What is an inflatable penile implant?

An inflatable penile implant — also called an inflatable penile prosthesis or IPP — is a discreet, surgically placed device that restores the ability to have an erection on demand. The three-piece version has two cylinders inside the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a fluid reservoir behind the abdominal wall. Squeezing the pump produces an erection; pressing the release valve returns it to flaccid.

Is the AMS 700 the same as the Boston Scientific implant?

Yes. The AMS 700 is Boston Scientific's three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis. AMS (American Medical Systems) was acquired by Boston Scientific in 2015, and the AMS 700 product line continues as Boston Scientific's flagship inflatable implant.

Who is a candidate for a three-piece inflatable penile implant?

Men with erectile dysfunction that has not responded to oral medication, injection therapy, vacuum devices, or shockwave therapy. Common patient profiles include post-prostatectomy ED, Peyronie's disease with significant curvature, and ED related to diabetes, vascular disease, or pelvic trauma.

How is the surgery performed?

Under general anesthesia, through a single small scrotal incision. Dr. Gheiler developed this scrotal-only-incision technique, which places all three components of the AMS 700 (cylinders, pump, and reservoir) through that one incision. He does not perform the infrapubic approach. Patients go home the same afternoon.

How long does the surgery take?

15 to 20 minutes for primary cases in Dr. Gheiler's hands, reflecting more than 400 cases per year of focused experience with the scrotal-only technique. Revision and complex cases take longer depending on what needs to be repaired.

Will I have a visible scar?

Dr. Gheiler's scrotal-only incision is hidden in the natural folds of the scrotum, so the scar stays concealed and is minimally visible to the patient or a partner once healed. By contrast, the infrapubic approach used by some surgeons leaves a scar above the pubic bone.

Why does Dr. Gheiler not use the infrapubic approach?

Three reasons. First, the infrapubic incision leaves a visible scar above the pubic bone. Second, the pump tends to sit in a more remote location and can migrate over time. Third, in thin patients, the tubing connecting the components can become visibly noticeable under the skin. The scrotal-only-incision technique Dr. Gheiler developed avoids all three of these issues.

I had an implant placed somewhere else and it isn't right. Can Dr. Gheiler fix it?

Yes. Revision and complex implant cases are one of Dr. Gheiler's sub-specialties. Patients are referred to him from across the United States and internationally for failed, infected, malpositioned, or eroded implants, as well as for implants in patients with prior pelvic surgery, severe Peyronie's disease, or significant scar tissue. Request a confidential virtual consultation to send records for review.

What is recovery like after a penile implant?

Most patients return to desk-based work in 2 to 3 weeks. Heavy lifting is restricted for the first month. Sexual activity is permitted at 6 to 8 weeks once tissue has healed and Dr. Gheiler has taught the patient to cycle the device.

When can I have sex after an inflatable implant?

Six to eight weeks after surgery, after Dr. Gheiler has confirmed proper healing and instructed the patient on using the device.

How long does an inflatable penile implant last?

Modern three-piece inflatable prostheses have published five-year device-survival rates above 90%. Many implants last well over a decade. If a component fails, revision surgery can replace the affected part.

Can I travel to Miami for the procedure?

Yes. Dr. Gheiler treats patients who travel to Miami from across the United States and internationally. A virtual consultation, a 5 to 7 day local stay around surgery, and remote follow-ups make travel straightforward. The team sees patients in English, Spanish, and Hebrew.

Will my partner notice the implant?

When deflated, the implant is hidden inside the body and the pump sits discreetly in the scrotum, indistinguishable in appearance from normal anatomy. Most partners cannot tell a properly placed three-piece implant is present, even during intimacy.

What is the difference between AMS 700 LGX, CX, and CXR?

The LGX cylinders expand in both length and girth (the most common primary choice). The CX expands in girth only. The CXR is a narrow-base version of the CX used in revision cases or anatomically smaller patients. Dr. Gheiler selects the variant at the time of the pre-op evaluation.

Is Dr. Gheiler a Center of Excellence for penile implants?

