Does Penile Enlargement Surgery Work and Is It Worth It?
Do you desire a bigger penis? Have you ever heard of penile enlargement surgery?
Well, as per a survey a few years ago, 45% of men voted yes when asked if they wanted a bigger penis.
In an advanced world like ours, science has left no corner untouched. You can purchase multiple over-the-counter medical treatments or procedures that promise you a larger penis. But several questions pop into your mind while going for a medical approach. Does the method work? Are there any side effects? How much would it cost? And so on.
You are at the right place if you have a curious heart and wish to know about penile enlargement surgery. This write-up discusses all that penile enlargement surgery may concern, its efficacy and risks, and the expenses of the procedure.
What is Penile Enlargement Surgery?
Penile enlargement surgery is a medical procedure aiming to increase the girth or length of the penis. The surgery might include silicone implant insertion, skin grafts, or transferring fatty cells to increase the penis size.
The requirement for penis enlargement is usually a rare situation. Per the UCF or Urology Care Foundation, penile enlargement surgery is necessary only if an individual faces a condition known as micropenis. Micropenis is a condition where the penis is 7.5 centimeters or shorter when completely stretched.
A functional penis that is adequate for both urination and sexual intercourse does not need enlargement surgery. A 2020 review states that most men seeking penis enlargement treatments have a functioning penis. They desire to undergo the procedures for cosmetic reasons. Such are the cases when the cost of the process might become a barrier. Although the surgery is known to work in most cases, it comes with no guarantee that it might be effective.
How does the Penis Enlargement Procedure work?
The penile enlargement procedure features different approaches to acquiring the result. Each course has its own method. Let us know in detail about them all.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are a type of penile enlargement surgery that involves a medical-grade silicone insertion to make the penis wide and long. The surgery involves an expert inserting a medical-grade, crescent-shaped silicone piece under the penile skin. The silicone slip gets onto the penis shaft, increasing the overall size. The silicone implant is shaped so that it fits the shape and size of the penis.
The Food and Drug Department (FDA) has only approved the penuma procedure as the penile enlargement surgery cleared for commercial use.
Fat Transfer
The fat transfer procedure is another penile enlargement surgery to increase the width of the penis. This method of increasing the girth of the penis is a minimally invasive surgery. It utilizes the fat cells of the patient for the method. The fat is extracted from the abdomen, thighs, or pubic area using liposuction. Once extracted, the fat cells are purified. Purifying fat cells helps remove oil, blood, fragments of cells, and blood to collect pure fat cells for the process. The surgeon uses the fat transfer method to inject them into the penis shaft. Making small incisions in the sides of the penis and then injecting the purified fat cells into the area are the steps involved in fat insertion. Using the fat of the patient’s body offers multiple benefits, including a minimum to no chance of the patient’s body rejecting the fat.
Suspensory Ligament Division
The suspensory ligament division procedure is also termed ligamentolysis. The surgical method enables a flaccid penis to appear long by having the suspensory ligament cut. The suspensory ligament attaches to the penis and the pubic bone.
While performing the procedure, the surgeon serves the ligament and moves the abdomen skin to the shaft of the penis. The process makes a flaccid penis hang lower than usual but does not enhance the penis size.
Various other procedures are available, like extracting fat from the space covering the penis. Such techniques also make the penis appear more extensive than usual, but they do not enlarge the length of the penis.
Other Augmentations
There are some other lesser-popular augmentations listed below:
- polylactic acid injections
- tissue grafts
- penile disassembly
- hyaluronic acid injections
How does it work?
As per the Urology Care Foundation, no process of penis augmentation works. Presently, the Penuma Implant procedure is the only Food and Drug Department-approved cosmetic surgery process to enhance penis size.
Studies on the Penuma device in 2018 demonstrated a 56.7% average increase in penis girth. Even after an extended follow-up, it delivered high patient satisfaction and enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition, the Penuma process might also aid with other conditions affecting the penis. A study in 2019 states that silicone implants help correct a retractile penis issue. It allowed more penis glans and shafts to be visible.
