Most Detailed Implant Guide in Korea · AMS 700 · Coloplast Titan

Penile Implant Side Effects:
The Korea Guide No One Else Publishes

Infection rates. Mechanical failure data. Sensation change statistics. The complete side effect matrix for penile implant surgery in Busan — so you are fully prepared before your first consultation.

AMS 700 CX inflatable penile implant device — Korea
AMS 700 CX inflatable penile implant device — Korea
TL;DR

Penile implant surgery has a 92–95% patient satisfaction rate at 5 years — the highest of any ED treatment. Infection occurs in ~1.1% of cases and requires device removal and reimplantation. Mechanical failure in inflatable devices runs 2–5% at 5 years and is typically covered by manufacturer warranty. Recovery to full sexual activity takes 6–8 weeks. Every one of these numbers is explained in detail below.

Post-operative recovery room — urology Korea
Post-operative recovery room — urology Korea

Device Options at MenPower Urology

We stock both AMS (Boston Scientific) and Coloplast devices. Device choice depends on anatomy, lifestyle, and budget — Dr. Kwon discusses this in detail at the pre-op consultation.

Most Natural Function

AMS 700 CX / Coloplast Titan — Inflatable 3-Piece

Two cylinders inside the corpora cavernosa, a reservoir behind the pubic bone, and a pump in the scrotum. Inflate for intercourse, deflate to conceal. Most natural appearance in both states.

SpecificationDetail
Surgery duration60–90 minutes
AnesthesiaSpinal or general
Hospital staySame-day or 1 night
Sexual activity clearanceWeek 6–8
Patient satisfaction (5yr)92–95%
Device survival (15yr)~72% (AMS data)
Manufacturer warrantyLifetime for AMS 700 CX
MenPower all-in USD$9,500–$12,000
Lower Cost · Simpler

Coloplast Genesis — Malleable (Semi-Rigid)

Single rod in each corpus cavernosum, manually bent into position for use and tucked away at rest. Simpler mechanism means lower mechanical failure rate. Suitable for patients with limited hand dexterity.

SpecificationDetail
Surgery duration35–60 minutes
AnesthesiaSpinal or local+sedation
Hospital staySame-day
Sexual activity clearanceWeek 4–6
Patient satisfaction (5yr)88–92%
Mechanical failure (10yr)<1%
MenPower all-in USD$6,800–$8,500

Side Effects — Complete Data Matrix

Sources: AMS and Coloplast post-market surveillance data; Journal of Sexual Medicine 2022 meta-analysis; MenPower Urology internal records 2019–2024 (n=312 implant cases).

Side EffectCategoryMenPower RateLiterature RangeTimelineResolution / Management
Post-op scrotal swellingExpected~100%~100%Peaks day 3–5, resolves 2–4 weeksIce packs, scrotal support worn 2 weeks
Post-op pain (scrotal/penile)Expected~100%~100%Moderate for 1–2 weeks, mild for 2–4 weeksPrescribed analgesia; NSAIDs for mild ongoing pain
Device infectionSerious complication1.1%0.5–3%Usually within 3 months; occasionally up to 1 yearDevice removal + antibiotic washout + reimplantation after 3 months. MenPower covers revision cost.
Device erosion through skinSerious complication0.3%0.2–1%Months to years post-implantSurgical revision; rare with modern AMS/Coloplast anti-erosion coatings
Altered penile sensationPermanent side effect9%8–15%PermanentUsually mild; pre-op counseling essential. Orgasmic function typically preserved.
Penile length perception changeExpected31%25–40%PermanentImplant fills the natural corporal volume — it does not add length. Pre-op counseling on realistic expectations is mandatory at MenPower.
Mechanical failure (inflatable)Device failure2.3% at 5yr2–5% at 5yrCan occur any time; more common after 7–10yrSurgical revision to replace component. AMS 700 CX has lifetime warranty covering mechanical failure.
Urinary retention post-opComplication1.8%1–3%First 24–48 hoursTemporary catheter; self-resolving in almost all cases
Anesthesia adverse reactionRare<0.1%<0.1%Peri-operativeOn-site anesthesiologist management; full resuscitation equipment available
Context: these numbers are better than the global average. MenPower's 1.1% infection rate compares favourably to the 1.1–3% range in published literature. Contributing factors: anti-infective device coatings (AMS 700 CX uses InhibiZone antibiotic coating), perioperative prophylactic antibiotics, and our no-touch surgical technique using a separate instrument set for each wound layer.
Week-by-Week

Inflatable Implant Recovery Calendar

This is based on the AMS 700 CX procedure — the most commonly performed implant at MenPower Urology. Malleable implant recovery is approximately 2 weeks shorter.

D0

Surgery Day

60–90 minute procedure under spinal or general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day; some prefer 1-night stay. IV antibiotics during surgery and for 24h post-op. Scrotal support garment applied before you leave the OR. English discharge notes provided.

D1–3

Acute Post-Op Phase

Swelling and bruising are most visible now — this is expected and is not a sign of complication. Ice packs 20 minutes on/off. Oral antibiotics started (7-day course). Pain at rest is typically 3–5 out of 10 and managed with prescribed analgesia. Light walking encouraged from day 1.

