merrix wrote:PFracture wrote:This thread has excellent information. I assumed each doctor had it's brand of preference and that was it. Like, Kramer would only do AMS and EID Coloplast.
Like it was said here so many times, this is something you want the best chances to get done right at first time, so wouldn't it be better to go through the hassle of traveling eventually having it paying off later? Because you can read here what happens if it goes bad, and it's not pretty, and given your situation is sort of touchy it would be hell later....
I think you are right. Each doctor has its brand of preference. I think the romantic idea of the doc examining all his patients with open, objective eyes and then choosing the implant which is best for each patient's anatomy etc is bullshit to be honest.
They have their idea on which is best, and they have their financial incentives to stick with their preferred brands.
Why do you guys think Kramer used to do almost only Titans, and then all of a sudden switched to almost only AMS?
Because by some weird coincidence 90% of his patients used to have an anatomy best suited to AMS, but by the same weird coincidence now 90% of his patients have anatomies better suited to AMS?
Of course not. Everybody understands that random variation doesn't work that way. There are other reasons.
So don't over estimate this 'choose the best fit to your anatomy' idea. Eid will generally put in a Titan unless his patient demands an AMS. Kramer will put in an AMS unless the patient demands a Titan. Perito won't even touch an AMS I think. No matter what. In the case of these high-volume guys, I don't think they lack the skills to do both. They just have strong incentives to stick with one brand. Either financial and/or strong conviction on which is best.
In the case of low-volume guys, they may either stick with one brand because that's all they do and lack the experience of the other brand. Or they actually do choose what they think is best for the patient because they have no financial incentive since the Implant manufacturers don't bother to financially support the docs who do 2-3 per year. On the other hand, if I can choose between a surgeon who makes a completely objective choice of implant but lack skill and experience, or a surgeon with experience and expertise but who always uses one brand, the choice falls easily on the latter...
That means a patient basically has two choices if he wants to go with a high-volume surgeon (which I think we all agree is the best idea):
1 - Let the doctor choose, i.e. use his preferred brand.
2 - Make the choice yourself. But if so, I recommend going with the doctor who uses your preferred brand. Why 'force' the doc to use a brand he doesn't really want to use?
I agree with Merrix that each doc has their brand preference so if you have a strong preference pick the surgeon who uses the brand you want. They likely get a volume purchasing discount from the one they pick and having one brand allows them to stock all sizes etc in duplicate and allows their team to be very familiar with prep etc. The high volume guys could use either and get speaking incentives etc and switch tomorrow and get the same from the other company. Like Ford and Chevy pickup owners they like one or the rep or the company just a little better and go with it until something changes. That said I have a hard time believing that anyone who hasn't had an implant or isn't a urologic surgeon would be able to figure out which brand or model is best for them by reading the personal opinions on this site. There are many many happy and sad implantees of all models and brands on this site. And many happy implantees who are too busy having sex and working to share their success over and over. Honestly unless you have an outside the two standard deviation bell curve for size or shape either brand will likely give you a penis that gets erect when you want it. And either can also disappoint if you have post op complications. The one consistent thread here is to go to a high volume surgeon if you want to lessen the chances of a defective install. Not everyone lives near a high volume or highly talked about surgeon or can travel to see one. In that case the choice is to wait til you can fix your situation until you can travel or take a slightly higher chance of dissatisfaction. And there are some relatively unknown surgeons who will be the next Dr. Eid or Kramer.
I guess my point is pick a surgeon who has good references. If they don't have good references from patients they will let you call don't use them. Period. If you get there for a consult and they or there staff have attitude run away. Period. Personality isn't an issue with a successful implant it will be a nightmare if you have complications. And while it is OK to ask about AMS versus Coloplast you should go with their choice or find another surgeon. And if you are looking for the implant to make your penis bigger get over it. It will make you hard.......and if inserted properly will make you the same size you were or close to it. Your doc should be able to stretch you and tell you your post op estimate before surgery. Remember the goal is an erect penis not your 16 year old never had impotence for years penis.
I hope those of you who have arrived at the point where you need an implant will have the success I and a majority of implantees have. It is a scary and important decision. Get all the opinions you can and then take the docs on your list for a test ride. Remember service after the sale is important.
