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ANDROLOGY · PENILE IMPLANTS
Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Penile Implant in Turkey
A malleable implant is the simplest penile prosthesis: two bendable rods, no pump and almost nothing to break. Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş explains who it suits, how it compares with an inflatable implant and what it costs in Istanbul.
20+ years
in urology
60+ countries
patients come from
45-60 min
operation
From $5,000
guide price
Career figures from Assoc. Prof. Taş's clinical profile. Prices show guide ranges, and your written quote follows the consultation.
Medically reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş, urologist · Updated October 2026
What is a malleable penile implant?
A malleable penile implant, also called a semi-rigid implant, is a pair of firm but bendable rods placed inside the erectile chambers of the penis. You lift the penis up for sex and bend it down for daily wear.
Typically, it treats erectile dysfunction when tablets and injections no longer work. In Istanbul, a malleable implant with Assoc. Prof. Taş costs $5,000 to $7,000, against $16,000 to $22,000 in the United States.
The trade-off is simple. Because it has no moving parts, it rarely fails. However, the penis always stays semi-firm.
Which question brought you here?
Most men ask one of five things about malleable implants. So pick the closest one and jump straight to the answer.
How a semi-rigid implant works
Each rod has a flexible metal or polymer core inside a soft silicone cover. During surgery, the surgeon places one rod in each erectile chamber, and the rods stay inside the body.
For sex: you bend the penis upward into position by hand.
For daily life: you bend it down against the body, and close-fitting underwear helps.
Sensation and orgasm: these usually stay the same, because the nerves and skin are not changed.
Assoc. Prof. Taş uses genuine, FDA-approved devices, including Rigicon semi-rigid rods. Moreover, the right rod length and width are measured during surgery for your body.
Malleable vs inflatable penile implant
The choice comes down to daily comfort against simplicity. Therefore, the table sets the two side by side.
Parts
Malleable (semi-rigid): Two rods
Three-piece inflatable: Two cylinders, pump, reservoir
Hand use needed
Malleable (semi-rigid): Bend up or down
Three-piece inflatable: Squeeze a small pump
Flaccid look
Malleable (semi-rigid): Always semi-firm
Three-piece inflatable: Soft and natural
Hiding under clothes
Malleable (semi-rigid): Harder, needs snug underwear
Three-piece inflatable: Easy
Mechanical failure
Malleable (semi-rigid): Very rare
Three-piece inflatable: Possible over the years
Operation time
Malleable (semi-rigid): About 45 to 60 minutes
Three-piece inflatable: About 60 to 90 minutes
Guide price in Istanbul
Malleable (semi-rigid): $5,000 to $7,000
Three-piece inflatable: $6,000 to $12,000
Most men who can use a pump prefer an inflatable implant for its natural look. For details, see the penile implant guide and the Coloplast Titan implant page.
Who is a malleable implant best for?
A malleable implant is not a lesser choice. In fact, for some men it is the safer and more practical one.
Limited hand strength or dexterity: for example after a stroke, or with arthritis.
A wish for the simplest device: men who want nothing to pump or service.
Budget limits: it costs less than an inflatable implant.
Scarred or narrow erectile tissue: after infection or an earlier implant was removed.
Men who use an external catheter: the firm shaft helps some men keep a sheath catheter in place.
When an inflatable implant fits better
Men who care most about a soft, natural look at rest usually choose an inflatable implant. Likewise, an inflatable model suits men who wear tight sportswear or swim often.
Your malleable implant surgery in Istanbul
The operation is shorter than for an inflatable implant, because there is no pump or reservoir to place. Furthermore, you plan every step with Assoc. Prof. Taş before you fly.
01
Consultation and tests
First, he reviews your erection history, medicines and earlier treatments. Then blood and urine tests check for diabetes control and infection.
02
Anaesthesia and incision
Next, you sleep under general anaesthesia or have spinal anaesthesia. He makes one small cut, usually below the head of the penis or at its base.
03
Placing the rods
Then he gently widens each erectile chamber, measures it and places a rod of the right size. In addition, strict infection measures and antibiotics protect the implant.
04
Hospital stay and checks
Finally, you stay one night in hospital. Before you leave Istanbul, he checks the wound and the rod position.
How long to stay in Istanbul
Plan about five to seven days in the city. As a result, the first wound check happens before your flight home.
Recovery after a malleable implant
Recovery follows the same pattern as other implants. However, you use a malleable implant without an activation visit, so you need no training on a pump.
Days 1 to 3: swelling and soreness, eased by pain relief.
Weeks 1 to 2: desk work and short walks are fine.
Weeks 2 to 4: swelling settles, but no heavy lifting yet.
About 6 weeks: sex usually becomes possible, once the wound has healed.
Afterwards, the team follows up with you by video call. In addition, you get a written summary in English for your own urologist.
Living with a malleable implant
In practice, daily life changes very little once the wound has healed. Still, a few practical points help in the first months.
