06 Sep What to Expect After Hormone Therapy with Testosterone Pellets 

What are Testosterone Pellets, and How are They Inserted?

Testosterone pellets are small testosterone-releasing implants that are placed under the skin of the hip. They release a steady dose of testosterone over a period of four months. The pellets will then dissolve into the skin, and new pellets must be placed at a follow-up appointment with your provider. Testosterone pellets are an excellent option for testosterone replacement because once inserted, they release a steady dose of testosterone without needing frequent visits to the office.

The Procedure

The testosterone pellets are implanted by your doctor during an office visit. Your doctor will ask you to lay on your side and expose the skin of your hip. The skin on your hip where the pellet will be placed will be cleaned with a solution to prevent infection. Then your doctor will inject a small amount of numbing medication (lidocaine) into the skin. Once your skin is numbed, your doctor will create a small incision into the skin, and the pellets will be placed underneath. Once the pellets are inserted, your doctor will use a small piece of tape to close the skin. 

After the Procedure

Every patient is likely to experience the procedure differently, but most patients experience little to no discomfort after implantation. After your procedure, your doctor will provide you with some instructions on how to recover and care for your incision. Instructions for after your procedure include

• You can resume normal daily activities immediately after your procedure, but you should avoid vigorous physical exercise for 72 hours. Avoid exercises like running, cycling, or elliptical use to avoid dislodging the pellets before the skin has had time to heal. 
• Avoid submerging your incision in water for up to one week. You should avoid swimming, bathing, or hot tub use until the skin has properly healed. 
• You may shower and remove the gauze pad the day after your procedure. 
• Leave the skin tape in place for 5 to 7 days to ensure the skin heals properly and the pellets do not become dislodged. 
• If you experience discomfort at the incision site, pain can be relieved by over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or by applying a warm compress to the area. 
• It is common for patients to experience slight redness around the incision, but this should resolve within 72 hours. 
• Infections are rare, but if you notice redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision site, you should contact your doctor. 

Side Effects of Testosterone Pellets

As with any medical procedure, some side effects have been reported after testosterone pellet insertion. Some patients experience 

• Mood Swings can occur until your hormone levels stabilize. 
• Increased hair growth can sometimes be experienced. When testosterone levels are increased, hair growth is stimulated. The opposite occurs when testosterone levels are too low, many patients will experience hair loss. 
• Fluid retention or swelling can occur in some patients after testosterone implants. The swelling will usually subside when hormone levels stabilize. 
• Facial breakouts or pimples are common with hormone fluctuations. These skin changes are often temporary and can be treated with skincare. 

For more information, call us today at (817) 961-9775 or click here to send us a message. We’ll schedule an initial appointment and help determine if testosterone treatments are right for you. We have two convenient office locations in Colleyville and Fort Worth.