The most common methods of enlarging the penis involve lengthening and widening. These techniques can be performed either as separate operations, together in a single surgery, or in a two-stage process of lengthening followed by a widening procedure six to 12 months later.
Most men are good candidates for penis enlargement surgery to both lengthen and widen the penis. Genital surgery may not be appropriate for men with illnesses such as cancer, diabetes or HIV.
THE PROCEDURE
Lengthening
Approximately one-third to one-half of the penis is inside the body, where it is attached to the undersurface of the pubic bone by suspensory ligaments. These ligaments make the penis arch under the pubic bone. Surgically releasing these ligaments brings more of the penis outside the body, allowing it to protrude further outward on a straighter path and providing more functional length. Click here to view penis enlargement surgery photos in our photo gallery.
To enhance this new length, and to prevent an initial shortening that might occur, patients must use a penile stretching device that contains small weights. Ideally, this is worn a short time before surgery to get the patient used to the sensation of the weights. It must be worn after surgery to prevent scar tissue from pulling the penis back. The device, which contains small weights of varying amounts, can be worn during the day, or at night during sleep. The key is to gradually increase the amount of time the weights are worn each day. This helps the penis heal at its new length and enables the greatest length gain possible.
Widening
Two successful procedures that widen the penis involve grafting procedures – AlloDerm dermal graft and the dermal fat graft techniques. Dermal fat grafts are usually taken from the patient’s buttocks or groin and passed under the penile skin. The grafts are obtained from a scar in the donor incision site. Harvesting of the graft adds time to the length of the operation.
AlloDerm dermal grafts are obtained from a tissue bank prior to surgery. This method eliminates incisions and scaring at the donor site, and reduces the duration of the procedure. The grafts can be stacked on top of one another to give the desired width to the penis. Many men obtain a 30 percent permanent increase in penile circumference from this technique.
Both lengthening and widening the penis through plastic surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, either at a hospital or in a private surgical facility, using a combination of anesthetic techniques that assure a painless surgical experience.
RISKS & RESULTS
While penis enlargement surgery is safe and effective, there are risks involved. Therefore, it is important to have a thorough consultation with an accredited plastic surgeon about the possible complications of penile enlargement surgery, which may include bruising, bleeding, swelling, skin incision separation, infection, loss of the erect upward angle of the penis, loss of thickness, detachment of the graft or failure of the graft to take, nerve injury or erectile dysfunction. Further surgery may be needed to correct some of these complications.
Some men may achieve length gains up to two inches in the flaccid state, but the average gain is approximately an inch. With erection, there is usually a slightly smaller length increase. If a large pubic fat pad is present, some penile length may be obtained by significant weight loss (greater than 35 pounds) or by liposuction.
Penis enlargement surgery is permanent; however, some patients develop scar tissue, which somewhat reduces the length. Injections, medication or topical agents often can remedy the situation. Men who desire additional widening may choose to repeat the procedure.
FIND OUT MORE
If you are interested in penis enlargement surgery, request a consultationonline with board-certified plastic surgeon Mark P. Solomon, MD, FACS, or call his Philadelphia office at 610-667-7070.
