right choice going with Dr. Clavell and the LGX. The surgery was in January and I have gained all of my size back. When fully pumped the implant is rock solid. It's harder than when I was much younger. When flaccid it is really comfortable. I really love my implant and you can't go wrong with Dr. Clavell and AMS.

Does Dr. Clavell take international patients?

MS_Man wrote:Does Dr. Clavell take international patients?

In one of his YouTube videos, he talks about prescribing an extra week of post-op antibiotics as a backup for a patient who had traveled from the UK for an implant. This suggests that he does accept international patients.