Can the Himplant Be Removed? Understanding Your Options

Whenever a patient considers receiving an implant of any sort, there’s one question that naturally follows:

“Can the implant be removed?”

It’s a valid concern and, in the case of the Himplant, the answer is both straightforward and reassuring.

Yes, the Himplant Can Be Removed

While placing the implant requires technical skill, aesthetic judgment, and years of surgical experience, standard removal can be significantly easier.

• Removed through the same small scrotal incision
• Completed as an outpatient procedure
• Performed with less downtime than initial implant placement
• Typically with no significant anatomic or functional deficits

Unexpected Upside: The Capsule Effect

One of the more interesting “silver linings” observed in patients who undergo removal is that many men maintain an increase in penile girth after explant.

This phenomenon is explained by the presence of a surgical capsule. When the implant is initially placed, the body creates a soft tissue capsule around the foreign body. In some cases, this capsule (or a portion of it) can be left in place at the time of implant removal. If left in place, this capsule can:

• Preserve girth
• Deliver a noticeable aesthetic benefit

It’s not something marketed or relied on, but it’s a subtle bonus that some men appreciate.

When Removal Gets More Complex

There are cases where removal isn’t straightforward, and surgery with a surgeon who has extensive experience with the Himplant and penile surgery is ideal. These include:

• Thick or hardened capsules that may distort anatomy
• Active infections
• Implant erosion with significant tissue inflammation

Unfortunately, cases may arise where a patient is far from an experienced Himplant surgeon and prompt implant removal is necessary. In this situation, it is highly recommended that the urologist on call at the local hospital speak directly with the surgeon who placed the implant.