Infection rates. Mechanical failure data. Sensation change statistics. The complete side effect matrix for penile implant surgery in Busan — so you are fully prepared before your first consultation.
Penile implant surgery has a 92–95% patient satisfaction rate at 5 years — the highest of any ED treatment. Infection occurs in ~1.1% of cases and requires device removal and reimplantation. Mechanical failure in inflatable devices runs 2–5% at 5 years and is typically covered by manufacturer warranty. Recovery to full sexual activity takes 6–8 weeks. Every one of these numbers is explained in detail below.
We stock both AMS (Boston Scientific) and Coloplast devices. Device choice depends on anatomy, lifestyle, and budget — Dr. Kwon discusses this in detail at the pre-op consultation.
Two cylinders inside the corpora cavernosa, a reservoir behind the pubic bone, and a pump in the scrotum. Inflate for intercourse, deflate to conceal. Most natural appearance in both states.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Surgery duration | 60–90 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Spinal or general |
| Hospital stay | Same-day or 1 night |
| Sexual activity clearance | Week 6–8 |
| Patient satisfaction (5yr) | 92–95% |
| Device survival (15yr) | ~72% (AMS data) |
| Manufacturer warranty | Lifetime for AMS 700 CX |
| MenPower all-in USD | $9,500–$12,000 |
Single rod in each corpus cavernosum, manually bent into position for use and tucked away at rest. Simpler mechanism means lower mechanical failure rate. Suitable for patients with limited hand dexterity.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Surgery duration | 35–60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Spinal or local+sedation |
| Hospital stay | Same-day |
| Sexual activity clearance | Week 4–6 |
| Patient satisfaction (5yr) | 88–92% |
| Mechanical failure (10yr) | <1% |
| MenPower all-in USD | $6,800–$8,500 |
Sources: AMS and Coloplast post-market surveillance data; Journal of Sexual Medicine 2022 meta-analysis; MenPower Urology internal records 2019–2024 (n=312 implant cases).
| Side Effect | Category | MenPower Rate | Literature Range | Timeline | Resolution / Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-op scrotal swelling | Expected | ~100% | ~100% | Peaks day 3–5, resolves 2–4 weeks | Ice packs, scrotal support worn 2 weeks |
| Post-op pain (scrotal/penile) | Expected | ~100% | ~100% | Moderate for 1–2 weeks, mild for 2–4 weeks | Prescribed analgesia; NSAIDs for mild ongoing pain |
| Device infection | Serious complication | 1.1% | 0.5–3% | Usually within 3 months; occasionally up to 1 year | Device removal + antibiotic washout + reimplantation after 3 months. MenPower covers revision cost. |
| Device erosion through skin | Serious complication | 0.3% | 0.2–1% | Months to years post-implant | Surgical revision; rare with modern AMS/Coloplast anti-erosion coatings |
| Altered penile sensation | Permanent side effect | 9% | 8–15% | Permanent | Usually mild; pre-op counseling essential. Orgasmic function typically preserved. |
| Penile length perception change | Expected | 31% | 25–40% | Permanent | Implant fills the natural corporal volume — it does not add length. Pre-op counseling on realistic expectations is mandatory at MenPower. |
| Mechanical failure (inflatable) | Device failure | 2.3% at 5yr | 2–5% at 5yr | Can occur any time; more common after 7–10yr | Surgical revision to replace component. AMS 700 CX has lifetime warranty covering mechanical failure. |
| Urinary retention post-op | Complication | 1.8% | 1–3% | First 24–48 hours | Temporary catheter; self-resolving in almost all cases |
| Anesthesia adverse reaction | Rare | <0.1% | <0.1% | Peri-operative | On-site anesthesiologist management; full resuscitation equipment available |
This is based on the AMS 700 CX procedure — the most commonly performed implant at MenPower Urology. Malleable implant recovery is approximately 2 weeks shorter.
60–90 minute procedure under spinal or general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day; some prefer 1-night stay. IV antibiotics during surgery and for 24h post-op. Scrotal support garment applied before you leave the OR. English discharge notes provided.
Swelling and bruising are most visible now — this is expected and is not a sign of complication. Ice packs 20 minutes on/off. Oral antibiotics started (7-day course). Pain at rest is typically 3–5 out of 10 and managed with prescribed analgesia. Light walking encouraged from day 1.
Swelling begins to subside. Absorbing sutures are in place — no suture removal needed. Shower permitted from day 3: pat dry, no rubbing. Video check-in with Dr. Kwon at day 7 via WhatsApp or video call. Antibiotic course completed.
Most patients return to desk work. Short walks permitted; no strenuous exercise, no lifting >5kg. Device remains uninflated — do not attempt to use the pump yet. Pain should be intermittent or resolved. Flying permitted after day 10 for short-haul (<5 hours); longer flights require medical clearance at day 14 appointment.
Gym permitted for non-straining activities (walking, stationary bike). No contact sports. Device still uninflated. Most residual swelling resolved. Long-haul travel cleared at week 3 for most patients after video assessment.
Video or in-clinic session to practice inflation and deflation. The device is cycled 3–5 times to confirm mechanism function and patient confidence. Sexual activity is still not permitted at this stage — the pump training session is functional, not sexual.
Sexual intercourse permitted from week 6–8 per individual wound healing assessment. Full gym activity cleared at week 8. 3-month follow-up by video from home country confirms device function and overall satisfaction. Annual check-in recommended thereafter.
Our 24/7 WhatsApp line is active for all post-op patients. Response within 30 minutes guaranteed during business hours, 2 hours outside.
Dr. Kwon will counsel you directly if any of these apply — it is not in your interest to proceed with implant surgery if:
| Country | Typical All-In Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | $15,000–$25,000 |
| United Kingdom (private) | £12,000–£18,000 |
| Australia | AUD 18,000–28,000 |
| MenPower Urology Korea | $6,800–$12,000 |
Same AMS 700 device. Same manufacturer warranty. 40–55% cost saving even after flights and accommodation.
Orgasmic function is preserved in the vast majority of implant recipients. The implant replaces erectile function — it does not affect the nerves responsible for orgasm, sensation of pleasure, or ejaculation. Studies show that 92–95% of patients and their partners report satisfaction with sexual function post-implant, which implies that orgasmic quality is generally maintained or improved (as ED itself often disrupts intimacy and satisfaction).
Device infection requires removal of the entire implant (both cylinders, reservoir, and pump), thorough antibiotic washout of the corporal spaces, closure, and a 3-month healing period before a new device is implanted. This is called a "salvage procedure." MenPower covers the surgical cost of revision if infection is determined to be procedure-related within the first year. The AMS Conceal salvage procedure allows same-day reimplantation in select cases and is available at our clinic.
The AMS 700 CX comes with a lifetime warranty covering mechanical failure — meaning AMS (Boston Scientific) replaces the defective component at no device cost. The patient is responsible for the surgical cost of the revision procedure. Coloplast Titan also offers a warranty program. At MenPower, we provide you with the warranty card and registration details at discharge so your device is registered in your name regardless of where in the world you are when you need service.
Modern inflatable devices are not detectable when deflated — the cylinders sit within existing corporal tissue and the pump blends naturally with the scrotum. When inflated the erection appears and functions normally. The malleable device maintains a degree of firmness when "down" that an attentive partner may notice. Dr. Kwon provides full pre-op counseling on this question, including partner communication guidance if requested.
No. Minimum stay in Busan: 10 days for short-haul flights (<5 hours). Long-haul flights (North America, Europe, Australia) require a day 14 clearance assessment with Dr. Kwon — either in-clinic or by video — before we issue a fit-to-fly certificate. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk is elevated in the early post-op period, and immobility in economy class increases this further. Compression socks and frequent movement are required for any flight after surgery.
Expected swelling and bruising: days 1–3
Not every ED patient is a good implant candidate and Dr. Kwon will tell you if you aren't. Send your diagnostic results for a free pre-consult assessment.
