Xiaflex In Aurora, CO
Modern Urology provides Xiaflex treatment for Peyronie's disease in Aurora, CO.
What Is Peyronie's Disease?
Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which fibrous scar tissue, called plaque, forms beneath the skin of the penis and causes it to curve during erection. The curvature can range from mild to severe and may cause pain, difficulty with intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and significant emotional distress. Modern Urology evaluates and treats Peyronie’s disease at every stage.
Peyronie’s disease is more common than many men realize. It affects an estimated 1 in 100 men, though the actual number is likely higher because many men feel embarrassed and do not seek evaluation. The condition most often develops in men between the ages of 40 and 70, but it can occur at any age.
The plaque that causes Peyronie’s disease is thought to form as a result of repeated minor injury to the penis during sexual activity or physical trauma. When the tissue heals, excess collagen builds up and creates a hardened plaque beneath the surface. This plaque does not stretch the way normal penile tissue does, so when the penis becomes erect, it bends toward the side where the plaque is located.
Symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease
Common signs include a noticeable curve in the penis during erection, a palpable hard lump or band of tissue under the skin, pain during erections (especially in the early stages), shortening of the penis, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and difficulty with sexual intercourse due to the angle of curvature. Some men also experience narrowing or an hourglass shape at the site of the plaque.
Peyronie’s disease typically progresses through two phases. The acute phase involves active inflammation, possible pain, and worsening curvature over a period of several months. The chronic phase begins when the curvature stabilizes and pain often subsides, though the curvature itself remains. Xiaflex treatment is most appropriate during the chronic, stable phase.
What Is Xiaflex and How Does It Treat Peyronie's Disease?
Xiaflex is the brand name for collagenase clostridium histolyticum, an injectable enzyme that breaks down the excess collagen in Peyronie’s plaque. It is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for Peyronie’s disease and offers a proven alternative to surgical correction for men with stable penile curvature.
When Dr. Fronczak injects Xiaflex directly into the plaque, the enzyme targets and dissolves the collagen fibers that make up the scar tissue. As the plaque softens and weakens, it becomes possible to gradually straighten the penis through a manual process called modeling. Over the course of treatment, the combination of enzymatic breakdown and physical modeling reduces the degree of curvature.
Unlike surgical options for Peyronie’s disease, such as plication or grafting, Xiaflex does not require general anesthesia, does not involve incisions, and does not result in penile shortening. This makes it an attractive option for men who want meaningful curvature correction without the risks and recovery associated with surgery.
The Xiaflex Treatment Process at Modern Urology
Xiaflex treatment at Modern Urology follows a structured protocol of injection cycles and at-home modeling exercises. Dr. Fronczak personally performs every injection and provides detailed guidance on the modeling process so each patient feels confident managing their care between office visits.
The Treatment Cycle
Each treatment cycle consists of two Xiaflex injections given approximately 1 to 3 days apart. The injections are administered directly into the Peyronie’s plaque in the office. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per visit. Local anesthesia is used to numb the injection site, and nitrous oxide sedation is available for patients who want additional comfort during the process.
At-Home Modeling
Starting 1 to 3 days after the second injection in each cycle, patients begin at-home modeling exercises. Modeling involves gently stretching and bending the penis in the direction opposite to the curvature. Dr. Fronczak demonstrates the proper modeling technique in the office and ensures each patient understands how to perform it safely before beginning at home. Modeling is performed for approximately 30 seconds, three times daily, throughout the 6-week period between treatment cycles.
Full Course of Treatment
The full Xiaflex treatment course involves up to four treatment cycles, each spaced approximately 6 weeks apart. This means the complete course takes roughly 6 to 9 months from start to finish. Dr. Fronczak evaluates curvature improvement at each visit and may conclude treatment early if the desired result is achieved before completing all four cycles.
Who Is a Candidate for Xiaflex?
Not every man with Peyronie’s disease is a candidate for Xiaflex. Dr. Fronczak evaluates each patient individually at Modern Urology to determine whether Xiaflex is the right treatment based on the severity and stability of the curvature, the characteristics of the plaque, and the patient’s overall health.
Xiaflex is generally appropriate for men who have stable curvature, meaning the curve has stopped changing and is no longer in the active inflammatory phase. The curvature should be approximately 30 to 90 degrees, as measured during erection. The plaque must be palpable, meaning Dr. Fronczak can feel it during examination. Adequate erectile function, either naturally or with the help of medication, is also important so that the modeling exercises can be performed effectively.
Men whose curvature is less than 30 degrees may not benefit significantly from Xiaflex. Men with heavily calcified plaque, where the scar tissue has hardened with calcium deposits, may also be better suited for other treatment approaches. Dr. Fronczak discusses all available options during the consultation, including surgical alternatives for patients who are not Xiaflex candidates.
Xiaflex Results: What to Expect
Clinical studies have shown that Xiaflex produces meaningful curvature improvement in the majority of treated patients. Modern Urology has had significant success with Xiaflex in reducing penile curvature and improving quality of life for men with Peyronie’s disease.
In clinical trials, patients treated with Xiaflex achieved an average curvature reduction of approximately 17 to 34 percent over the full course of treatment. Many patients experience enough improvement to restore comfortable sexual function. Results vary depending on the severity of the initial curvature, the characteristics of the plaque, and how consistently modeling exercises are performed between treatment cycles.
One of the most important advantages of Xiaflex is that it does not result in penile shortening. Surgical correction for Peyronie’s disease, particularly plication procedures, often shortens the penis to achieve straightening. For many men, the possibility of shortening is the primary reason they avoid treatment altogether. Xiaflex offers curvature correction while preserving penile length, which is a significant benefit.
