Penis Enlargement Surgery
Penis enlargement surgery is a procedure performed to make your penis appear larger. Surgery is just one of the methods people may consider for this purpose.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Penis Enlargement Surgery?
If you have a micropenis or a buried penis, there may be medical reasons to consider enlargement surgery. A micropenis or a very small penis is a congenital condition. A buried penis refers to a penis that is hidden under the skin of your abdomen, thighs, or scrotum. This can be congenital or occur with aging.
People with these conditions often seek surgery to achieve a functional penis, which includes:
- Urinating while standing.
- Engaging in penetrative sexual intercourse.
However, most people interested in penis enlargement surgery are dissatisfied with the appearance of their penis. Even if they can urinate while standing or have sexual intercourse, they may worry that their penis is not long or wide enough. They may believe that both length and girth are insufficient.
This issue is essentially a matter of perception because most people’s penis has the capacity to perform its intended functions: engaging in sexual activity and urinating while standing. Although many people occasionally wonder if their penis size is normal, some individuals have persistent and distressing concerns about penis size that can impact their daily lives (such as work, personal relationships, and overall mood).
If you find that concerns about your penis size are affecting your life, even though your doctor has assured you that your size is normal, you might have conditions like penile dysmorphic disorder (PDD) or small penis anxiety.
PDD (penile dysmorphic disorder) is a form of body dysmorphic disorder. Individuals with BDD believe their penis is smaller than it actually is and that other people’s penises are larger than they are. PDD can lead to depression and even erection problems.
SPA (small penis anxiety) is a type of anxiety. People with SPA feel anxious about the possibility of someone seeing their genitals (e.g., in a locker room or during sex) and worry that their penis is smaller than average.
Details of Penis Enlargement Procedures
What Happens Before Penis Enlargement Surgery?
Before undergoing penis enlargement surgery, as with other surgeries, you will need to answer questions to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. These questions may include:
- Are you healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery?
- Have you undergone necessary psychological evaluations?
- Do you understand all the risks of the procedure?
- Do you smoke or use tobacco?
- Are you circumcised?
- Do you take any medications that could hinder healing, such as blood thinners?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Have you had any pelvic surgeries before?
What Happens During Penis Enlargement Procedures?
There are various types of procedures used to make the penis appear larger. However, there are very few methods that reliably 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 that attaches your penis to your pubic bone is surgically cut. The hanging penis then sags lower and appears longer.
- Autologous Fat Injection: A healthcare professional removes fat through liposuction and then injects this fat into your penis to increase girth.
- Dermal Fillers: A provider injects cosmetic fillers under the skin of your penis. Some fillers are safer than others.
- Penuma® Implantation: This product is made of soft silicone. A surgeon places it under your skin. It is the only FDA-approved product of its kind.
- Suprapubic Fat Pad Removal: 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 reduces the surrounding tissue to reveal the penis’s actual length.
What Happens After Penis Enlargement Surgery?
The type of procedure you undergo will determine how long you need to stay home from work or school and how long you need to wait before resuming sexual activity. For more invasive procedures, this period may be up to six weeks.
Penis enlargement surgeries are typically sought by individuals with perceptual or functional concerns about their penis. These surgeries are usually necessary due to medical conditions such as micropenis or buried penis. However, most concerns about penis size are based on personal perception and can often have psychological effects. While surgeries can change the appearance of the penis, functional results and expectations are important. A thorough evaluation and counseling are required before and after any surgical intervention. Ultimately, penis enlargement surgeries can improve personal satisfaction but understanding the risks and expectations is crucial.