Prosthetic Revision & Salvage
Problems with penile implants, from mechanical failure to infection, and how revision or replacement works.
Written and reviewed by Shervin Badkhshan, MD · Last reviewed
November 2026
Part of:
Implant problems and revisions
Outpatient or 1 night
Recovery: 4–6 weeks
Fellowship-Trained Reconstructive Urology
AT A GLANCE
From symptoms to treatment
1. SYMPTOMS
• Won't inflate or stay up • Pump or cylinders out of place • Pain, redness, or drainage
2. TESTING
• Exam inflated and deflated • Operative notes and device card • Imaging when needed
Test result guides →
3. TREATMENT
• Replacing a failed part • Repositioning • Washout and replacement for infection
Surgical options →
Penile implants are reliable devices, but like any mechanical device they can wear out or have problems over time. Most issues can be fixed with a revision or replacement, often in one operation.
Problems I see
Mechanical failure: the device won't inflate, won't stay up, or loses fluid
Position problems: the pump or cylinders have moved, or the reservoir can be felt
Shape problems: a curve, a floppy tip, or shortening
Infection or erosion: pain, redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or part of the device coming through the skin. This needs prompt care.
How I evaluate it
An exam with the device inflated and deflated, a review of your operative notes (the device type and size matter), and sometimes an ultrasound or CT. If you had your implant elsewhere, bring the device card or notes.
Treatment
Replacing a worn or failed part, repositioning components, correcting shape problems, or, for infection, removing the device and often placing a new one in the same operation using a washout protocol. I'm recognized by Coloplast as a Center of Excellence for the Titan® inflatable penile implant.
Related
Implant and sphincter revision · Second opinions · Inflatable penile implant
Manufacturer information: Coloplast Men’s Health
Need an Expert Evaluation?
See Dr. Badkhshan in person in Garden City or by video visit.
Book a Consultation
Your results and questions
Your actual test results, visit notes, and messages with your care team are in your patient portal, the same one you use to book visits. Send questions through the portal or call the office at (516) 535-1900. For anything urgent, call the office or go to the nearest emergency room.