Dr. Fronczak tracks curvature measurements at each follow-up visit and adjusts the treatment plan based on how the patient is responding. Some patients achieve their desired result in fewer than four treatment cycles.
Xiaflex Side Effects and Safety
Like any medical treatment, Xiaflex carries potential side effects. Dr. Fronczak discusses all risks in detail during the consultation at Modern Urology so every patient can make a fully informed decision before starting treatment.
Common side effects include bruising at the injection site, swelling of the penis, pain or tenderness at the injection site, and penile hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). These effects are expected and typically resolve on their own within one to two weeks. They are generally manageable with ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication.
Less common side effects include temporary pain during erections, a small nodule or lump near the injection site, and skin discoloration. These also tend to resolve over time.
The most serious potential risk is corporal rupture, also called penile fracture, which is a tear in the tissue that surrounds the erectile bodies. This is rare but is the reason Xiaflex must be administered by a certified provider who has completed the required training program. Dr. Fronczak is certified to administer Xiaflex and follows strict injection protocols to minimize risk. Patients are also instructed on what activities to avoid after each injection to reduce the chance of complications.
Why Choose Modern Urology for Xiaflex Treatment in Aurora, CO
Modern Urology offers Xiaflex treatment with a level of personal physician attention and patient education that sets the practice apart from larger clinics and hospital-based programs. Dr. Fronczak manages the entire Xiaflex process personally, from initial evaluation through every injection and follow-up measurement.
Dr. Fronczak is a certified Xiaflex provider who has completed the required training and credentialing program to safely administer the treatment. She personally performs every injection, demonstrates the modeling technique to each patient, and monitors curvature progress at every visit. Patients at Modern Urology are never handed off to a different provider mid-treatment.
The practice also assists with insurance prior authorization for Xiaflex, which can be a complex process. Modern Urology’s staff works directly with insurance companies to secure approval and helps patients understand their coverage and out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Most major insurance plans cover Xiaflex for Peyronie’s disease.
Modern Urology serves patients seeking Xiaflex treatment throughout the Denver metro area, including Aurora, Centennial, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xiaflex injection hurt?
Most patients describe the injection as uncomfortable but tolerable. Dr. Fronczak uses local anesthesia to numb the injection site before administering Xiaflex, which significantly reduces discomfort during the procedure. Nitrous oxide sedation is also available at Modern Urology for patients who want additional relaxation. Each injection visit takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Some soreness and swelling at the injection site are normal afterward and typically resolve within one to two weeks.
How many Xiaflex treatments will I need?
The full Xiaflex treatment course involves up to four treatment cycles, with each cycle consisting of two injections given 1 to 3 days apart. Cycles are spaced approximately 6 weeks apart, so the complete course takes roughly 6 to 9 months. Dr. Fronczak measures curvature improvement at each visit and may end treatment early if adequate correction is achieved before all four cycles are completed.
What are the side effects of Xiaflex?
Common side effects include bruising, swelling, pain at the injection site, and penile hematoma. These typically resolve within one to two weeks. Less common effects include temporary pain during erections and small nodules near the injection site. The most serious but rare risk is corporal rupture, which is why Xiaflex must be administered by a certified provider. Dr. Fronczak at Modern Urology discusses all potential side effects during the consultation before treatment begins.
Does Xiaflex cause penile shortening?
No. Unlike surgical correction for Peyronie’s disease, Xiaflex treatment does not result in penile shortening. This is one of the most significant advantages of choosing Xiaflex over surgery. Surgical procedures like plication straighten the penis by removing or tightening tissue on the longer side, which can reduce length. Xiaflex works by breaking down the plaque itself, allowing the penis to straighten without sacrificing length. For many men, this benefit is the deciding factor in choosing Xiaflex in Aurora, CO at Modern Urology.
How effective is Xiaflex for Peyronie’s disease?
Clinical trials showed that patients treated with Xiaflex achieved an average curvature reduction of approximately 17 to 34 percent. Many patients experience enough improvement to restore comfortable intercourse. Results depend on the initial degree of curvature, plaque characteristics, and consistency with at-home modeling exercises. Dr. Fronczak has had significant success with Xiaflex treatments at Modern Urology and tracks each patient’s progress with curvature measurements at every visit.
Does insurance cover Xiaflex treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover Xiaflex for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease, though prior authorization is typically required before treatment can begin. Modern Urology’s staff handles the prior authorization process and works directly with your insurance company to secure approval. The team also helps you understand your specific coverage, copay amounts, and any out-of-pocket costs before your first treatment session.
What is the modeling process after a Xiaflex injection?
Modeling is a set of gentle stretching exercises performed at home between Xiaflex treatment cycles. Starting 1 to 3 days after the second injection in each cycle, you gently bend and stretch the penis in the direction opposite to the curvature for approximately 30 seconds, three times daily. Dr. Fronczak demonstrates the technique in the office and makes sure you are comfortable performing it before you begin at home. Modeling is essential to achieving the best possible curvature reduction from Xiaflex treatment.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Xiaflex?
Xiaflex is appropriate for men with stable Peyronie’s disease, meaning the curvature has stopped changing. The curvature should be between approximately 30 and 90 degrees, and the plaque should be palpable during examination. Adequate erectile function is also needed to perform the modeling exercises effectively. The best way to determine candidacy is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fronczak at Modern Urology, where she will evaluate your curvature, examine the plaque, and discuss whether Xiaflex is the right option for your situation.
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Xiaflex in Aurora, CO offers men with Peyronie’s disease a proven path to curvature correction without surgery and without penile shortening. Modern Urology and Dr. Carolyn Fronczak are here to guide you through every step of the process. Call today to schedule your consultation, or request an appointment online.