Thin Tunica and Pressure Atrophy over Time

[Hillywilly]

I recently consulted with a highly-regarded, high-volume IPP specialist well-known to Franktalk and had an interesting discussion about an issue that does not seem to get much attention on this forum. There is a lot of focus on lifespan of the mechanical implant but not much attention paid to the patients’ soft tissue anatomy and how that may be affected by years of use. Apparently just having an implant filling the space in the cavernosa while flaccid can gradually cause pressure atrophy of the tunica. This effect can be mitigated by diligently fully deflating in between inflation cycles but, as it was explained to me, even with best practices, some tunica thinning is inevitable over time. And patients who naturally start off with thin or stretchy tunica can be particularly susceptible. The result of tunica atrophy is expansion of the penis and loss of firmness and stability of the implant erection. So, while there is a lifespan of the prosthesis, it appears there may also be a lifespan of the supportive soft tissues. My concern is that a worn out implant can be replaced with a new one…but not so with a worn out tunica. I’m wondering if any bionic brothers who have been implanted for several years or more have any experience with this to share? Has anyone experienced loss of implant rigidity and stability over time? Or gradual widening of the penis due to deterioration of the soft tissue?

Old post but I'll put my opinion out there. I don't see where the thinning of the tunica is much of an issue. The implant is only going to expand the tunica up to the design limits of its material. Actually there is a group of implanted men that would be thrilled if the tunica did stretch. Save the cost of dermal filler.
Btw, he mentions a well known doctor. But I didn't see him mention the name. That lack of transparency doesn't speak well for the truth of this drs words.

The doctor who discussed this with me was Dr. Eid.

Yes, Dr. Eid said this to me too. Bumping this topic because I wonder if any guys that have had an implant long term have noted a reduction in their tunical thickness (i.e. girth) over the years/decades?

[Mark1974]

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[Hillywilly]

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My surgeon said it is inevitable but he gave me the impression it happens over a long period of time similar to aging. Wish some guys that have had their implant for a long time would weigh in.

[Stayingstrong]

The point of the matter is that it is tissue and tissue degrades and shrinks with age.
Beyond the aging process, the only thing we can do it what is best health for any body tissue. That being, regular, moderate stimulus coupled with general good nutrition, rest, and recovery, Same as one does to increase muscle, bone density, cardiopulmonary health, etc.

[ruwansilva25]

Wouldn’t going for the LGX solve the problem then since it supposed to retract lengthwise as well?

[Hillywilly]

Wouldn’t going for the LGX solve the problem then since it supposed to retract lengthwise as well?

If that were the case I think Boston Scientific would be shouting from the rooftops. I believe it is more about recieving blood flow than the actual stretching itself. Obviously the more inflated you are the more difficult it will be to get blood in. Less blood, less oxygen, lower cell survival rate, etc.

[sambalamba]

Revisiting this topic one more time.

It seems there are two independent factors at play here:

Survival of Corporal Tissue Over Time:
If there is no blood flow in the remaining corporal tissue, it may atrophy over the years due to a lack of nutrients. I believe regular use of a VED could help maintain blood flow and prevent this. Do you agree? Additionally, does the amount of surviving tissue depend on how much the implant occupies when inflated relative to your girth? For instance, with a thinner girth, would a Titan compress the corporal tissue more than a CX, potentially leading to greater atrophy over time? What are your thoughts on this?

Tunica Stretch Over Time:
This likely depends on the strength of the tunica. An inflatable implant keeps the penis in a stretched state, which might thin the tunica slightly until it reaches equilibrium. Since inflatable implants don’t stretch length-wise, the impact would mainly occur along the girth. The pressure from a fully inflated implant might cause the corporal tissue to thin over time, followed by gradual tunica expansion. Conversely, a deflated implant shouldn’t create issues since it doesn’t exert girth-wise pressure.

Given these considerations, do you think a Titan or a CX would be better for preventing tissue atrophy for a specific girth?

[fucked0ne]

I recently consulted with a highly-regarded, high-volume IPP specialist well-known to Franktalk and had an interesting discussion about an issue that does not seem to get much attention on this forum. There is a lot of focus on lifespan of the mechanical implant but not much attention paid to the patients’ soft tissue anatomy and how that may be affected by years of use. Apparently just having an implant filling the space in the cavernosa while flaccid can gradually cause pressure atrophy of the tunica. This effect can be mitigated by diligently fully deflating in between inflation cycles but, as it was explained to me, even with best practices, some tunica thinning is inevitable over time. And patients who naturally start off with thin or stretchy tunica can be particularly susceptible. The result of tunica atrophy is expansion of the penis and loss of firmness and stability of the implant erection. So, while there is a lifespan of the prosthesis, it appears there may also be a lifespan of the supportive soft tissues. My concern is that a worn out implant can be replaced with a new one…but not so with a worn out tunica. I’m wondering if any bionic brothers who have been implanted for several years or more have any experience with this to share? Has anyone experienced loss of implant rigidity and stability over time? Or gradual widening of the penis due to deterioration of the soft tissue?

Am I right in assuming that this doesn't apply to a malleable penile prosthesis?

[sambalamba]

Am I right in assuming that this doesn't apply to a malleable penile prosthesis?

It would seem that way since a malleable doesn't expand in girth and would not cause excessive outward pressure on the tunica. Now regarding girth maintenance, I'm not sure. Will depend on health of leftover corporal tissue

[fucked0ne]

Am I right in assuming that this doesn't apply to a malleable penile prosthesis?

It would seem that way since a malleable doesn't expand in girth and would not cause excessive outward pressure on the tunica. Now regarding girth maintenance, I'm not sure. Will depend on health of leftover corporal tissue

Good point.