Testicular Implant Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey
A testicular implant restores a natural look when a testicle is missing. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Tas places it as a day-case operation in Istanbul.
Career figures from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Tas's professional profile, updated September 2026.
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What Is a Testicular Implant?
A testicular implant is a soft silicone prosthesis in the shape of a testicle. It sits inside the scrotum and restores a balanced look.
The implant does not make hormones or sperm. Therefore, it changes appearance and confidence, not fertility or testosterone levels.
Men usually choose it after losing a testicle to cancer, torsion or injury, or when one is missing from birth. The operation takes one to two hours, and most men go home the same day.
Many men never hear about an implant at the time of their original surgery. However, there is no deadline, so you can still have one years later.
Why Are You Considering an Implant?
Pick the situation closest to yours. Each link explains timing, sizing and what to expect.
- 01A testicle removed for cancerAn implant during or after orchiectomy
- 02Torsion, injury or infectionReplacing a testicle lost in an emergency
- 03A testicle missing from birthAn absent testis, or one removed after it failed to descend
- 04Replacing an old implantThe wrong size, a high position or a hard feel
- 05Both testicles missingTwo implants in one operation
Testicular Implants: Timing and Technique by Situation
Every situation needs the same care with size and position. However, timing and technique differ, as the notes below explain.
After testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common reason for an implant. Typically, the surgeon removes the testicle through the groin, so the implant can go in through the same incision.
If your orchiectomy is still ahead, ask your surgeon whether an implant can go in at the same time. Otherwise, Dr. Tas can place it later, once your oncology team agrees the timing.
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy does not rule out an implant. Still, most surgeons wait until treatment ends and the skin has recovered.
Satisfaction is high in this group. For example, a 2022 Portuguese survey asked testicular cancer survivors about their implants. Of those men, 97.7% rated the result good or excellent, and 88.2% would choose it again.
After torsion, injury or infection
Losing a testicle suddenly can hit body image hard, particularly in younger men. Torsion, a serious injury or a severe infection can destroy a testicle.
In such cases, the implant restores symmetry once the scrotum has fully healed.
Timing matters here. Generally, Dr. Tas waits until any infection has cleared completely, because an implant placed into infected tissue can fail.
After torsion, surgeons usually fix the remaining testicle in place, so it cannot twist in the future. If that step never happened, Dr. Tas can do both in one operation.
A testicle missing from birth
Some men have only one testicle from birth, or lose one that never came down into the scrotum. As a result, one side of the scrotum can look empty or underdeveloped.
Some adults still have an undescended testicle in the groin or abdomen. In that case, the surgeon first checks whether it should come out, because an undescended testicle carries a higher cancer risk.
At first, an underdeveloped scrotum may only fit a smaller implant. Nevertheless, even a modest size restores a more natural outline.
Replacing an old implant
Some men already have an implant but dislike its size, position or feel. For example, older implants can sit high in the scrotum or feel harder than natural tissue.
Replacement surgery removes the old implant and places a better-matched one. Moreover, a softer silicone gel implant often solves the firmness complaint.
If the old implant sits too high, the surgeon can also create a lower pocket during the replacement. As a result, the new implant settles where a natural testicle sits.
Both testicles missing
Men without either testicle can also have two implants in one operation. In that case, the surgeon chooses sizes that suit your build, since there is no testicle to match.
Hormone replacement then looks after testosterone, because the implants have no hormonal role. Your own doctor usually manages that treatment at home.
Questions at this stage
Will a testicular implant affect my hormones or fertility?
No. The implant has no function beyond appearance. Your remaining testicle, or hormone treatment if both are missing, looks after testosterone. In fact, one healthy testicle usually makes enough testosterone and sperm on its own.
Can the implant go in during the orchiectomy?
Often, yes. Placing it at the same time avoids a second operation. However, with cancer, the timing is a joint decision with your oncology team.
Silicone Gel or Saline: Which Testicular Implant?
Two implant types exist. Most men choose silicone gel for its softer feel, while saline suits men who want the volume set during surgery.
| Feature | Silicone gel-filled | Saline-filled |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, closest to natural tissue | Slightly firmer and less natural |
| Size | Chosen from stocked sizes before surgery | Filled to the chosen volume during surgery |
| Availability | Europe, Turkey and many other countries | Worldwide, and the only approved type in the US |
| Best for | Most men who want the most natural feel | Men who prefer an adjustable volume |
Dr. Tas keeps five silicone gel sizes in stock and matches the implant to your other testicle.
Why is silicone gel not used in the United States?
In the US, the FDA has approved only a saline-filled testicular implant. So men who want the softer silicone gel type have the operation outside the US.
Testicular implant cost in Turkey
Published Istanbul packages for one implant typically run from about $1,500 to $4,500. Specifically, the implant type, one or both sides and the hospital setting move the figure. Combining another procedure in the same operation changes it too.