Work and clothing
Bend the penis down or sideways, and wear snug briefs
Gym and running
Fine after about six weeks, with supportive underwear
Cycling
Possible, though a padded saddle feels better
Airport security
Carry your implant card in case a scanner flags it
MRI scans
Tell the radiographer, and show the model on your card
Urinary catheter
Tell any nurse or doctor first, so they insert it gently
After prostate cancer surgery
Many men lose natural erections after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. Once cancer care allows, however, an implant can restore sex life, and the malleable type suits men who also need a simple, low-maintenance device. For cancer surgery itself, see the robotic prostatectomy page.
With Peyronie's disease
Similarly, men with a curve and severe erectile dysfunction can sometimes have both treated in one operation. In that case, the implant straightens the shaft, and extra steps correct any remaining bend. Read more on the Peyronie's disease page.
Risks of malleable penile implant surgery
Every implant carries some risk, and you should know them before you decide. Most are uncommon, and careful technique keeps them low.
Infection: the most serious risk, and higher in men with diabetes or a past implant.
Rod erosion: rarely, a rod pushes through tissue, so constant pressure needs attention.
Pain: usually settles within weeks.
Shorter feel: some men notice a slightly shorter erection than before ED began.
Visible outline: the rods may show through tight clothes.
Moreover, if a problem arises later, a rod can be replaced or changed to an inflatable model. Read more on the implant revision surgery page.
How much does a malleable penile implant cost in Turkey?
With Assoc. Prof. Taş, a malleable implant costs $5,000 to $7,000 in Istanbul. By comparison, it usually costs $16,000 to $22,000 in the United States and £11,000 to £14,000 privately in the UK.
Malleable (semi-rigid)
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: $5,000 to $7,000
United States: $16,000 to $22,000
United Kingdom (private): £11,000 to £14,000
Rigicon Infla10 inflatable
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: $6,000 to $11,000
United States: $20,000 to $28,000
United Kingdom (private): £14,000 to £18,000
Coloplast Titan inflatable
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: $9,000 to $12,000
United States: $24,000 to $34,000
United Kingdom (private): £17,500 to £21,500
AMS 700 inflatable
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: $9,000 to $12,000
United States: $25,000 to $35,000
United Kingdom (private): £18,000 to £22,000
Your quote covers the implant, the surgeon fee, hospital care, anaesthesia and aftercare. In addition, the coordinator arranges transfers and hotel booking for international patients.
Questions to ask before a malleable implant
A careful surgeon welcomes these questions. In fact, the answers show how well the clinic plans for problems.
Which brand and model will you use? Ask for a genuine, approved device with a serial card.
How do you prevent infection? Ask about antibiotics and theatre routines.
Could an inflatable implant suit me better? Ask why the clinic recommends one type.
Who treats a problem after I fly home? Ask how follow-up works.
What does the price include? Ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
Travelling from the US, Canada or the UK
Many men travel because of long waiting lists or high private prices at home. For example, NHS access to implants varies by area, and US insurance cover often depends on the plan.
Before you fly
Bring a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners.
Bring recent blood sugar results if you have diabetes.
Avoid long flights within the first few days after surgery.
Back home
You leave with your implant card and a written summary in English. For more planning advice, read the penile implants for US and Canada patients page.
Why patients choose Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş is a urologist with more than 20 years of experience. He also founded Safe Urology Clinic in Istanbul, and patients travel to him from over 60 countries.
Medical degree from Istanbul University School of Medicine, 2004
Urology residency at the University of Health Sciences, Taksim Training and Research Hospital
Fellowship in urological oncology and laparoscopic urology, Heidelberg University, Germany
Treatment in JCI-accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul
Member of the European Association of Urology and the Endourological Society
He places inflatable, malleable and soft silicone implants. Read his full background on the About Us page, or see all erectile dysfunction treatments.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a semi-rigid penile implant cost in Turkey?
With Assoc. Prof. Taş, a malleable implant costs $5,000 to $7,000 in Istanbul, all inclusive.
Which is better, inflatable or malleable?
Inflatable implants look more natural at rest. Malleable implants are simpler and rarely fail, so the best choice depends on you.
How long does a malleable implant last?
With no moving parts, it often lasts many years. Removal or replacement is usually due to infection or erosion, not wear.
How hard is a malleable penile implant?
It gives firm, steady rigidity for sex. However, it does not grow in width or length like a natural erection.
How do you hide a malleable implant?
Bend it down or to the side and wear close-fitting underwear. Most men find this works well in daily life.
Will I still have sensation and orgasm?
Usually yes. The implant does not change skin sensation, orgasm or ejaculation.
Can a malleable implant be changed to an inflatable one?
Yes. A second operation can replace the rods with an inflatable implant if your needs change.
When can I have sex after the surgery?
Most men can have sex after about six weeks, once the wound has healed.
Is a Rigicon implant FDA approved?
Assoc. Prof. Taş uses only genuine, FDA-approved devices, and you receive the serial card.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
Plan about five to seven days, with one night in hospital.
Assoc. Prof. Taş's published research
This peer-reviewed paper comes from Assoc. Prof. Taş's own work on erectile dysfunction.
Early Clinical Results of the Tolerability, Safety, and Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration in Erectile Dysfunction. Sexual Medicine, 2021. First author.
Public health information
This page informs and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. So treatment decisions always follow your own examination and test results.
Talk to Assoc. Prof. Taş about a malleable implant
Book a confidential consultation and get an honest assessment, a clear plan and a written quote.
