San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
A penile implant is a device placed inside the phallus to create rigidity after phalloplasty. This procedure may be a fit for patients who want more firmness for certain sexual or functional goals or who want to explore whether a later-stage implant belongs in their broader surgical plan. At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, we approach penile implant surgery with clear information, thoughtful planning, and recommendations grounded in your embodiment goals, anatomy, and priorities.
A penile implant, also called a penile prosthesis, is a device placed inside the phallus to create firmness. In gender-affirming care, this is typically considered after phalloplasty, once the neophallus has healed enough for a later-stage procedure.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
A penile implant may be a meaningful option for transmasculine, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse patients who have already had phalloplasty and want more rigidity for certain sexual or functional goals, including penetrative sex.
A penile implant is not a required step after phalloplasty, and not every patient wants or needs it. This is usually a later-stage decision based on healing, timing, implant type, and what kind of result feels most appropriate for your body and goals.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
There are 2 main types of penile implants used in gender-affirming bottom surgery:
The right option depends on your anatomy, your priorities, and how you want the implant to function day to day. We talk through these differences and whether either option is a good fit for your surgical plan during your consultation.
Recovery after penile implant surgery usually involves soreness, swelling, activity restrictions, and careful healing before the implant is used. Patients should expect time away from strenuous activity and should follow their surgeon’s instructions closely during early recovery.
Your surgeon will explain incision care, follow-up timing, and when it is safe to begin using the implant. Recovery expectations may also vary depending on the implant type, your anatomy, and how your prior phalloplasty healed.
Gender-affirming care, including penile implant surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect. `
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on the details of your surgical plan, including the type of implant you choose.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
As with any surgical procedure, penile implant surgery carries risks, such as infection, healing concerns, discomfort, and device problems over time. In some cases, revision or replacement may be needed if the implant malfunctions or the body does not tolerate it well.
Because penile implants are placed in a neophallus rather than typical penile anatomy, careful planning and experienced surgical judgment matter. Your surgeon will talk with you about timing, implant fit, and the risks most relevant to your anatomy and prior surgery.
Inflatable implants use a pump and an internal fluid reservoir to create firmness when desired and return to a softer state afterward. Non-inflatable implants stay firm but can be positioned manually.
A penile implant is usually considered only after the neophallus has had substantial time to heal, often many months after phalloplasty, rather than during the initial recovery phase. Your surgeon will determine the safest timing based on your healing and anatomy.
Not always. Penile implants can last for years, but they are mechanical devices that may eventually need revision or replacement.
A penile implant is meant to add firmness, not create sensation. How sensation feels after surgery depends more on your phalloplasty, healing, and anatomy.
We recommend booking a consultation if you’re looking for clear guidance on whether a penile implant fits into your post-phalloplasty plan and when it may be safest to move forward.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer penile implant surgery for Los Angeles and San Francisco patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
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