Packing Heat: Your Travel Guide to Penile Implant Surgery

By Dr. Alfredo Suarez-Sarmiento, Jr.
Perito Urology | Coral Gables, FL

So, you’re getting a penile implant—and you’re traveling to do it.

First of all: bravo. You’ve made a decision that can restore confidence, performance, and quality of life. But now comes the next big question: “What the heck do I pack?”

At Perito Urology, we’ve had patients fly in from all over the world—Dubai, the Caribbean, Brazil, Australia, and, of course, right here in the U.S.—for world-class penile implant surgery using the Perito Minimally Invasive Technique.

To make sure your trip is smooth, safe, and stress-free, we’ve created this definitive travel guide so that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.


BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: LET’S GET YOU SET UP

We start with a virtual consultation—yep, you don’t need to meet us in person to get on the surgery calendar. But if your case involves Peyronie’s Disease, a revision implant, or anything more complex, we may want to see you a day or two before the big day.

“The goal is to minimize anxiety and maximize results. That starts long before the OR—by making sure every patient is informed, relaxed, and ready.”
Dr. Alfredo Suarez-Sarmiento, Jr.

Plan to Arrive TWO Days Before Surgery

Give yourself breathing room in case of flight delays. This also gives you time to:

  • Register at the hospital or surgical center
  • Pick up pre-op medications, if you don’t have them already
  • Get familiar with the area
  • Decompress

We’ve got recommended hotels and Airbnbs for every budget, just follow this link or call our office.


PACKING LIST: WHAT TO BRING

Here’s the official list, from the guys who do this every week:

Must-Haves:

  • Supportive underwear (leave the holy boxers at home)
  • Ice pack—or Ziploc bags if you’re improvising
  • Pre-op meds (pick up before surgery)
  • Athletic shorts and loose t-shirts
  • Comfortable slip-on shoes
  • All paperwork you’ve been asked to bring
  • A good book (or at least a solid Netflix queue)
  • Wet wipes (you won’t be showering for 48 hours)
  • Your JP drain instructions (see Meet the Penis #86)

“We make the process reproducible. That means if we do it right every single time—and our patients follow the protocol—our outcomes speak for themselves.”
Dr. Paul Perito


THE DAY OF SURGERY: STAY CHILL

You’ll arrive at the hospital two hours before your scheduled time. From there:

  • You’ll get your IV and antibiotics
  • We’ll go over any final questions
  • You’ll meet us in pre-op
  • You’ll head in for surgery using the Perito Technique
  • And—most important—you must urinate before discharge

Most patients go straight back to their hotel after surgery. You do not need to stay overnight unless your insurance (or anxiety) demands it. That said:

“You can’t leave the surgical center alone after anesthesia. Bring someone with you—or we can help arrange a professional aide. Safety always comes first.”
Dr. Alfredo Suarez-Sarmiento, Jr.


AFTER SURGERY: THE GOLDEN 48 HOURS

Your job for the first two days?
Rest. Ice. Drain. Repeat.

Wear your weight bag. Relax. Empty your JP drain religiously.

By day three, you’ll be back in the office. We’ll check your surgical site, remove your drain (unless instructed otherwise), and you’ll likely be cleared to drive or fly home.


WHEN CAN I TRAVEL HOME?

  • Driving? You can hit the road as early as the next day (if cleared).
  • Flying? We recommend waiting 2–3 days after surgery.

Why?

  1. We want to monitor urinary retention—rare, but we’re prepared.
  2. Your dressing stays on for 48 hours—after that, you can shower and move more comfortably.
  3. You’ll still benefit from the nerve block’s pain control during early travel.

WHAT ABOUT AIRPORT SECURITY?

  • No, your implant won’t set off metal detectors.
  • Yes, it may be visible in a scanner—don’t worry, TSA’s seen worse.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes and be comfortable.

If you’re feeling shy, we can provide a discreet ID card for airport screening.


IF THERE’S A PROBLEM?

First step: Contact Perito Urology.
Don’t panic. Don’t rush to the ER. Don’t take leftover antibiotics from that time you had strep.

If you’re one of our patients, I’m available for post-op guidance, even if you’re abroad. If there’s true urgency—chest pain, uncontrolled fever, serious vomiting—go to the ER. Otherwise, call us first.


PRO TIP: STICK TO THE PLAN

“The Perito Urology infection rate is among the lowest in the world. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the combination of surgical technique, smart preparation, and patient compliance.”
Dr. Alfredo Suarez-Sarmiento, Jr.

“A great surgical result starts with protocol. We’ve spent 28 years refining this technique and workflow—not just to get men functioning again, but to do it safely, consistently, and with reproducible success.”
Dr. Paul Perito


YOUR IDEAL SURGICAL TRAVEL TIMELINE

Example: Surgery scheduled for Wednesday?

  • Arrive Monday or Tuesday
  • Surgery Wednesday
  • Rest and recover Thursday
  • Follow-up Friday morning
  • Fly or drive home Friday or Saturday

FINAL THOUGHTS

Packing for penile implant surgery doesn’t need to be complicated. Stick to this guide, follow your doctor’s instructions, and you’ll be on your way to a smooth recovery—and a better life.

If you’re traveling for surgery and have questions, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Give us a call.
Book a consultation.
And let’s pack for your comeback.


Perito Urology – World Leaders in Penile Implants
Coral Gables, Florida