EXPECTATIONS regarding being bionic -- REQUIRED reading for all possible implantees (includes partner satisfaction))

[Lost Sheep]

Dr. Dennean (spelling?), which has his practice in Daytona Beach, has an extensive paper on this subject, basically demonstrating that a well followed VED protocol does help patients to regain elasticity, which in turn translates into size. Most physicians that I have talked about it, mentioned his work and publication with high level of respect.

ThePlumber

Dr. Dineen

[bldoink]

"Vacuum Preparation, Optimization of Cylinder Length
and Postoperative Daily Inflation Reduces Complaints of
Shortened Penile Length Following Implantation of
Inflatable Penile Prosthesis" - PDF of Abstract - By Sellers, Dineen, Salem, and Wilson: http://file.scirp.org/pdf/ASM_2013012514045982.pdf

[ThePlumber1964]

Thanks for posting the link!

[TomW46]

I guess each person's experience is different. I used an expensive automatic VED daily (or more) for 2 months prior to my surgery. It was painful, time-consuming, boring, felt dumb, and was a PIA. I gained, at best, 1/16 of an inch, if anything. From pre-surgery till now, almost 10 weeks after surgery, I lost 2.3 cm, almost an entire inch. The VED was just not worth it to me. I lost a total of 6.1 cm (2.4 inches) between 03/2016 (beginning of my Peyronies) till now. Very disappointing.

[dg_moore]

It appears that some benefit from VED pre-surgery and some don't. Some surgeons recommend it and some don't. When I got my implant in 2008 Dr Kramer never made any mention of VED, and I recall seeing him quoted as believing it unlikely to help, but that it would cause no harm. So I guess if it's not harmful there's no reason no to use VED if you're so inclined - just don't count on it making any difference.

[TANGERINE]

Here was my experience when I point-blank asked this question when I had my pre-surgical consultation. I had the privilege of being evaluated by two implant surgeons on two different occasions:

Dr Ed Karpman (awesome impant surgeon in California):
TANGERINE: "hey doc, should I use the VED device during the next six weeks to optimize length ?"
Dr Karpman answer: "Do not bother with the VED device. You are fine and will have a great implant. Do not be a pig about length"

Dr J Francois Eid (respected implant surgeon in New York City):
TANGERINE: "hey doc, should I use the VED device over the next six weeks to optimize length ?"
Dr Eid answer: "Do not bother with the VED device; if it did indeed work to increase length in a normal penis, then the manufacture of VED devices would have become one of the largest industries in the world !"

So for me personally, doctors felt that it was not needed since I had a normal penis with good stretchability since I was having erections until injections quit working just three months before


Oh, by the way, the paper which originally started this thread was useful, I thought, since it touched on many of the areas of expectation that men facing implant surgery need to become aware of (and those areas were more extensive then the issue of length).

Finally, the exact quote from the three authors of that paper from University of North Carolina stated that:

Strategies to maintain length, such as preoperative vacuum erection device use, have been proposed and may benefit overly concerned patients. While the authors of this review do not routinely recommend it, a suggestion of a short period of preoperative vacuum therapy or penile traction for certain patients prior to penile implant surgery may facilitate active participation on the patient’s part

So, it looks like they are not big time fans of the VED protocol, though they are OK with the idea of giving it a try.

PS: I had a normal penis in terms of stretchability. I suspect that men who have peryones and/or prostate surgery/ and/or many years of ED will be treated differently since those groups may need to have a "penile rehabilitation program" that might include VED to get those men back to a state somewhat similar to what they had in their youth

[Donnie1954]

The VED protocol doesn't make your dick larger. It just helps you keep what you had. It works! I'm proof positive. I used a VED to fuck for 2 years. I used it to fuck 2 days before my surgery. Don't listen to Drs who haven't got a fucking clue. What have you got to loose only length!
Donnie

[Lost Sheep]

Both Dr. Eid and Dr. Kramer as well as a local surgeon who I asked about it, told me they did not believe it gave any advantage. However, none opposed my trying it. My local guy even prescribed one for me just because I asked for it (and seemed to know what I was talking about).

The Dineen-Sellers paper also mentioned that (anecdotal) observations during surgery suggested that insertion of the implant was made easier by the use of vacuum therapy.

In short, there is very little downside and enough upside to pre-op vacuum therapy that it is advisable if one is willing to follow the protocol diligently.

[Tsanchez12369]

What is the VED protocol pre implementation?

[Lost Sheep]

What is the VED protocol pre implementation?

There are two I read of. (I am working from memory but will post a link, or someone else will)

1) Pump up twice a day and maintain size for 10 to 30 minutes and release. This protocol was described in a paper by Drs Sellers and Dineen, et al, "Preop Vacuum Preparation...".

2) Pump up once or twice a day in rapid repetitions. Pump, hold for a short time, release, repeat at least 10 times per session. This is supposed to not only enhance elasticity but wash oxygenated blood into your tissues better than protocol 1.

Both, I believe are intended to be performed for 60 days preop.

I did a combination of both for a year before surgery. I have lost no length and very little girth (but at only 60 days post-op my dimensions may improve-time will tell).

Benefits also include the potential that insertion of the implant may be made easier for the surgeon and that recovery less uncomfortable for the patient.