Infection is the most serious problem after a penile implant, and most of what lowers that risk happens before surgery. Please start on this list as soon as your date is set.

Labs, done well ahead

• Get your blood work and urine test done at least 1 to 2 weeks before surgery, so there's time to treat an infection or adjust a medication.
• A urinary infection has to be fully treated before surgery.

Blood sugar and A1c

• If you have diabetes, blood sugar control is the single most important thing you can do to lower infection risk.
• I'll check your A1c, which reflects your average sugar over about 3 months. If it's too high, we may move surgery until it's better controlled. I'll tell you your target.
• In the weeks before surgery, cut back on sugary drinks, sweets, and refined carbs, and take your diabetes medications exactly as prescribed.

Hibiclens washes

• Wash with Hibiclens (4% chlorhexidine) once a day for 3 to 5 days before surgery, including the morning of surgery, unless you've been told otherwise.
• From the neck down, focus on the penis, scrotum, groin, lower belly, and upper thighs. Leave it on for about a minute, then rinse well.
• Don't use it on your face, head, or inside any body opening. Don't put on lotion, powder, or deodorant in the area afterward.

Skin and other steps

• Don't shave or trim the area yourself. Any hair removal is done in the operating room.
• Treat any rash, fungal infection, or skin sore in the groin before surgery, and tell me about it.
• Stop smoking and vaping.
• Tell the office about blood thinners and aspirin. Never stop a heart or stroke medication without checking with the prescribing doctor.
• Bring snug briefs to wear home. Arrange a ride, and plan about 1 to 2 weeks off for desk work.

Call right away

Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:

• Fever or chills before surgery
• Burning, urgency, or cloudy urine
• A new rash, boil, or sore in the groin. Surgery may need to move.

Your own instructions come first

Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.