Hello everyone,
I've been on and off this site basically since the beginning - don't post much so let me start with a huge thanks to everyone on here for sharing stories and information.
I've never felt comfortable enough with PMMA to go that route, but have been reading with growing interest about HA, as it is reversible.
I live in New York and met with the nurse at Dr Norman Rowe's office last week. I'm typing up what I heard below. The consultation was $250 (applied to procedure cost if you proceed). Overall environment was friendly and very professional. Dr Rowe is a well reviewed (according to Zocdoc, etc.) plastic surgeon practising on the Upper East Side in Manhattan - in other words, he is not cheap! However, I'm comfortable with the extra cost at this stage of my life and would appreciate knowing the doctor is in my city in case of any issues.
Questions/answers as we discussed them are below. I'd appreciate any additional insights and could also approach them with follow-up questions. And first about me: Normally about 3.5" FG and 3.75" FL (though I can retract severely). Roughly 4.8" EG and just shy of 6" EL. Circumcised. No previous procedures except for wearing an ADS for about 3 months in 2009.
What is a reasonable expectation for gains that will also maximize aesthetics and maintain symmetry? At my size, they'd recommend about 12 mL which would result in a roughly 0.75" girth increase. Office is confident in capacity to deliver aesthetic, symmetrical result with this amount. More could be used but symmetry and aesthetics would likely be compromised.
What filler is used? Juvederm.
Are the gains the same in flaccid and erect states? They expect yes, but have not verified that with patients in person (i.e., have not seen patients' erections post-treatment). No patients have mentioned this as an issue post-treatment.
What does it feel like in flaccid vs erect states ("squishiness" factor)? After swelling has settled, it feels "like you". No discernible difference that would give it away. Not mentioned as an issue by any post-treatment patients.
How many sessions are typically required to achieve initial goal? Initial goals are achieved in one session - no immediate touch ups have been required for symmetry etc. Many men return later to increase overall amount because they like the result - i.e., they ask to become bigger than originally intended.
Is erection induced during the procedure? No. They don't think this is necessary. Once anaesthetic kicks in, penis is numb and easily stretchable (i.e., retraction due to anxiety is not an obstacle to even distribution).
Is a needle or cannula used? Needle.
Is glans enhancement available? Yes, for this they typically use Juvederm Vollure.
Is the penis wrapped post-treatment? No. Material is mouldable immediately post-treatment and they think it's better not to wrap and inadvertently "lock in" any initial shifts of the material. However they could potentially do this if patient prefers.
How much down time is required? Normal activities can resume that day, including exercise. They advise no masturbation or vaginal sex for two weeks, and no anal sex for three weeks.
How long does it last? This depends on factors like metabolism, but typically 18 to 24 months before patients return for touch ups. These touch-up sessions use considerably less material and are therefore less expensive (unless patient asks to go bigger than original result, which happens often as patients like the result).
Can retraction post-treatment result in a turtle effect (i.e., the head retreats into the shaft which is being held longer by the material)? No.
Have patients experienced any granulomas, necrosis or other complications? No complications at this practice. However complications could occur if injector is unskilled. General skin sensitivity is not an issue either.
What kind of after-care is provided? Patients are asked to return about 3 weeks post-treatment when all bruising/swelling has gone and product is settled. In case of any acute issue before then, the office will be available to the patient.
If patients are unhappy for any reason and want the filler dissolved, how complicated is this and how much does it cost? This has never happened at this practice. However, they want the patient to be happy and would dissolve the material at no additional charge. This is a simple procedure that could be done in a single visit.
How much experience does the office have? The nurse has been doing these procedures for two years, Dr Rowe for longer.
How much does it cost? The amount recommended varies by person, so you'd need a consultation. However I was quoted $12,000 for the recommended procedure (12 mL), although they list per-mL fees at $1,350 (it seems like some sliding-scale "discount" is applied based on quantity).
Category: General Phalloplasty Discussion
