What Is the Himplant® Penile Implant? Who Is It Suitable For?
Penile girth and aesthetic perception in men are closely linked to self-confidence and sexual satisfaction. In recent years, beyond temporary options such as fillers or fat injections, Himplant has emerged as a noteworthy alternative for patients seeking more stable and long-term solutions.
This article examines what Himplant® is, how it is performed, who is a candidate, its permanence, risks, recovery process, cost, FDA-related concepts, its relationship with ligament release, capsule formation, partner perception, the impact of diabetes, smoking, and hypertension, and frequently asked questions, all from a scientific and clinical perspective.
What Is Himplant®?
Himplant® is a penile implant made of soft, medical-grade silicone, placed beneath the skin of the penile shaft. It is designed to wrap around the shaft by 270 degrees, intentionally not covering the urethra (urinary channel).
The goal is to provide girth enhancement while preserving a natural feel and aesthetic appearance.
Key Features
- 270° wrap: Does not cover the urethra
- Soft silicone: Natural feel in both flaccid and erect states
- Reinforced with surgical mesh: Improved stability
- Reversible (removable) design
- Long-term clinical use data (since 2004)
Surgical Technique: Step by Step
1) Small Upper Scrotal Incision
The surgeon makes a small incision at the upper part of the scrotum. Advantages include:
- Reduced risk of visible scarring in the pubic area
- Scrotal skin texture allows the incision line to blend naturally over time
2) Implant Placement
The implant is placed beneath the penile shaft skin.
The 270° wrap design protects the urethra.
3) Fixation and Drain
The implant is secured with sutures behind the glans (penile head), allowing it to move forward naturally during erection.
The incision is then closed, and a JP (Jackson-Pratt) drain is usually placed for 2–3 days in most patients.
Who Is a Candidate for Himplant®?
General Criteria
- 21 years of age or older
- Circumcised
For uncircumcised patients, circumcision is performed first, and the implant is planned after 10–12 weeks (≈3 months) of healing.
Patients With Previous Procedures
- Prior fillers, fat transfer, or other implants require careful evaluation
- If residual material can be cleared, implantation may be done in the same session or after 3 months
- If skin blood supply is compromised or tissue quality is poor, a two-stage approach is preferred for safety
Is Himplant® Permanent? How Long Does It Last?
- Clinical reports document 15+ years of use
- Anatomical adaptation may occur over time; upsizing can be considered in selected patients
- Considered permanent, with the important advantage of being removable if necessary
Does Himplant® Affect Erections or Ejaculation?
- Long-term studies report no permanent negative effects on erectile or ejaculatory function
- Temporary sensory changes may occur early and usually resolve
- In some patients with mild to moderate erection quality issues, a supportive or “crutch” effect (improved confidence and stability) has been reported
When Can Sexual Activity Resume?
- Typically 6–8 weeks after surgery
- Only after explicit approval from the surgeon and medical team
- Timing is individualized based on healing and follow-up assessments
Should Suspensory Ligament Release Be Performed?
- The manufacturer generally does not recommend ligament release, citing a lack of consistent long-term benefit
- Early perception of “shortening” is often due to visual proportion changes from increased girth
- Rare mild retraction may occur due to capsule formation and skin tightness, which usually improves as tissues soften over time
What Is Capsule Formation?
As with any implant, the body naturally forms a capsule of tissue around it.
- Typically matures within 4–8 months
- Enhances stability and contributes to a more natural feel
- Compression sleeves such as UroWrap may support this phase
Will My Partner Feel the Implant?
- Medical-grade silicone is soft
- As the capsule matures, the implant usually feels more natural
- Adaptation may take 6–12 months
- Most couples report that the sensation becomes natural over time
Do Diabetes, Smoking, or Hypertension Affect Eligibility?
Diabetes
- Slows healing and increases complication risk
- HbA1c ≤ 7.5 (within the last 3 months) is preferred
- Patients are reassessed after optimization
Smoking
- Nicotine impairs circulation
- Recommended to stop at least 30 days before surgery and avoid for 3 months after
Does Excess Suprapubic Fat Affect Eligibility?
- Excess fat may press on the implant base, affecting appearance and placement
- Weight optimization is recommended
- Liposuction may be considered in selected cases
- Photo-based pre-assessment is important
What If I Have Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease, etc.)?
- Depends on the degree of curvature
- Evaluation requires erection photographs
- In selected cases, simultaneous correction may be planned
- Final decision is made by an Himplant-trained surgeon
Use of Devices After Surgery
- Traction devices, vacuum pumps, or penis pumps are not recommended
- They may damage the implant and cause serious complications
- Any device use must be discussed with the surgeon
Why Is the UroWrap Compression Sleeve Important?
- Helps reduce swelling and supports healing
- May replace early bandaging
- Proper hygiene, daily changes, and adherence to the surgeon’s protocol are essential
How Much Girth or Length Increase Can Be Expected?
- Historical data report an average 1–2 inches of girth increase
- Flaccid length increase may be observed
- Erect length changes are more variable and patient-dependent
Safety, Success, and Complications
- IRB-approved retrospective studies report improved satisfaction and confidence
- Reported complications include:
- Infection ~3%
- Seroma/fluid collection ~5%
- Some complications are associated with non-compliance with post-operative instructions
Treatment Experience & Health Tourism Services
With over 20 years of medical experience and more than 10 years in health tourism, our clinic offers all-inclusive packages performed in a JCI-accredited hospital, including:
- Accommodation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Post-operative care
- Prescribed medications
For uncircumcised patients, circumcision is included, and the implant is typically scheduled approximately 3 months later.
Seasonal promotions may be available; for current pricing, direct contact with our team is recommended.
Conclusion
Himplant® is a reversible surgical option that offers girth enhancement, a natural feel, and long-term stability in appropriately selected patients. Success is closely linked to proper patient selection, an experienced surgeon, post-operative compliance, and individualized treatment planning.