By comparison, private clinics in London quote around £2,700 for one implant. So for UK patients, the saving is modest. The bigger reasons to travel are often the implant choice and the surgeon's experience.
These figures come from published market ranges, not a fixed SafeFill Clinic price. Instead, Dr. Tas confirms your own price in writing before you book.
Why men travel to Istanbul for this operation
First, US patients can choose the silicone gel type, which is not available at home. Second, the whole visit takes only four to five days.
Third, men who plan another procedure can combine both in one trip. Finally, Dr. Tas operates on the male genital area every week, so sizing and positioning follow a proven routine.
From Consultation to Final Result
Treatment follows four steps, and most of the recovery happens comfortably at home.
Consultation and sizing
First, Dr. Tas examines the scrotum and, if present, the remaining testicle. Then he compares your natural side with sizing models and picks the closest match.
You also discuss the scar, the anesthesia and the implant type. Routine blood tests then follow on the same day.
Good candidates are healthy men with fully healed scrotal skin and no active infection. However, men still in cancer treatment, or with an open wound, should wait. Smokers should also stop at least four weeks before surgery, since smoking slows healing.
Bring your previous operation notes to the consultation. After cancer, also bring a short letter from your oncologist confirming that surgery is fine.
Can I choose a larger implant than my other testicle?
You can discuss it, but a mismatched size usually looks less natural. Also, an implant that is too large can feel uncomfortable and raise the risk of problems.
Surgery day: a day-case operation
The operation takes one to two hours under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Naturally, both sides together take a little longer.
Dr. Tas makes a small incision in the groin crease or high on the scrotum, not at its base. He then positions the implant low in the scrotum, where a natural testicle sits.
Will there be a visible scar?
The incision sits in the groin crease or high on the scrotum, so underwear usually hides it. Over the following months, the scar fades to a thin line.
First days in Istanbul
Most men go home the same day and rest at the hotel. Meanwhile, supportive underwear and cold packs keep the swelling down. Most men need only simple pain relief for a few days.
Your written instructions explain when you can shower. Meanwhile, baths and swimming wait until the wound has fully healed.
Plan four to five days in Istanbul. Before you fly, Dr. Tas checks the wound. Then a final review follows around day 7 to 10, by video or with your local doctor.
When can I fly home?
Most men fly after four to five days, once the wound looks healthy. On long flights, wear loose clothing and walk the aisle regularly.
Recovery at home
Generally, desk work and walking resume within the first week. However, avoid cycling, the gym and heavy lifting for four weeks.
Sex and sport usually restart at four weeks. After that, the implant takes two to three months to settle into its final position.
The implant itself has no feeling. However, the scrotal skin around it keeps its normal sensation.
As with any implant, risks exist. The main ones are infection, a collection of blood, upward movement of the implant and, rarely, skin erosion. Consequently, an infected implant usually needs removal, with a new one placed later.
To lower these risks, the team gives an antibiotic before surgery and works with strict sterile technique. In addition, the right size reduces the chance of discomfort or movement.
How long does a testicular implant last?
Manufacturers design it as a permanent implant. So you only need a replacement if a problem such as infection or rupture occurs, or if you want a different size.
Testicular Implant Surgery with Dr. Tuncay Tas
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Tas
Urologist · Penile Prosthesis and Men's Sexual Health
Above all, a good result depends on three decisions: the right size, the right position and the right incision. Together, they decide how natural the result looks and feels.
When you compare surgeons, ask three questions. How often do they place testicular implants? Which implant types and sizes do they stock, and who treats you if a problem appears at home?
Dr. Tas, a urologist, trained in Istanbul and Germany and focuses on men's genital surgery. Read his full profile.
Figures from Dr. Tas's professional profile, September 2026.
Request a ConsultationTesticular Implant: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a testicular implant feel real?
It feels close to natural tissue, especially with silicone gel. However, it may feel slightly firmer, and some men notice the difference by touch.
Can I have an implant years after losing a testicle?
Yes. There is no deadline, and many men have the operation years later, once they decide the change matters to them.
Will my partner notice the implant?
Most partners cannot tell by sight. By touch, a slight difference may be noticeable, particularly in firmness.
Will the implant set off airport security?
No. The implant contains no metal, so metal detectors do not react to it. You can fly home with no special paperwork.
Is an MRI scan safe with a testicular implant?
Yes. Silicone gel and saline implants contain no metal, so MRI scans remain safe. Still, mention the implant to the radiographer, since it shows on the images.
Can a testicular implant rupture?
Rupture is rare, because the silicone shell is strong. If it ever happens, a short operation replaces the implant through a small incision.
Can I combine it with another procedure?
Yes. For example, men who also plan a penile implant or girth work can do both in one trip. See our overview of penis surgery in Turkey.
Plan Your Testicular Implant in Istanbul
Tell us your situation and preferred dates. Dr. Tas's team then plans your visit and prepares a written quote.