Another study from 2019 states that cosmetic penis enlargement surgery using a fat transfer and silicone spacer provided satisfactory results. The process improved the girth and length of the penis and enhanced its functionality, even after twelve months. However, there is no guarantee so far that penile enlargement surgery will be 100 percent effective.
Penis enlargement through the insertion of fat cells might not be a satisfactory procedure in various circumstances. Research shows that the patient’s body reabsorbed 30% of the inserted fat well within the initial two months after the surgery. A review in 2017 suggests that the fat graft might reduce in volume by about 20% to 80% within a year.
The detailed review also suggests that the results for men undergoing suspensory ligament operations are also not favorable. Partner and patient satisfaction rates in this process range from 30% to 65%.
Is the process safe?
A study in 2019 states that, for the most part, cosmetic penile enlargement surgery is safe and is becoming better and safer. However, like any other medical process, it has its side effects and risks. On the other hand, the American Urological Association does not consider suspensory ligament division or fat injection procedures effective or safe.
Risks and Side Effects
Like any other medical procedure, penile enlargement surgery also has potential risks and side effects. Every step of the process features risks and includes side effects. Some of the damaging changes might consist of the following:
- severe shortening and sexually disabling penile deformity
- Edema
- Infection
- Sexual dysfunction
- Subcutaneous masses
- Curvature
- Non-healing wounds
Other effects that a person undergoing the process may experience include the following:
- Scarring
- Bruising at the operation site
- Pain along with erection
- Infection
- Changes in the penis shape
- Swelling
- Bleeding at the incision point
- Temporarily losing sensation in the penis
- Site bruising along the penis
A study back in 2018 about the complications of penile enlargement surgery suggests that the process leads some patients to suffer sexual dysfunction, curving of the penis, unhealable wounds, etc. One should consider some operative requirements before going in for surgery. For instance, the patient should already have undergone circumcision to undergo the process using silicone implants. If not, the patient will need to be circumcised before proceeding.
Some risks are also involved in using anesthesia during the surgery. The side effects include the following:
- Problems with the heart rhythm
- Awareness while undergoing the surgery
- Allergic reactions due to anesthesia
- Confused state after waking up from the surgery
Individuals with sleep apnea are exposed to higher risks of facing complications at the time of taking anesthesia and even after having it. Anesthesia can cause the throat to close up, making it challenging to gain consciousness and breathe after surgery.
How much time does it take to recover?
The typical downtime after undergoing penile enlargement surgery is relatively longer to ensure apt healing of the penis. Expert professionals suggest the rest of thirty to sixty days. One should not indulge in any intense physical activity, masturbation, or sexual activity during the resting period after penile enlargement surgery.
How much does penis enlargement surgery cost?
Mostly, penile enlargement surgery is a cosmetic process. Most insurance plans do not offer coverage for cosmetic surgeries; hence, you need to pay from your pocket if you plan on undergoing this surgery. Consequently, penis enlargement surgery is a costly process. It can cost you a considerable amount. Plus, you would require follow-ups and need to rest for 30 to 60 days after the procedure.
The resting period might affect your work and other related activities. However, insurance might cover the cost of your surgery if it is a genuine requirement and is not done for cosmetic reasons. For instance, your insurance may sponsor surgery if your penis does not function normally.
How Does Penile Enlargement Work
Conclusion
Penis enlargement surgery is hope for individuals facing medical problems with their penis and its functions. With people being bent towards cosmetics, people also get penile enlargement surgery for cosmetic reasons even while having a standard-sized and average-functioning penis. However, in normal functioning penis conditions, professionals do not advise undergoing surgery. There are associated side effects, risks, and other complications with penis enlargement surgeries.
One should work closely with learned professionals to discuss the potential complications and hazards of penile enlargement surgery. Before making a call, you can connect with the Care Well Medical Center experts to discuss the procedure, its success likelihood, complications, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Penile Enlargement Surgery
Q1. Does penile lengthening surgery work?
