What Is Penis Enlargement Surgery? Penis enlargement
surgery is a procedure performed to make the penis appear larger. Surgery is
just one of the ways people try to enlarge their penis. Procedures attempting
penis enlargement may include:
- Surgery
to make the penis longer (increasing its length).
- Surgery
to make the penis wider (increasing the circumference of the penis itself
or its shaft).
- Liposuction
to make the penis appear larger by reducing the abdomen.
Who Needs Penis Enlargement Surgery? People with a
micropenis or a buried penis may have medical reasons to undergo penis
enlargement surgery. Micropenis, or a very small penis, is a congenital
condition. A buried penis refers to a penis hidden beneath the skin of the
abdomen, thighs, or scrotum. This condition can be congenital or may occur with
aging. People with these conditions usually undergo surgery to restore a
functional penis. These functions include:
- Being
able to urinate while standing.
- Being
able to engage in sexual intercourse through penetration.
Who Might Want Penis Enlargement Surgery? In most
cases, individuals interested in penis enlargement surgery are dissatisfied
with the appearance of their penis. Even if they can urinate standing up or
engage in penetrative sexual intercourse, they worry that their penis is not
long enough or wide enough. They may feel that both the length and width are
insufficient. This issue is primarily a matter of perception, as most people
have penises capable of doing what a penis needs to do: engaging in sexual
activity and urinating standing up. While many people occasionally wonder if
their penis size is normal, some individuals have persistent and distressing
anxieties about their penis size that can affect their daily lives—including
their work, personal relationships, and overall mood.
If a person notices that worrying about their penis size
affects their life, but a doctor has told them that their penis size is normal,
they may have conditions such as penile dysmorphic disorder or small penis
anxiety.
- PDD
(Penile Dysmorphic Disorder): A type of body dysmorphic disorder.
People with PDD believe their penis is smaller than it actually is and
that other people's penises are larger than they actually are. PDD can
lead to depression and even cause erectile problems.
- SPA
(Small Penis Anxiety): A type of anxiety. People with SPA feel anxious
in situations where someone might see their genitals (for example, in a
locker room or during sex) because they worry their penis is smaller than
normal.
What Happens Before Penis Enlargement Procedures?
Before penis enlargement surgery, as with any surgery, the person will need to
answer certain questions to see if they are suitable for the procedure. These
questions may include:
- Are
they healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery?
- Have
they passed the necessary psychological evaluations?
- Do
they understand all the risks of the procedure?
- Do
they smoke or use tobacco?
- Are
they circumcised?
- Are
they taking any medications that could interfere with healing, such as
blood thinners?
- Do
they have diabetes?
- Have
they previously undergone pelvic surgery?
What Happens During Penis Enlargement Procedures? There
are different types of procedures used to make penises appear larger. However,
very few methods reliably work well to increase penis size or length. Marketing
materials often use misleading "before and after" photos to attract
potential clients. Commonly performed procedures include:
- Ligamentolysis:
The suspensory ligament connecting the penis to the pubic bone is
surgically cut. The flaccid penis hangs lower and appears longer.
- Penis
Enlargement Using Autologous Fat: A doctor extracts fat using
liposuction and then injects this fat into the penis to increase its
thickness.
- Penis
Enlargement Using Dermal Fillers: A specialist injects cosmetic
fillers beneath the skin of the penis. Some of these are safer than
others.
- Implantation
of the Penuma Device: This product consists of soft silicone. A
surgeon places it under the skin. It is the only product of its kind with
FDA approval.
- Surgical
Removal of the Suprapubic Fat Pad: For men with a "buried"
penis, the fatty tissue surrounding the penis is surgically removed. This
does not increase the size of the penis, but it reduces the size of the
surrounding tissues to reveal the true length of the penis.
Depending on which type of procedure is performed, the
doctor may carry out the treatment in an office setting or an operating room.
What Happens After a Penis Enlargement Procedure? The
doctor will provide the patient with post-procedure instructions. Pain
medications may be used. The type of procedure performed will determine how
long you need to stay home away from work or school, and how long you must wait
before resuming sexual activity. For some more invasive procedures, this period
can extend up to six weeks.
What Are the Risks or Complications of Penis Enlargement
Procedures? There are several risks or "cons" associated with
these types of procedures, including:
- Adverse
reaction to anesthesia.
- Scarring
or inflammatory reaction.
- Need
for additional surgery that could lead to penis shortening.
- Curvature
or bending in the shape of the new penis due to scarring.
- Loss
of sensation or pain in the penis.
- Erectile
dysfunction.
- Contracting
an infection.
- Dissatisfaction
with results (the penis not being as large as expected).
What Are the Benefits of Penis Enlargement Procedures?
Some procedures result in an increase in penis length and/or girth. Those with
reasonable goals and expectations regarding the chosen procedure may feel more
confident and self-assured than before.
How Long Is the Recovery Time for Penis Enlargement
Procedures? The type of procedure performed will affect when you can go
home and when you can return to work. The type of work you do is also a factor
that determines when you can return to work.
When Should You Contact a Doctor? You should attend
scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor. You should contact a doctor
if you experience any concerning symptoms, especially signs of infection such
as fever, red or swollen skin, or difficulty urinating.
What Are Non-Surgical Ways a Person Might Try to Enlarge
Their Penis? Applying lotions or creams to the penis or using a device
without a doctor's approval or recommendation is not wise. Most of these
"treatments" do not work, and some can actually be dangerous. For
example, using weights to stretch the penis can cause damage to it. If doctors
have not evaluated specific products like creams, lotions, or supplements for
safety, these products should strictly not be used.
Types of penis enlargement people might consider include:
- Testosterone
Replacement Therapy: Generally used in children with a micropenis due
to low hormone levels, this therapy is administered in oral, buccal,
intramuscular injection, transdermal patch, subdermal (under the skin),
and nasal preparation forms.
- Creams
or lotions.
- Supplements.
- Penile
traction devices (used before and after surgical procedures).
- Weights.
Be sure to speak thoroughly with a doctor before trying any
of the treatments listed above. Those who are unhappy with the appearance of
their penis and are considering penis enlargement should make sure to dedicate
enough time to discuss the results with their doctor. It is necessary to be
realistic about expectations and to be aware that serious complications are
possible. Due to the risk of complications such as scarring, infection, pain,
loss of penile sensation, and erectile dysfunction, many surgeons do not
recommend surgery for a penis of adequate size. However, for some
individuals—especially if there are issues related to urination, sexual
intercourse, or hygiene—surgery may be an option.