Questions about implants

[DonBecker54]

I've done some searching for answers to all these questions, but seemed to find bits and pieces. So, I hope nobody minds repeat questions.

Does a guy always lose length when he gets an implant? Does the original length ever come back? What about girth?

Is it possible to go bigger? My uro said no, that the implants have to be smaller than the cavernous tissue.

How long is a guy out of commission?

Is this a job for pretty much any uro with a good reputation, or are there only certain specialists that anyone would consider?

If I stayed in network with Blue Cross, it looks like my out of pocket would be about $2500. Does that sound right?

If you had the choice of an implant, or continuing with injections that were sometimes not completely satisfactory, which would you choose, knowing what you do now?

Thanks for any replies.

[dg_moore]

I've done some searching for answers to all these questions, but seemed to find bits and pieces. So, I hope nobody minds repeat questions. You're right - all of these questions have been thoroughly answered in this forum.

Does a guy always lose length when he gets an implant? Does the original length ever come back? What about girth?
Some lose length, largely due to preexisting issues such as prostate surgery and scarring. Those who lose length often get some or all of it back after a few months or so. Men commonly get increased girth.

Is it possible to go bigger? My uro said no, that the implants have to be smaller than the cavernous tissue.
Your uro is correct: you cannot achieve length greater than the current stretched length of the penis.

How long is a guy out of commission?
This depends on the individual, but you should expect to be able to resume normal life activity within about two weeks, and sexual activity within about three months.

Is this a job for pretty much any uro with a good reputation, or are there only certain specialists that anyone would consider?
!!! THIS IS IMPORTANT: do whatever you need to in order to find the best, most experienced surgeon you can, even if it involves traveling and staying in a hotel. The odds of a favorable outcome are STRONGLY affected by the skill and experience of the surgeon. This in not a job for anyone who is not a specialist. There are many excellent, well known specialists including Kramer, Perito, EId, Karpman, Garber, Milam and others.

If I stayed in network with Blue Cross, it looks like my out of pocket would be about $2500. Does that sound right?
Depends on the policy. Some have reported copays of a few hundred dollars, and others more. Mine was about $1100. Your $2500 sounds a bit high.

If you had the choice of an implant, or continuing with injections that were sometimes not completely satisfactory, which would you choose, knowing what you do now?
The choice is yours, but an implant works every time, whenever you want, as hard as you want, and for as long as you want.

Thanks for any replies.

[KMeister]

I pretty much agree with the answers Dave gave. While I agree with his assertion it's best to find the best, most experience surgeon who does these operations I recognize that not everyone can afford to incur the expenses of paying top dollar for an implant done by one of the implant doctor deities (between 20 and 30 thou, including travel expenses and the procedure itself). Given that reality, one may have to find the best surgeon within his health insurance network. Speaking of insurance coverage, my co-pays amounted to $375, so insurance coverage does vary. I did the injections for about two years. The doctor had to keep increasing the dosage for it to work. I didn't like that. Also, I can't imagine someone doing injections for years and years. As Dave wrote, with the implant it's squeeze, squeeze and go. I'm glad I did it.

KMeister

[ED2013]

I strongly suggest going with a top surgeon.

[ValPinto]

I also went to Dr. kramer in baltimore, I considered him and Dr. Eid. Both are huge volume surgeons. Kramer is all around one of the nicest guy's you'll ever meet. As I'm falling off to sleep I overheard him talking to his anesthesiologist- he said "I have huge respect for this guy (meaning me the patient), I want his result to be perfect". I really fell asleep knowing he cared about me- this meant a lot. I don't think he knew I could hear him. really nice guy