Penile Implant Surgery in Malaysia: What to Know Before You Decide

Penile implant surgery is often seen as the final, but most reliable solution for men struggling with severe or long-term erectile dysfunction (ED) – especially when other treatments like pills or injections stop working.

If you’re researching penile implant surgery in Malaysia, or considering alternatives like dermal filler for penile girth enlargement or non-invasive penile enlargement, here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What Is a Penile Implant?

A penile implant (also called a penile prosthesis) is a medical device surgically placed inside the penis to help a man achieve and maintain an erection. It’s typically recommended for men who don’t respond to less invasive treatments like medications or shockwave therapy.

The device is completely concealed inside the body, so it looks and feels natural during intimacy.

Read more: A Revolutionary Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Types of Penile Implant

The most commonly used implants are:

Malleable Penile Implant

Simple bendable rods inserted into the penis. Always firm but bendable into position. Ideal for men seeking lower-cost options with fewer mechanical parts.

Inflatable Penile Implant

Offers a more natural erection and flaccid state. A hidden pump in the scrotum fills the cylinders with fluid. Ideal for men prioritizing discretion and natural feel.

At He Medical Clinic, we evaluate your condition and lifestyle to recommend the best type of implant for your needs.

Step-by-Step – How a Penile Implant Is Installed

If you’re considering a penile implant, knowing what actually happens during the procedure can be reassuring. The entire process is handled by a urologist, usually takes under two hours, and is done under anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Here’s how it unfolds from start to finish:

Step 1 – Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The first step involves a thorough medical review. Your doctor will go over your health history, any previous erectile dysfunction treatments, and conduct a physical exam. In some cases, blood tests or imaging may be ordered to rule out underlying complications. This stage helps determine if you’re a good candidate for a penile implant and which type suits you best.

Step 2 – Choosing the Right Implant for You

There are two main types of penile implants: inflatable and malleable. Inflatable implants allow a more natural, on-demand erection through a fluid-based pump, while malleable implants are bendable rods that keep the penis firm but can be manually positioned. Your doctor will recommend one based on your preferences, lifestyle, and physical considerations such as hand dexterity or existing health issues.

Step 3 – Surgery Day and Anesthesia

On the day of surgery, you’ll either receive general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to numb the lower half of your body. The area around the base of your penis or the scrotum will be cleaned and prepped for surgery. You’ll be completely unconscious or pain-free during the entire procedure.

Step 4 – Implant Placement

A small incision is made either at the base of the penis or through the scrotum. The surgeon then gently stretches the erectile chambers to make space for the implant. For inflatable implants, the cylinders are placed inside the penis, a pump is inserted into the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir is positioned in the lower abdomen. If a malleable implant is used, bendable rods are inserted instead. All components are entirely internal and invisible from the outside.

Step 5 – Wound Closure and Recovery Begins

Once the implant is in place and functionality is confirmed, the incision is closed using dissolvable sutures. A compression dressing may be applied to minimise swelling and support healing. The surgery typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Step 6 – Post-Surgery Recovery and Device Activation

You’ll likely return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Discomfort is generally mild and managed with medication. Over the next few weeks, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse while your body heals. If you’ve received an inflatable implant, your doctor will show you how to use the pump once the tissues have recovered—typically around four to six weeks post-op.

Who Should Consider Penile Implant Surgery?

Penile implant surgery is often considered a last-line treatment when other erectile dysfunction (ED) solutions don’t work – or when patients prefer a long-term, maintenance-free option:

• Men with long-term ED who failed oral medication or injections
• Patients with Peyronie’s disease causing painful or curved erections
• Those who want a permanent, discreet solution to ED
• Men who cannot take ED pills due to heart conditions or side effects

What About Non-Invasive Penile Enlargement?

If your concern is more about size than function, non-invasive penile enlargement may be an option. One common method is using dermal filler for penile girth enlargement.

This involves injecting hyaluronic acid-based filler under the penile skin to increase thickness. Results are immediate but temporary (6–12 months). It does not help with ED, but may improve confidence and aesthetics.

What Is a Penile Pump and How Is It Used?

A penile pump, also known as a vacuum erection device (VED), is a non-invasive tool designed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection. It consists of three parts: a clear plastic tube that fits over the penis, a hand or battery-powered pump that creates suction, and a constriction ring placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.

To use it, the tube is placed over the penis and the pump is activated to draw blood into the shaft, creating an erection through vacuum pressure. Once the penis is erect, the user slides a rubber ring from the base of the tube onto the penis to trap the blood and sustain the erection during intercourse.

This method is often recommended as a temporary solution for mild to moderate ED, particularly for those who cannot tolerate medication due to underlying health conditions.

Benefits of Using a Penile Pump

• Non-surgical: No incisions, anesthesia, or hospital stay needed.
• Drug-free: Ideal for men who cannot take ED medications due to side effects or contraindications.
• Affordable: Compared to implants or dermal fillers, pumps are more budget-friendly.
• Safe for most men: When used correctly and under supervision, they are generally well tolerated.

Some men also use the pump as part of penile rehabilitation post-prostate surgery to maintain tissue health and prevent shrinkage.

Side Effects of Penile Enlargement Pumps

While generally considered safe, penile pumps are not without risk – especially when used incorrectly or too frequently. Reported side effects include:

• Bruising or burst blood vessels: Excessive vacuum pressure can damage delicate penile tissue, leading to visible bruises or even minor vascular injuries.
• Numbness or cold sensation: Trapping blood with a constriction ring for too long may reduce sensation or cause the penis to feel cold and discolored due to restricted blood flow.
• Pain during or after use: Some men report discomfort either while pumping or afterward, especially if the constriction ring is too tight or left on for longer than 30 minutes.
• Temporary loss of erection: Once the ring is removed, the erection may subside quickly, making it unreliable for some men.

In rare cases, overuse or improper technique can lead to more serious complications like skin tears, nerve damage, or priapism (a prolonged erection requiring medical attention).

While penile pumps can be useful for certain men, they’re not ideal as a long-term solution for severe ED. They’re best used under the guidance of a doctor – especially when combined with medications, testosterone therapy, or shockwave treatments.

Penile Implant vs Penile Enlargement Pump

Many patients ask: why not just use a penile pump? Here’s how they compare.

Penile Implant vs Penile Enlargement Pump Comparison

Penile Implant vs Injections

For men considering penile injections, here’s a comparison:

Penile Implant vs Injections Comparison

Penile Implant vs Viagra: Which One’s Better?

When Viagra Works

Viagra and similar oral medications like Cialis or Levitra are effective for men with mild to moderate ED and intact vascular function.

When Implants Win

If you’ve tried pills without results, or have medical issues like diabetes, spinal cord injury, or Peyronie’s disease, penile implants offer a long-term, mechanical solution that bypasses the need for blood flow stimulation.

Read more: What Is The Best Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction In Malaysia? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)