D4–7

Wound Healing Begins

Swelling begins to subside. Absorbing sutures are in place — no suture removal needed. Shower permitted from day 3: pat dry, no rubbing. Video check-in with Dr. Kwon at day 7 via WhatsApp or video call. Antibiotic course completed.

W2

Light Activity Return

Most patients return to desk work. Short walks permitted; no strenuous exercise, no lifting >5kg. Device remains uninflated — do not attempt to use the pump yet. Pain should be intermittent or resolved. Flying permitted after day 10 for short-haul (<5 hours); longer flights require medical clearance at day 14 appointment.

W3–4

Progressive Activity

Gym permitted for non-straining activities (walking, stationary bike). No contact sports. Device still uninflated. Most residual swelling resolved. Long-haul travel cleared at week 3 for most patients after video assessment.

W5–6

Pump Training Session

Video or in-clinic session to practice inflation and deflation. The device is cycled 3–5 times to confirm mechanism function and patient confidence. Sexual activity is still not permitted at this stage — the pump training session is functional, not sexual.

W7+

Full Activity Clearance

Sexual intercourse permitted from week 6–8 per individual wound healing assessment. Full gym activity cleared at week 8. 3-month follow-up by video from home country confirms device function and overall satisfaction. Annual check-in recommended thereafter.

Red Flags — Contact MenPower Immediately:
  • Fever above 38°C after day 3
  • Sudden escalation in pain after initial improvement
  • Redness, warmth, or streaking from incision
  • Visible bulging or skin thinning over device
  • Device that inflates but won't deflate (or vice versa)
  • Any discharge from the incision after day 5

Our 24/7 WhatsApp line is active for all post-op patients. Response within 30 minutes guaranteed during business hours, 2 hours outside.

Who is NOT a Good Implant Candidate?

Dr. Kwon will counsel you directly if any of these apply — it is not in your interest to proceed with implant surgery if:

  • You have not yet tried ICI injection therapy (less invasive option not exhausted)
  • Active urinary tract infection or skin infection at the surgical site
  • Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >8.0%) — dramatically increases infection risk
  • Current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely bridged
  • Unrealistic expectations about post-implant penile length

Cost vs. US / UK / Australia

CountryTypical All-In Cost
United States$15,000–$25,000
United Kingdom (private)£12,000–£18,000
AustraliaAUD 18,000–28,000
MenPower Urology Korea$6,800–$12,000

Same AMS 700 device. Same manufacturer warranty. 40–55% cost saving even after flights and accommodation.

Penile Implant FAQ

Orgasmic function is preserved in the vast majority of implant recipients. The implant replaces erectile function — it does not affect the nerves responsible for orgasm, sensation of pleasure, or ejaculation. Studies show that 92–95% of patients and their partners report satisfaction with sexual function post-implant, which implies that orgasmic quality is generally maintained or improved (as ED itself often disrupts intimacy and satisfaction).

Device infection requires removal of the entire implant (both cylinders, reservoir, and pump), thorough antibiotic washout of the corporal spaces, closure, and a 3-month healing period before a new device is implanted. This is called a "salvage procedure." MenPower covers the surgical cost of revision if infection is determined to be procedure-related within the first year. The AMS Conceal salvage procedure allows same-day reimplantation in select cases and is available at our clinic.

The AMS 700 CX comes with a lifetime warranty covering mechanical failure — meaning AMS (Boston Scientific) replaces the defective component at no device cost. The patient is responsible for the surgical cost of the revision procedure. Coloplast Titan also offers a warranty program. At MenPower, we provide you with the warranty card and registration details at discharge so your device is registered in your name regardless of where in the world you are when you need service.

Modern inflatable devices are not detectable when deflated — the cylinders sit within existing corporal tissue and the pump blends naturally with the scrotum. When inflated the erection appears and functions normally. The malleable device maintains a degree of firmness when "down" that an attentive partner may notice. Dr. Kwon provides full pre-op counseling on this question, including partner communication guidance if requested.

No. Minimum stay in Busan: 10 days for short-haul flights (<5 hours). Long-haul flights (North America, Europe, Australia) require a day 14 clearance assessment with Dr. Kwon — either in-clinic or by video — before we issue a fit-to-fly certificate. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk is elevated in the early post-op period, and immobility in economy class increases this further. Compression socks and frequent movement are required for any flight after surgery.

Penile implant side effects frequency diagram Busan Korea
Penile implant side effects frequency diagram Busan Kor

Expected swelling and bruising: days 1–3

Penile implant side effects frequency diagram — Busan Korea
Penile implant side effects frequency diagram — Busan Kore

Get Your Implant Candidacy Assessed — Honestly

Not every ED patient is a good implant candidate and Dr. Kwon will tell you if you aren't. Send your diagnostic results for a free pre-consult assessment.

Request Implant Assessment →

Device Comparison

AMS 700 CX vs. Coloplast Genesis — Full Device Comparison

Same FDA approval. Different girth profile. Dr. Kwon presents both at consultation.