Yes. Dr. Edward Gheiler is a Boston Scientific AMS 700 Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Center of Excellence and was among the first physicians in the world to earn the designation, in the program's first month (February 2024). He has also been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2022.

What if I've already had prostate cancer surgery?

Post-prostatectomy ED is one of the most common reasons men come to Dr. Gheiler for an implant. Once the prostatectomy site has healed and oncologic surveillance is stable, an inflatable implant is often the most effective option for restoring sexual function.

Will a penile implant make my penis shorter?

Not when it is sized correctly. A penile implant is fitted to the full length of your natural erectile chambers. Many men keep their length, and some regain length that erectile dysfunction had reduced over time. Precise sizing during surgery is what protects length. Individual results vary.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Edward Gheiler, MD, FACS — July 5, 2026

Home › Penile Implants › Cost & Insurance

Penile Implant Cost & Insurance Coverage

The most common question men ask before penile implant surgery is not about the operation — it’s “what will this cost me?” The honest answer: for most men, far less than they fear, because the surgery is usually covered by insurance.

How much does a penile implant cost?

For most patients, very little out of pocket: when erectile dysfunction has a documented medical cause, inflatable penile implant surgery is typically covered by insurance — including Medicare. Without coverage, self-pay for an inflatable (AMS 700) implant generally runs $20,000–$25,000 all-in — surgeon, device, facility, and anesthesia. Financing, including CareCredit, is available.

Most penile implants are covered by insurance

Inflatable penile implant surgery is a medically recognized treatment for erectile dysfunction that has not responded to pills, injections, or other therapy. When medical necessity is documented, Medicare and major commercial plans (Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Humana) cover the procedure. Dr. Gheiler’s team verifies your individual benefits and handles the prior-authorization paperwork on your behalf.

What actually determines your out-of-pocket cost

Your plan’s deductible and how much of it you have already met this year
Coinsurance and your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum
Whether the surgery is primary placement or a more complex revision case
Facility and anesthesia coverage under your specific plan

Because these factors are individual, the practice confirms your numbers with your insurer before surgery is scheduled — you will know where you stand first.

No insurance, or a plan that won’t cover it?

For self-pay patients, the all-inclusive fee for an inflatable (AMS 700) penile implant is typically $20,000 to $25,000 — surgeon, device, surgical facility, and anesthesia. Financing options, including CareCredit, can spread that into monthly payments.

Self-pay arrangements and financing options are available and reviewed openly at consultation. Choosing a surgeon by experience — not by the lowest quote — matters most in implant surgery, where revision of a poorly done implant costs far more than doing it right the first time. Dr. Gheiler performs 400+ implant procedures a year.

Coverage details vary by plan and are confirmed individually at consultation. This page is patient education, not a quote or a guarantee of coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover penile implant surgery?

In most cases, yes. Medicare and major commercial insurance plans (Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Humana) cover inflatable penile implant surgery when medical necessity is documented. Happy Urology handles prior authorization on your behalf.

Does Medicare cover a penile implant?

Yes. Medicare covers penile implant surgery for documented erectile dysfunction that has not responded to more conservative treatment. Dr. Gheiler’s team documents medical necessity and manages the paperwork.

What determines my out-of-pocket cost?

With insurance, it depends on your plan’s deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum — not on a single sticker price. The practice verifies your individual coverage before surgery so there are no surprises.

How much does a penile implant cost without insurance?

Self-pay inflatable (AMS 700) penile implant surgery with Dr. Gheiler typically runs $20,000 to $25,000 all-in — surgeon, device, facility, and anesthesia. Most patients never pay that: when ED has a documented medical cause, insurance (including Medicare) typically covers the procedure. Financing, including CareCredit, is available.

What if I don’t have insurance or my plan doesn’t cover it?

Self-pay arrangements (typically $20,000–$25,000 for an inflatable implant) and financing options, including CareCredit, are available. Costs and options are reviewed openly at consultation.

Find out exactly what your plan covers

Request a confidential consultation — Dr. Gheiler’s team verifies your coverage before anything is scheduled. English · Spanish · Hebrew.

Call (305) 822-7227