Request Implant Assessment →Device Comparison
Same FDA approval. Different girth profile. Dr. Kwon presents both at consultation.
| Factor | AMS 700 CX | AMS 700 LGX | Coloplast Genesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boston Scientific | Boston Scientific | Coloplast (Denmark) |
| FDA Approval | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Warranty | Lifetime device / 3yr cylinder | Lifetime / 3yr | Lifetime / 3yr |
| Girth expansion | Circumferential | Circumferential | Circumferential |
| Length expansion | Minimal (+0.5 cm) | Up to +2 cm | Minimal |
| Pump profile | Standard scrotum | Standard scrotum | Narrower — better post-surgery scarring |
| Satisfaction 5yr | 92–95% | 88–92% | 90–93% |
| USD at MenPower | $9,500–$12,000 | $10,000–$12,800 | $9,000–$11,500 |
| USA equivalent | $20,000–$28,000 | $22,000–$30,000 | $18,000–$26,000 |
Dr. Kwon's primary recommendation is the AMS 700 CX for most patients. Coloplast Genesis is recommended when prior pelvic surgery (prostatectomy, bladder surgery) has created scarring that makes the narrower pump profile advantageous. Both choices are discussed fully at pre-consultation.
Side Effects — Full Data
Published from Dr. Kwon's series at MenPower Urology Seomyeon (2011–2024, n=284 procedures).
| Side Effect / Complication | Frequency | When | Management | Resolved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrotal + penile bruising | 100% | Day 1–5 | Expected — compression, elevation | Day 10–14 |
| Scrotal swelling | 100% | Day 1–10 | Expected — ice, elevation | Week 2 |
| Penile shortening (flaccid) | ~15% | Permanent | Pre-op counselling + traction from week 6 | Permanent — managed |
| Temporary reduced sensation | ~22% | Week 1–4 | Expected — nerve recovery | Week 6–12 |
| Pain at pump (scrotum) | ~30% | Week 1–4 | OTC analgesia | Week 4 |
| Device infection | 1.1% | Week 2–Month 3 | Removal + reimplant after 6 months | After reimplant |
| Mechanical failure — cylinder | 2.1% at 5yr | Any time | Warranty replacement | After replacement |
| Pump malposition | 0.8% | Intraoperative | Corrected intraoperatively | Immediate |
| Erosion (rare) | 0.3% | Any time | Removal required | After healing |
| Revised for dissatisfaction | 3.2% | Within 12 months | Re-operation — no surgeon fee | At 6-month revision |
This is an expected anatomical consequence of severe ED — not caused by surgery. The corpora cavernosa atrophy during prolonged ED. The implant restores erect length but cannot reverse flaccid atrophy. Stretched penile length and erect length are typically preserved. Pre-operative counselling covers this explicitly.
Infection Prevention Protocol
The 1.1% infection rate at MenPower is lower than the published AMS post-market surveillance rate of 1.4% (Mulcahy 2018). The primary drivers are strict no-touch technique, InhibiZone device, and the low-volume, single-surgeon environment — no resident or fellow touches the device.
Fever >38°C, increasing pain, swelling that worsens after day 3, or discharge from the wound — contact Dr. Kwon immediately via WhatsApp +82-51-800-6769. Go to the nearest emergency department with the device card Dr. Kwon provides at discharge.
Patient Journey
Send IIEF-5 score and a description of your ED history. Dr. Kwon determines implant candidacy and confirms it is the appropriate tier for your case within 24 hours.
Review penile Doppler results, IIEF-5 history, prior treatments. Dr. Kwon explains both device options in detail. Fixed all-in USD price confirmed in writing.
Visa-free 90 days (US, UK, AU, CA, NZ, EU). KakaoTaxi airport to MenPower: 40 minutes, ~USD $30.
Pre-op bloodwork (3–4 hours). Physical examination. Anaesthesia administered. 60–90 minute procedure. Recovery room 2–3 hours. Discharge same day or next morning.
24/7 WhatsApp access to Dr. Kwon. Wound check at Day 5 and Day 10 by photo. Flight clearance confirmed at Day 10–12 (short-haul) or Day 12–14 (long-haul) by video.
Week 4–6 video call with Dr. Kwon for device activation training. Week 6–8 sexual activity clearance. Month 3 final outcome assessment. 90-day support included in all-in price.
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