A definitive answer when pills stop working
For men whose erectile dysfunction has not responded to medication, injections, or other therapies, an inflatable penile implant restores reliable, spontaneous function. It’s fully concealed, feels natural, and carries among the highest satisfaction rates of any ED treatment.
What is an inflatable penile implant?
An inflatable penile implant (IPP) — also called a penile prosthesis — is a surgically placed medical device that restores the ability to have an erection on demand. It’s designed for men whose ED has not responded to shockwave therapy, PRP, oral medications, injections, or other therapies.
The implant replaces the erectile cylinders inside the penis with soft fluid-filled cylinders connected to a small, entirely concealed pump. Squeezing the pump produces a firm, natural-feeling erection on demand; a release valve returns everything to a relaxed state. Nothing is visible from the outside, and nothing about your daily life changes.
At Prestige Medical Group, penile implant surgery is performed by Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD — a board-certified urologic surgeon who specializes in advanced male sexual health procedures. The outpatient procedure typically takes about one hour, and most men return to normal daily activity within one to two weeks.
How the implant works
A three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis is made of three connected components — all placed internally, all invisible from the outside.
Two cylinders
Two soft, flexible cylinders are placed inside the erectile chambers of the penis. When inflated, they produce a firm, natural-feeling erection. When deflated, the penis appears normal and relaxed.
Concealed pump
A small pump is placed in the scrotum, concealed but easy to reach. A gentle squeeze inflates the cylinders in seconds. A separate release valve returns everything to a relaxed state.
Fluid reservoir
A small reservoir holds the saline fluid that inflates and deflates the cylinders. It’s placed discreetly in the lower abdomen and is entirely invisible from the outside.
What the process looks like
From your first consultation to reliable, on-demand function — here’s what to expect at each stage.
Consultation
We review what you’ve tried, confirm an implant is the right next step, and answer every question in a confidential setting.
Outpatient Surgery
The implant is placed through a small incision in a procedure that typically takes about one hour. You return home the same day.
Recovery
Most men return to normal daily activity within 1-2 weeks and are cleared for sexual activity in about 4-6 weeks.
Reliable Function
Firm, spontaneous, on-demand function whenever the moment is right — fully concealed and natural feeling.
The advantages that matter most
For men who’ve tried other ED treatments without success, a penile implant offers something no other therapy can — a permanent, mechanical solution that works regardless of the underlying cause.
It works when nothing else has
Because the implant is mechanical, it’s effective regardless of what caused the ED — nerve damage, vascular disease, diabetes, prostate surgery, or unknown causes. Success rates for mechanical function exceed 95%.
Highest satisfaction rates
Patient and partner satisfaction with modern inflatable implants is consistently reported at over 90 percent — the highest of any ED treatment currently available.
Fully concealed
The device is entirely internal. Nothing is visible from the outside. There’s no external hardware to hide, no visible scars once healed, and no change to the appearance of your penis or scrotum.
Spontaneity restored
No pills to time, no injections to plan, no vacuum pumps to fumble with. Function is available whenever the moment is right — natural, spontaneous, and reliable every time.
Types of penile implants
Dr. Sawkar will discuss which implant type is best suited for your anatomy, health, and lifestyle during your consultation.
3-Piece Inflatable
The most popular and widely used implant. Includes two cylinders, a scrotal pump, and an abdominal fluid reservoir. Provides the most natural rigidity and flaccidity — most closely mimicking a natural erection cycle.
2-Piece Inflatable
Combines the pump and reservoir into a single unit placed in the scrotum. Simpler to place surgically and easier to operate, though the erection is slightly less rigid than the 3-piece version.
Malleable (Semi-Rigid)
Two flexible rods placed in the penis that can be bent up for intercourse and down for concealment. Simplest to operate — no pump required — but the penis remains firm at all times.
Who benefits from a penile implant?
An implant is typically considered after other ED treatments have been tried. You may be a candidate if any of the following apply:
What to expect after surgery
Recovery is typically smooth and predictable. Here’s what most men experience at each phase.
Immediate recovery
You’ll return home the same day as surgery. Some swelling, bruising, and mild-to-moderate discomfort are normal and managed with prescription medication. Ice and rest are important during this phase. You’ll wear supportive underwear for the first week.
Back to daily life
Most men return to desk work and light daily activity within a week. Physical labor and strenuous exercise should wait several more weeks. Swelling continues to improve. Dr. Sawkar will see you for a follow-up visit to check healing.
Pump activation
Once healing is complete, Dr. Sawkar will teach you how to activate and use the pump. This is a straightforward technique that most men master quickly. You’ll be given time and instruction to practice.
Cleared for intimacy
Most men are cleared for sexual activity around 4-6 weeks after surgery, depending on individual healing. From this point forward, you have reliable, on-demand function whenever the moment is right.
Life with the implant
Modern implants are designed to last 10-15 years or longer. There’s no maintenance beyond your normal urologic care. The device becomes second nature to use, and most men and their partners report high satisfaction that continues long-term.
Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD
Penile implant surgery at Prestige Medical Group is performed by Dr. Hari Sawkar — a board-certified urologic surgeon with advanced training in prosthetic surgery and male sexual health. Dr. Sawkar brings the precision, experience, and discretion that men expect for a procedure this personal.
Who a penile implant helps most
Because the implant works mechanically, it addresses ED regardless of the underlying cause. These are the men who most often benefit.
Severe medication-resistant ED
Oral medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra work by enhancing existing nerve and vascular function. When those systems are severely damaged, pills stop working — but the implant remains effective.
Post-prostatectomy ED
Nerve damage from radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer often causes ED that doesn’t respond to medications. Implants restore reliable function even after significant nerve injury. Often combined with an AUS if incontinence is also present.
Diabetic ED
Diabetes damages both nerves and blood vessels that support erection. When this damage is severe, an implant provides a mechanical solution that bypasses the compromised systems entirely.
Peyronie’s disease with ED
In cases where Peyronie’s disease has caused significant curvature and ED, an implant can correct both problems at the same time — restoring function and straightening the penis.
Typically covered by most insurance plans
Penile implant surgery for medically documented erectile dysfunction is typically covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Our team will help verify your specific coverage, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and coordinate prior authorization when required.
Penile implant questions answered
Have a question not answered here? Call us at (949) 825-7650 — every question is welcome.
What is an inflatable penile implant?
Is a penile implant visible from the outside?
How long does the surgery take and what is recovery like?
Are penile implants covered by insurance?
Who is a candidate for a penile implant?
What are the satisfaction rates?
Will the implant affect sensation or orgasm?
Is the implant reversible?
How long does the implant last?
Can I combine an implant with other procedures?
Ready for a definitive answer?
If oral medications, injections, or other ED treatments haven’t worked for you, a penile implant may be the right next step. Schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Sawkar to discuss whether it’s right for you.