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.

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.

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 the patient's behalf.

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 › Recovery Timeline

Penile Implant Recovery: What to Expect, Week by Week

Knowing what recovery actually looks like removes most of the fear around penile implant surgery. Here is the honest timeline Dr. Gheiler gives his own patients — from a surgeon who does this more than 400 times a year.

How long does penile implant recovery take?

Recovery is faster than most men expect: surgery is outpatient (home the same day), most patients are back at desk work in 2 to 3 weeks, heavy lifting is restricted for the first month, and sexual activity resumes at 6 to 8 weeks once healing is confirmed and you have learned to use the device.

Day of surgery

Surgery is outpatient: you arrive in the morning and go home the same day. Primary cases typically take 15 to 20 minutes through a single scrotal incision with no scar visible above the beltline. Discomfort in the first days is managed with medication.

Weeks 1–3: healing

Swelling and soreness ease progressively over the first weeks
Most men return to desk-based work in 2 to 3 weeks
Heavy lifting stays restricted for the first month

Follow-up: learning your device

Once healing is confirmed at follow-up, Dr. Gheiler teaches you to inflate and deflate the implant (cycling) — a simple skill every patient masters before being cleared for sexual activity.

Weeks 6–8: back to your life

Sexual activity is permitted at 6 to 8 weeks, once tissue has healed and you are comfortable operating the device. From there the implant is designed for spontaneous use — modern three-piece inflatable prostheses have published five-year device-survival rates above 90%, and many last well over a decade.

Timelines reflect typical courses in Dr. Gheiler’s practice; individual healing varies and your surgeon’s instructions for your case always come first. This page is patient education, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long is recovery after penile implant surgery?

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 you to cycle the device.

Do I stay in the hospital?

No. Surgery is outpatient — you arrive in the morning and go home the same day. Primary cases typically take 15 to 20 minutes through a single scrotal incision.

When can I have sex after a penile implant?

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

When do I learn to use the implant?

At a follow-up visit once healing is confirmed, Dr. Gheiler teaches you to inflate and deflate the device before clearing you for sexual activity.

Have questions about your recovery?

Request a confidential consultation and get answers directly from Dr. Gheiler. English · Spanish · Hebrew.

Call (305) 822-7227