Traveling to San Francisco for Himplant® Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Francisco, CA

Himplant® is an FDA-approved subcutaneous silicone penile implant, and it is only performed by highly trained and certified surgeons. The question is not whether to travel for penile enlargement surgery, but rather, how to do it without turning a private decision into a two-week disruption.

Dr. Victor Liu is a board-certified general and plastic surgeon who has more than 35 years of surgical experience. Additionally, he is also a fellow of the American College of Plastic Surgeons and is a full-spectrum specialist who offers a wide range of options, from relatively simple filler injections to more advanced surgical procedures, including AlloDerm grafting, suspensory ligament release, and Himplant surgery. He is perhaps one of a few, or the only, surgeons in the U.S. offering this complete range of penis enlargement procedures. He has devoted his practice to serving his patients since 1984 and is known nationally and in the San Francisco Bay Area as an expert. If you are seeking to enhance your penis size, then contact us online or call our office at (650) 697-8888 to schedule your personal consultation.

Himplant® vs. a Traditional Penile Implant

Himplant is a cosmetic subcutaneous implant that sits beneath the skin of the shaft, outside of the erectile tissues, and it does not treat erectile dysfunction. A traditional penile implant refers to an inflatable penile prosthesis, which is a urological device that is placed inside the erectile body to treat erectile dysfunction.

Himplant®

The Himplant procedure aims to cosmetically treat girth and flaccid appearance. It sits beneath the skin of the shaft, outside the erectile bodies, and wraps approximately 270°, leaving the urethra uncovered, but it is not intended to create or restore erections. It is secured behind the glands, so it stretches forward when an erection occurs. (1) The Himplant is removable, though this may involve additional procedures and recovery.

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

An inflatable penile prosthesis is a treatment for erectile dysfunction, and it sits inside the erectile bodies, which allows it to produce erections on demand via an implanted pump. It is often covered by insurance when medically necessary. (2) In terms of reversibility, it generally does not restore prior natural function.

Which one is right for you?

If your concern is size, girth, or how you look when flaccid, Himplant is an ideal procedure for you. However, if you are seeking to achieve or maintain an erection, you may benefit from other procedures such as an inflatable penile prosthesis or more. (3)

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Himplant® Procedure?

You are an ideal candidate for a Himplant procedure if:

  • You want to increase girth and enhance flaccid appearance
  • Your penis retracts or appears smaller when flaccid
  • You have a buried or partially hidden penis
  • You are looking for a long-lasting alternative to fillers
  • You are in relatively good health and have realistic expectations for your results

Nearest Himplant® Provider Location

Himplant has been performed for two decades, expanding nationally after 2019 and internationally after 2024.

In the United States, certified providers cluster in New York, Washington, D.C. Miami, Chicago, and California. Dr. Liu is one of the two names on the entire domestic list west of Chicago, Dr. Liu in San Francisco and one surgeon in Beverly Hills. This exact reason is why men routinely fly hours for a consultation that they could not get within a two-hour drive or anywhere closer to them.

Nonstop Flights to San Francisco from Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, and Portland

Every city below has multiple daily nonstop flights, and most last a total of under two and a half hours to International Airport (SFO).

  • Phoenix to SFO: 2h 05m
  • Seattle to SFO: 2h 10m
  • Las Vegas to SFO: 1h 35m
  • Denver to SFO: 2h 40m
  • Portland to SFO: 1h 55m
  • Salt Lake City to SFO: 1h 55m

Getting from SFO to the Clinic in Union Square

You have some options to get to the Himplant clinic in Union Square from SFO. These include:

  • BART, terminal to Union Square: BART runs from inside the SFO terminal directly to Powell Street Station in about 30 minutes with no transfers. From Powell Street, it is roughly a ten-minute walk to 490 Post Street.
  • Rideshare or Taxi: It takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. It is ideal on procedure day and for the trip back home when you are carrying a bag and healing through your procedure.
  • Everything within walking distance: The office sits in the middle of Union Square. Hotels, pharmacies, restaurants, and grocery stores are all within a few blocks.

Our address is 490 Post St, Suite 1230, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Phone number: (650) 697-8888

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Nearest BART: Powell Street — approx. 0.4 miles

How Long to Stay for Himplant® Surgery

Ideally, you should plan to stay for five to six nights after your Himplant procedure. In many cases, Dr. Liu will place a drain that stays in for a few days afterwards, and you should not fly before Dr. Liu has removed it and checked your incision. Dr. Liu will confirm your exact schedule during your personal consultation and after your procedure, but he recommends planning around this schedule:

1. Day Before Procedure

Fly in and settle into your hotel. Nothing will be required of you that day, so you should take the time to rest and review any preoperative instructions Dr. Liu will provide you.

2. Procedure day

You will receive your Himplant procedure, typically completed in under an hour. The implant will be placed beneath the skin of the shaft through a small incision along the upper scrotum. You can return to your hotel the same day.

3. Days 1-2 After

You may experience mild swelling and discomfort within the first weeks as your body adjusts to the implant. You should prioritize rest and taking short walks when you can. You will also have a surgical drain in place for the first two to three days after.

