Innovative Approach to Common Erectile Dysfunction Complaint

Dr. J. Francois Eid, top U.S. erectile dysfunction (ED) specialist, uses groundbreaking collagen treatments to improve comfort and aesthetics of penile implants.

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UrologicalCare.com

Jan 23, 2012, 09:50 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Erectile dysfunction (ED) (http://www.urologicalcare.com/) and erection problems are estimated to affect more than 30 million men in the U.S. Characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, the often embarrassing issue is the result of decreased blood flow to the penis caused by a range of health factors including diabetes, prostate cancer treatment, trauma, and medication. Great strides have been made in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (http://www.urologicalcare.com/erectile-dysfunction/overview/) through penile implants (http://www.urologicalcare.com/advanced-ed-treatments/types-penile-implants/).

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While the success rate of penile prosthesis implantation (http://www.urologicalcare.com/advanced-ed-treatments/prosthesis-results/) is very high one common complaint surfaces after the procedure. Dr. J. Francois Eid is the nation's leading ED specialist, performing over 300 penile implants annually. "Men are typically extremely happy with their implant and what it does for their sex life," he says, "but often they express concern about the wrinkled appearance and flaccid feel of the head of the penis."

Dr. Eid is the first in the industry to offer glans penis rejuvenation to penile implant patients (http://www.urologicalcare.com/advanced-ed-treatments/glans-penis-bulking-rejuvenation/). Using collagen-based bulking gel, Dr. Eid's innovation procedure injects hyaluronic acid (HA) into the tip of the penis adding bulk, firmness, and smoothness.

Improving patient satisfaction
Erectile dysfunction is caused when the veins of the penis never fully occlude, resulting in a soft erection. Penile implants address the issue by creating artificial firmness through inflation of permanently implanted cylinders.

However, the implant does not address the glans, or tip, of the penis. "While the implant creates excellent rigidity in the penis shaft, it limits blood flow to the glans preventing engorgement." As Dr. Eid explains, the issue is both cosmetic and physical. "Men want the feeling and appearance of firmness," he says, "but the lack of fullness in the glans can also cause discomfort during intercourse." Patients often express concern about being able to feel the end of the implant cylinder when fully inflated.

To date, the industry has had no effective way of alleviating this shortcoming for patients, and left untreated the problem can lead to permanent atrophy of the glans.

Groundbreaking solution
Based on the volume of penile implant procedures Dr. Eid performs each year, glans flatness and discomfort are problems he felt he could not ignore. "I knew there had to be an effective solution to this common issue, so I began exploring ways to achieve glans fullness and cushion the implant," he says.

As a result of his dedication, Dr. Eid developed the industry's first glans penis rejuvenation procedure. By injecting naturally occurring collagen under the glans penis, he builds a natural cushion between the implant and the penis tip, creating bulk and smoothness without sacrificing sensation.

Hyaluronic acid, a synthetic form of collagen, an FDA-approved product for cosmetic surgery, gives Dr. Eid the smooth and lasting results patients' desire. Collagen works by absorbing and binding water beneath the skin to create the appearance of fullness. While use in parts of the body beyond the face is considered off-label, Dr. Eid's patients are seeing excellent results.

Simple procedure
Men who wish to address this issue following penile implant surgery are evaluated by Dr. Eid to assess the level of injections needed. During the brief in-office procedure, Dr. Eid applies a topical numbing agent and injects a series of 4-8 collagen applications. "The hyaluronic acid itself contains lidocaine, as well, so there is minimal discomfort," Dr. Eid says, "The whole procedure takes no more than a half hour and men leave with immediate satisfaction."

Recovery time is very brief. Men are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours and are free to resume sexual activity in just three days. Minor discomfort may be felt at the site of the injections and is easily addressed with icing.

As with use in the face, results from collagen injections are not permanent. "The collagen bulking gell holds up very well over time, though patients are likely to notice diminished results after one year and may repeat the injections at that time," Dr. Eid explains.

Dr. Eid is renowned for his novel "No-Touch Technique" for penile implants with an infection rate of near zero. In 2011 he performed 336 penile implants, more than any other urologist or ED specialist worldwide. "I really felt obligated to solve this problem for my patients," he says, "Penile implants are an excellent option for many men, but medicine should be continually improved. I'm very enthusiastic about the ease of this procedure and its positive impact on a man's enjoyment of his implant."

Men wishing to learn more about Dr. Eid's "no-touch" penile implant procedure and glans penis rejuvenation can visit www.urologicalcare.com. Dr. Eid's practice is based in New York City, where he routinely welcomes traveling patients and assists with travel details.