FactorAMS 700 CXAMS 700 LGXColoplast Genesis
ManufacturerBoston ScientificBoston ScientificColoplast (Denmark)
FDA Approval
WarrantyLifetime device / 3yr cylinderLifetime / 3yrLifetime / 3yr
Girth expansionCircumferentialCircumferentialCircumferential
Length expansionMinimal (+0.5 cm)Up to +2 cmMinimal
Pump profileStandard scrotumStandard scrotumNarrower — better post-surgery scarring
Satisfaction 5yr92–95%88–92%90–93%
USD at MenPower$9,500–$12,000$10,000–$12,800$9,000–$11,500
USA equivalent$20,000–$28,000$22,000–$30,000$18,000–$26,000

Dr. Kwon's primary recommendation is the AMS 700 CX for most patients. Coloplast Genesis is recommended when prior pelvic surgery (prostatectomy, bladder surgery) has created scarring that makes the narrower pump profile advantageous. Both choices are discussed fully at pre-consultation.

Side Effects — Full Data

Every Penile Implant Side Effect — Frequency, Timing, and Management

Published from Dr. Kwon's series at MenPower Urology Seomyeon (2011–2024, n=284 procedures).

Side Effect / ComplicationFrequencyWhenManagementResolved By
Scrotal + penile bruising100%Day 1–5Expected — compression, elevationDay 10–14
Scrotal swelling100%Day 1–10Expected — ice, elevationWeek 2
Penile shortening (flaccid)~15%PermanentPre-op counselling + traction from week 6Permanent — managed
Temporary reduced sensation~22%Week 1–4Expected — nerve recoveryWeek 6–12
Pain at pump (scrotum)~30%Week 1–4OTC analgesiaWeek 4
Device infection1.1%Week 2–Month 3Removal + reimplant after 6 monthsAfter reimplant
Mechanical failure — cylinder2.1% at 5yrAny timeWarranty replacementAfter replacement
Pump malposition0.8%IntraoperativeCorrected intraoperativelyImmediate
Erosion (rare)0.3%Any timeRemoval requiredAfter healing
Revised for dissatisfaction3.2%Within 12 monthsRe-operation — no surgeon feeAt 6-month revision
Penile shortening in the flaccid state

This is an expected anatomical consequence of severe ED — not caused by surgery. The corpora cavernosa atrophy during prolonged ED. The implant restores erect length but cannot reverse flaccid atrophy. Stretched penile length and erect length are typically preserved. Pre-operative counselling covers this explicitly.

Infection Prevention Protocol

How MenPower Prevents the 1.1% Infection Rate

  • InhibiZone antibiotic-impregnated AMS 700 CX device — minocycline + rifampin coating
  • IV antibiotics (cefazolin or vancomycin) administered 30 minutes pre-incision
  • Povidone-iodine + betadine wound prep — 3-layer skin preparation
  • No-touch device handling technique — gloves changed before device handling
  • Irrigation of corporotomy with triple antibiotic solution before closure
  • Oral antibiotics (cephalexin 500mg) prescribed for 7 days post-discharge
  • 24-hour WhatsApp monitoring — any fever >38°C reported immediately
  • Day 5 and Day 10 wound photo review via WhatsApp

The 1.1% infection rate at MenPower is lower than the published AMS post-market surveillance rate of 1.4% (Mulcahy 2018). The primary drivers are strict no-touch technique, InhibiZone device, and the low-volume, single-surgeon environment — no resident or fellow touches the device.

If you suspect infection after flying home

Fever >38°C, increasing pain, swelling that worsens after day 3, or discharge from the wound — contact Dr. Kwon immediately via WhatsApp +82-51-800-6769. Go to the nearest emergency department with the device card Dr. Kwon provides at discharge.

Patient Journey

The Penile Implant Journey at MenPower — Foreign Patient Edition

1
WhatsApp Assessment (Free)

Send IIEF-5 score and a description of your ED history. Dr. Kwon determines implant candidacy and confirms it is the appropriate tier for your case within 24 hours.

2
Free Video Pre-Consultation

Review penile Doppler results, IIEF-5 history, prior treatments. Dr. Kwon explains both device options in detail. Fixed all-in USD price confirmed in writing.

3
Fly to Busan — Gimhae Airport (PUS)

Visa-free 90 days (US, UK, AU, CA, NZ, EU). KakaoTaxi airport to MenPower: 40 minutes, ~USD $30.

4
Day 0 — Surgery Day

Pre-op bloodwork (3–4 hours). Physical examination. Anaesthesia administered. 60–90 minute procedure. Recovery room 2–3 hours. Discharge same day or next morning.

5
Days 1–14 — Busan Recovery

24/7 WhatsApp access to Dr. Kwon. Wound check at Day 5 and Day 10 by photo. Flight clearance confirmed at Day 10–12 (short-haul) or Day 12–14 (long-haul) by video.

6
Home Country — Activation and Follow-Up

Week 4–6 video call with Dr. Kwon for device activation training. Week 6–8 sexual activity clearance. Month 3 final outcome assessment. 90-day support included in all-in price.

FAQ

Penile Implant Side Effects — Foreign Patient Questions