4. Day 3-4

During this time, you can return to the office for drain removal and an incision check. This visit is also where your activity restrictions and return-to-routine timeline are set for the coming weeks.

5. Days 5-6

Once Dr. Liu clears you, you can fly home. He recommends you reserve an aisle seat to get up and move more comfortably once or twice during the flight.

6. Post-Op

You will need a routine follow-up appointment, which happens virtually once you are back home. You will need to continue to follow some restrictions for a period after you are home, but Dr. Liu will provide you a personalized post-operation timeline to follow for effective results.

Virtual Consultations for Out-Of-State Patients

Out-of-town patients will begin their journey with a private video consultation. Dr. Liu will review your goals, your medical history, and your anatomy to determine whether Himplant will be an ideal procedure for you. He will ensure that you are in relatively good health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations for your procedure. Dr. Liu’s goal is that you feel comfortable and secure before undergoing this transformative procedure.

Staying Near the Clinic

Union Square has more hotel rooms, at every price point, within walking distance than almost any neighborhood in the city. Dr. Liu and his team can provide recommendations that have worked well for previous out-of-town patients. These places offer a quiet room and an elevator and are close enough to walk to the office slowly. As you plan, Dr. Liu recommends that you:

  • Book Flexible: Look for refundable rates and a changeable return flight. Your clearance to travel is a medical decision, and it is worth the small premium not to be locked in just in case anything changes at the last minute.
  • Pack for Slow Days: Bring loose clothing, slip-on shoes, and anything that makes two quiet days in a hotel room tolerable. Loose-fitting clothing is ideal since you will be resting more than you expect.
  • Consider Bringing a Companion: Although this is not required, it is genuinely helpful to have someone help carry your bag(s), handle the ride back home, assist with food deliveries, and more within the first 48 hours.

Results from Himplant® Surgery

Your Himplant procedure will provide significant changes to your penis. When you are in a flaccid state, you will notice an increase in girth, increased visible length from reduced retraction, and a fuller and more projected appearance. The implant will help maintain structure and create a more consistent contour, which helps prevent retraction. This is where most of the visible change happens. In an erect state, there will be an increase of girth with minimal or no change in length. Himplant is a girth and appearance procedure, making girth increase by one to two inches in some patients. Erect appearance varies, but patients regularly report positive outcomes.

Himplant® Risks and Complications

Himplant surgery, like any other procedure, carries risk. While Dr. Liu and his team precisely choose only the best candidates for this procedure, some risks may still arise. These include:

  • Infection
  • Seroma
  • Implant-related complications, such as positioning or erosion
  • Scarring or aesthetic dissatisfaction
  • Need for revision or removal

Cost of Himplant® Surgery in San Francisco, CA

The cost of your Himplant surgery will vary depending on the surgical techniques Dr. Liu will utilize, your overall goals, and whether you pair it with any other procedures. Your total cost will vary depending on the total amount of your travel expenses as well. Dr. Liu will provide you with a detailed cost outline for your procedure during your personal consultation. Contact us online or call our office at (650) 697-8888 to schedule an appointment today!

FAQ

Is Himplant the same as a penile implant for erectile dysfunction?

No, a traditional penile implant, or inflatable penile prosthesis, is a urological device that is placed inside the erectile bodies to treat erectile dysfunction. Himplant, however, is a cosmetic subcutaneous implant that is placed beneath the skin of the shaft, outside the erectile tissues. It is solely designed to increase girth and improve flaccid appearance, and it is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

How long do I need to stay in San Francisco for Himplant surgery?

Most out-of-town patients plan to stay an average of five to six nights before Dr. Liu clears them and are allowed to fly back home.

Does Himplant affect natural erections?

Himplant is not designed to create nor restore erections, and it is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The implant is placed outside the erectile bodies and is secured behind the head of the penis so that it stretches forward when an erection occurs.

Can my consultation be done remotely?

Yes, it can be. Out-of-town patients start with a private video consultation with Dr. Liu covering goals, history, and candidacy before any travel is booked in advance.

Does insurance cover Himplant or travel costs?

No, Himplant is a cosmetic procedure, so it is not covered by health insurance, and all travel expenses will be yours to pay. Pricing will be discussed openly during your personal consultation with Dr. Liu so you can receive an estimate of your procedure and entire trip expense.

How discreet is the procedure?

Our practice is built around privacy. The office is a private suite in a Union Square medical building with no procedure signage required. Correspondence stays on the channels you choose, and the incision is placed along the upper scrotum, where the scar line typically conceals well after full recovery.

References

  1. Valenzuela RJ, Elist JJ, Moon D, Cvijanovic L, Wilson SK. Himplant® subcutaneous penile implant improves penile appearance and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: a case series. Int J Impot Res. 2026;38(3):247-251. doi:10.1038/s41443-024-00857-y
  2. Cavayero CT, McIntosh GV. Penile Prosthesis Implantation. PubMed. 2021. Accessed September 14, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563292/
  3. Nirupama Ancha, Eldin M, Woodle T, et al. Current devices, outcomes, and pain management considerations in penile implant surgery: an updated review of the literature. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2024;26(4):335-343. doi:10.4103/aja202386