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What Is the Average Penile Implant Cost?
Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating and debilitating to any man or couple in today’s world. The hope provided by penile implants as a treatment option, on the other hand, can be short-lived when you begin to consider the costs. What is the average penile implant cost? Does insurance cover it? If not, what other payment options do you have that can allow you this treatment?
This article answers these very pertinent questions. If you are considering a penile implant for your ED treatment, consult an experienced Urologist Brooklyn New York.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PENILE IMPLANTS
The cost of a penile implant can vary depending on the type you choose. One option is a semi-rigid malleable implant, which consists of bendable rods that are always firm. You can discreetly tuck it away when not in use for sex.
A more advanced penile implant comes in the form of a 3-piece inflatable implant. This implant is hidden under the skin and includes:
- A refillable reservoir placed in the abdomen
- Pump with a release valve in the scrotum
- Inflatable cylinders within the penis
During sex, to achieve an erection, you simply squeeze the pump, transferring fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. After sex, you will just release the valve from the scrotum that will allow the fluid to return to the reservoir, making the penis soft again.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?
First, you’ll have a consultation with Brooklyn urologist Dr. Lazare to discuss penile implant options. He will then review your medical history and perform a physical examination. The penile implant doctor will also explain the benefits and risks associated with penile implant surgery. It’s important to note that you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, before the surgery.
The implantation process itself involves Dr. Lazare making a small incision in your scrotum, about two inches long. Through this incision, he will place two cylinders in your penis. Additionally, a pump will be placed in your scrotum and a reservoir will be positioned behind your abdominal muscle, known as the rectus muscle.
This entire procedure is performed in a hospital setting but is considered outpatient, meaning you’ll likely return home shortly after. The surgery itself takes about an hour and a half and is done under either spinal or general anesthesia. While recovery is important, it’s not overly restrictive. You’ll need to avoid sexual activity for the first 3 weeks, but by the one-month mark, you should be able to resume sexual activity and enjoy the benefits of the implant.
The Penuma is a penile implant made from medical-grade silicone that is used during penile implant surgery. It comes in large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large sizes and must be tailored to your specific penis shape before the procedure. During the procedure, it is inserted into your shaft like a sheath through an incision just above the base of your penis.
The average human male penis spans 3.6 and 3.7 inches in length and girth when flaccid and 5.2 and 4.6 inches in length and girth when erect. Penile implant surgery can increase your penis measurements to up to 6.1 inches when flaccid and 7.7 inches when erect, although results may vary depending on the size of implant you choose.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PENILE IMPLANT SURGERY
As with any surgery, penile implant surgery does carry some potential risks. These include implant malfunction, device erosion, and infection. The three-piece inflatable implant is less likely to experience erosion compared to other implant types. The risk of infection is generally low, around 3%, and most often occurs within the first few weeks following surgery. If an infection develops, it will likely require the removal of the implant to be treated effectively.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The FDA approves the Penuma implant for cosmetic and commercial use. On average, the implantation procedure costs between $15,000 and $20,000 but may require a deposit of $1,000 in some hospitals. It is not unusual for this number to vary slightly from place to place or from one provider to the next.
Although the average penile implant cost may seem a bit on the higher side, it is crucial to note that the procedure is a one-time treatment. You will not require follow-up procedures.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THE COST?
It is fully covered by Medicare and by most private insurance companies in the country. Penile implants are a one-time expense with no associative costs. When used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), Medicare insurance may pay for them, although it generally doesn’t cover ED pills and injections. Since Medicare sets the pace for medical insurance in the country, some private insurers may also provide insurance for implants depending on factors such as age. However, many do not.
OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS
If you are not insured for penile implant procedures, the out-of-pocket cost could be brutal. Fortunately, there are several other payment options you could consider. They include:
- Co-Pay Assistance – Some penile implant manufacturers offer financial assistance programs for eligible candidates, which could be in the form of a loan or by helping to navigate insurance coverage with insurers. This can be an option for patients who find the upfront cost of penile implant surgery a significant burden.
- Package Pricing – Some surgeons offer this low-cost option, which bundles the procedure cost together for a discounted amount billed directly to the patient. This package price typically runs between $16,000 and $19,000 and includes all associated fees, such as the surgeon’s fee, implant cost, facility fees, and anesthesia. While the exact cost may vary slightly depending on your specific situation, package pricing can be a particularly attractive option for men who are not eligible for Medicare.
- Other Insurance Covers – If your insurance policy does not cover penile implants, you can shop around for one that does. Make sure to discuss your Implant payment concerns with your provider before purchasing the cover.
CONTACT LAZARE UROLOGY TODAY
Dr. Lazare is an experienced urologist and a renowned expert in male sexual health and erectile dysfunction in Brooklyn, NY. He is also one of the few urologists with wide experience in inserting the three-piece penile implant for severe ED. If you have questions about the procedure or the Penile implant cost, contact his office today at 718-369-3300 to schedule a consultation.
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