The Urology Care Foundation states that the only medical crisis to undergo penile enlargement surgery is to cure micropenis. It also says that suspensory ligament division and fat injections may not be practical or safe. Anyone considering penile enlargement surgery must consult with a specialist to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure in question.
Q2. How long does it take to recover from penis enlargement surgery?
You can expect a long period of recovery after penile enlargement surgery. Research shows that a person who has undergone surgery should rest and not indulge in strenuous physical activity for thirty to sixty days. One should not masturbate or indulge in sexual activity for nearly sixty days after the surgery. Also, the patient must stay in touch with his surgeon during recovery to ensure the penis is healing well.
Q3. What cosmetic concerns does a penis enlargement by fat transfer procedure treat?
Penis enlargement surgery using the fat transfer procedure is mainly used to provide male sexual wellness. The surgery, which involves transferring fat, uses liposuction to harvest the fat cells in the penis to enhance the girth and length of the penis.
Q4. Who is an ideal candidate for a penis enlargement surgery using the fat transfer procedure?
Penile enlargement surgery using the fat transfer process is ideal for anyone seeking a bigger penis for genetic malformations or cosmetic concerns. The process is not suggested for anyone with chronic medical conditions. In addition, anyone with unrealistic expectations of the procedure must not opt for the surgery via fat transfer.
Q5. What is the average recovery period associated with a penis enlargement surgery by fat transfer procedure?
Typically, patients undergoing penis enlargement surgery by the fat transfer method require a resting period of a few weeks. The patient can resume light activities and work in day-to-day life. The patient must limit strenuous activities to nearly four weeks. In addition, sexual activities should be at bay for nearly two weeks after the process.
Q6. What are the potential side effects of a penile enlargement surgery by fat transfer procedure?
Side effects of penis enlargement surgery by fat transfer procedure include the following:
- Nodule formation
- Lumpiness
- Poor results than expected
- Fat reabsorption
- Fat necrosis because of limited blood supply to the penis area
Q7. What results can someone expect from a penis enlargement surgery by fat transfer procedure?
The results of a penile enlargement surgery via the fat transfer process are visible immediately. Fat reabsorption can occur at varying levels, often up to 100 percent. Currently, there is no effective, widely recognized, lasting solution for penis enlargement.
Q8. What is the average expense of penis enlargement by the fat transfer process?
Penile enlargement surgery via fat transfer can cost you between INR 2,79,375 and INR 6,78,431. Some factors help deduce the entire cost of the treatment. Some factors are the broad certification of the plastic surgeon, the location, etc., of the plastic surgery.
Q9. Is fat transfer penile surgery permanent?
The results of penile enlargement surgery by fat transfer offer varying results, and no two patients can have the same outcomes. Before proceeding with the process, you must speak to your doctor about the expected results.
The fat cells inserted into the penis can live for a lifetime. The human body tends to reabsorb some deposited fat shortly after the transplant. Generally, about 30% of the fat is expected to be reabsorbed in the following months after the penile enlargement surgery. However, the remaining fat cells can work well for the rest of their lives.
Often, the surgeon overfills the penis during treatment to account for the fact that the penis would lose during the reabsorption process. Additionally, due to the fat reabsorption, the procedure is often performed twice to three times to achieve the expected results. You can speak with a professional to learn in detail about the process and its results.
FAQ’s: Penile Enlargement Surgery
Source Reference
Dr. Sandeep Bhasin
Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon and the owner of Care Well Medical Centre in Delhi. With extensive expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care and transformative results to his patients. Dr. Sandeep Bhasin obtained his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and served as a consultant at Bhaktshreshtha Kamalakarpant Laxman Walawalkar Hospital, Diagnostic & Research Centre. Specializing in various procedures such as face-lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, hair transplant and many others, Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is committed to enhancing his patients' natural beauty and self-confidence.