31 Oct Penile Implant Surgery Recovery Tips
For men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who have not responded to oral medications, penile injections, therapy, or vacuum devices, penile implant surgery can help achieve and maintain an erection by surgically inserting a prosthesis into the penis. After undergoing the procedure, proper care and attention during the recovery phase are essential to lower the risk of complications and promote healing. Below are key recovery tips that can guide patients through this important stage of healing.
Take All Prescribed Medications
After surgery, the surgeon will prescribe medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and address pain or discomfort. As you recover at home, make sure to take them exactly as directed. To avoid missed doses, especially when taking antibiotics, set up an alarm on your smartphone or keep a medication schedule in a visible place, such as the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or bedside table. In case of side effects, notify your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management.
Wear Supportive Underwear
During the recovery period, you should wear snug, supportive underwear, as advised by the surgeon, to promote healing of the incision sites and prevent further injury. This type of underwear minimises unnecessary movement and friction in the surgical area. In addition, the compression provided by the underwear helps control post-surgical swelling and prevents fluid build-up (edema). Moreover, this underwear also helps keep the penile implant in a stable position, minimising the risk of shifting. Make sure to look for breathable, soft materials like cotton or microfibre, which can help wick away moisture and reduce the risk of infection.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Drinking two to three litres of water daily helps flush out toxins from the body. On the other hand, a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals helps promote tissue repair and wound healing. In the first few days of penile implant surgery recovery, you should have someone to help you do the house chores, such as preparing meals, to allow your body to rest.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and alcohol can significantly affect the body’s wound healing process. Nicotine in cigarettes has a vasoconstrictive effect, which means it causes the blood vessels to narrow, resulting in reduced blood circulation. On the other hand, drinking alcohol can have a negative effect on the wound healing process as it affects the body’s clotting mechanism, increasing the risk of bruising. In addition, alcohol can interfere with the medications you are taking during the recovery period (e.g. antibiotics), increasing the risk of adverse side effects.
Practice Good Hygiene
Aside from preventing injury to the incision sites, another important objective after penile implant surgery is to prevent infection. If your surgical wound gets infected, it can lead to increased inflammation and more prominent scarring. Make sure to keep the incision area clean and dry. Before touching the surgical site or changing any bandages, wash your hands thoroughly. Do not submerge the wound in water, as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms can enter the wound and cause an infection.
Watch Out for Untoward Signs and Symptoms
As you recover at home, watch out for untoward signs and symptoms, such as increased pain, prolonged swelling, warmth around the incision site, pus draining from the wound, fever, or reopening of the wound. If you experience any of these complications, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Gradually Increase Activity
Do not engage in strenuous activities as they can put extra strain or pressure on the incision sites, increasing the risk of further injury or wound reopening. It is important to gradually resume your daily activities, but start with light activities such as walking to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots. The surgeon will advise you on when to reintroduce activities.
Avoid Sexual Activity During Early Recovery
It is important to avoid sexual activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure as it can interfere with the wound healing process, damage the implant, or increase the risk of complications. The surgeon will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume sexual activity and how to properly use the implant once recovery is complete.
Communicate with the Surgeon
Keep an open line of communication with the surgeon throughout the recovery process. This allows you to ask questions and report concerns or unusual signs and symptoms. By doing so, the surgeon can immediately address any issues and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Attending follow-up appointments is an essential part of the penile implant surgery recovery process. These appointments allow the surgeon to assess your healing progress and overall health. During this time, the surgeon can also assess if the penile implant is functioning correctly and can address any issues that may arise during recovery. This also allows you to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and receive additional advice on the proper use of the implant.
Reasons to Choose Dr Campbell for Penile Implant Surgery in Gold Coast
Dr Alistair Campbell is one of the highest-volume penile prosthesis implanters in Australia, having performed over one thousand implants. To increase the success rate of his penile implant surgeries, Dr Campbell conducts thorough pre-surgical evaluations at the Erectile Dysfunction Clinic. This includes assessing the patient’s overall health, identifying any underlying conditions, and managing potential risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, and any underlying medical condition that could increase the likelihood of complications.
Dr Alistair Campbell carefully evaluates each patient to ensure they are suitable candidates for penile implant surgery. He conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s overall health and previous treatments for erectile dysfunction. He employs appropriate surgical techniques to ensure the correct placement of the implant and minimise tissue damage. He works with patients to choose the most suitable type of penile implant based on their needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s an inflatable or malleable implant, he considers factors like patient dexterity, health, and personal preferences.
Dr Campbell provides clear post-operative instructions to support penile implant surgery recovery. He advises patients on managing pain and swelling, caring for the surgical site, and limiting physical activities during recovery. He emphasises the importance of following recovery guidelines and attending follow-up appointments at the Erectile Dysfunction Clinic to ensure proper healing and implant function.
