What Is Penile Enlargement Surgery?
Penile enlargement surgery aims to increase the width or length of the penis. These procedures can be complex, they come with risks and are often chosen by individuals who already have an average-sized penis.
What Does It Involve?
Release of Suspensory Ligaments
This procedure involves cutting the ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone, making a flaccid penis appear longer without actually increasing its size. Surgeons may also remove fatty tissue from the base of the penis to enhance the length appearance.
Fat Transfer
In this method, fat is taken from areas like the thighs or buttocks and injected into the penis. The fat is purified before injection to ensure better outcomes.
Implants
This involves inserting silicone implants under the penile skin to increase both length and girth. The Penuma procedure is the only FDA-approved option. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision at the top of the penis and shapes the silicone implant to match the penis’s natural size and form.
Tissue Grafting
Here, skin grafts and fat are taken from another part of the body and attached to the penis shaft. This method comes with higher risks, such as infection, scarring, and potential issues with achieving an erection.
Is the Surgery Worth it?
A study revealed that Penuma implants can increase penile girth by 56.7%, boosting self-esteem and satisfaction for many patients. Another study showed that combining implants with fat transfer could be more effective, improving both girth and length after 12 months. However, there are no guarantees. Fat injections may shrink over time, reducing their effectiveness, and ligamentolysis satisfaction rates range widely from 30-65%.
Recovery Time
Experts advise avoiding heavy physical activity for 30 days post-surgery. Additionally, refrain from sexual activities, including masturbation, for 60 days.
How Safe Is Penile Enlargement Surgery?
The American Urological Association does not consider suspensory ligament division or fat transfer safe. A study indicated that while penile enlargement procedures are becoming safer, risks remain. Possible complications include penile deformity, severe shortening, soft tissue infections, non-healing wounds, painful erections, temporary loss of penile sensation, swelling and scarring.
Cost
Penile enlargement surgery is usually classified as cosmetic, meaning most insurance plans do not cover it. The out-of-pocket cost can be significant. However, in cases of congenital disorders affecting sexual function, insurance may cover the costs.
Requirements for Surgery
To be eligible for penile enlargement surgery, you should not have any medical conditions that contraindicate anesthesia, such as severe infections, thyroid disease, or uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, you must be circumcised to undergo silicone implantation.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
The primary medical reason for this surgery is a micropenis, defined as a penis less than 7.5 cm when fully erect. Surgeries may be necessary for men whose penises are non-functional due to congenital defects or injury. While some surgeons offer these procedures for cosmetic reasons, their necessity is highly debated among experts. They can sometimes cause long-term damage and should be considered experimental.
In Summary
Penile reconstructive surgery aims to increase the length and girth of the penis. It is predominantly used to correct congenital conditions like micropenis or injuries. Though effective for some, these procedures carry significant risks and are not deemed completely safe. Options include implants, fat injections, skin grafts, and suspensory ligament division. Proceed with caution and informed consent if considering this surgery.