Can I Get Testicle Implants If I Have Silicone Injections Into The Scrotum?

Q: Dr. Eppley, My current atrophied testicles are quite small.My testicles have atrophied a lot. They are very small. About 10 years ago I had some type of inhjectabole filler placed into the skin of the scrotum. I was never told exactly what the filler was but it was allegedly a filler that promotes collagen growth. As a result my scrotum skin has remained quite thick.

I would like to increase my testicle size. Considering the current size of my testicles and my desired implant size, is the wraparound method even possible?

I like the idea of this method but my concerns / questions about this method are:

If I come off TRT and get my natural testosterone levels back up with the help of HCG (or whatever else I need to take), I fear my testicles either not being able to grow, or getting crushed as they grow, and it just being uncomfortable. Is this fear justified?

I fear not being able to feel for testicular cancer… am I correct that this would make it impossible? Are there any other ways to check for testicular cancer? Would I have to get an MRI or x-ray if I wanted.

A:Thank you for your testicular size information. Testicles of that small size would not be a candidate for the wraparound implant method as they are at a high risk of slipping out of the implant encasement. In addition if there is any chance that the testicle size could go up or down based on hormone therapy that is another contraindication for the wraparound augmentation method. Only the testicular implant displacement method would be appropriate in your case

I don’t know exactly what injectable material was placed into or around your scrotal skin but when you use the term micro injections you are likely referring to silicone oil. This is substantiated by the fact that the scrotal skin has remained thick due to the persistence of injected material and the surrounding fibrous capsule that is created by it. The relevancy of having silicon in  the scrotal skin is when you intervene with surgery the risk of infection is increased because of the silicone oil. While most of the silicon oil is encased away from the incision there undoubtably is some where the incision would be made.

As for the detection of testicular cancer any implants placed in the scrotum definitely has some negative effect on the ability to detect it. How significant that may be is not known. The implant displacement method is better in that regard as the natural testicles still remain ‘free’  and potentially palpable. The implants do bot interfere with the ability to do any diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound or MRIs/

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon