The main type of penile augmentation surgery available in the UK is called a penoplasty operation and includes penis enlargement and/or lengthening, where the augmentation is either in the length of the penis, achieved by cutting the ligaments which attach it to the body to allow it to drop down further, or in the girth or width of the penis, with the use of fat transfer techniques. Often to create a more natural look, both lengthening and augmenting the girth will be performed at the same time, although one or the other can be performed as a single operation. It is important to have realistic expectations of what penoplasty can achieve to avoid disappointment with the results.
Private costs for penile surgery range from £2,500 – £6,000 for lengthening procedures and £1,000 – £2,500 for enlargement procedures. Having both procedures at the same time is often cheaper.
Many of us are often afraid to talk about so called “embarrassing areas”; hence why one of the least talked about areas of cosmetic surgery is that available for the male genitalia or penis.
Modern society has become obsessed with the “size matters” argument, leading some men to feel that their penis size is somewhat inadequate, especially in a communal situation of undress such as gym changing room showers or when with a sexual partner; hence tempting them to seek ways of increasing both penile length and girth (width). Due to this preoccupation with penis size, many non-surgical methods are now touted as remedies, with everything from pills to pumps and massage techniques offered as a means of enhancing the penis; but the only really successful way of altering the size and shape of a penis is through surgical procedures.
Based on various studies carried out over the years, it is generally agreed that the average human male penis is 8.5 – 10.5 cm (2.5 – 4 inches) long when flaccid, and 12.5 – 16.5 cm (5 – 6.5 inches) in length, with an average circumference of 11.5 – 12.5 cm (4.5 – 5 inches) when in a fully erect state. Studies have tended to be on Caucasian men so variations based on ethnic group are not noted.
Very few men actually have a very small penis, known in medical terms as a micropenis, where a stretched flaccid penis is less than 4cm (1.5inches) in length or 7cm (2.5 inches) when erect. This is a very unusual condition which is normally diagnosed and treated in childhood with testosterone hormones.
Despite being reduced in size, a penis smaller than the average will still function as normal and problems are only noted, often leading to a lack of self confidence, when with a sexual partner and vaginal penetration is attempted.
Should a man still be concerned about the length or girth of his penis, there are now a range of surgical options available which can address and hopefully resolve these problems.
If you are considering penile augmentation surgery; the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedures. It can’t answer all your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient. Please ask the andrology doctor about anything you don’t understand.
What happens during a Penile Augmentation operation?
Your first discussion with a special androurological surgeon should clearly set out your expectations and whether the operation can give you the results you desire.
Careful discussions regarding the reasons for wanting penile surgery and your suitability for this type of surgery are very important at this stage. Make sure that you obtain as much information as is necessary to enable you to make a fully informed choice and make sure you receive satisfactory answers to all your questions.
A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t have this operation. You would normally be asked to sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with penile surgery. Photographs will also be taken by the practitioner as a “before and after” comparison at a later date.
Anaesthesia
Penile surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic with IV sedation, meaning that you are conscious but in a reduced state of awareness and will feel no pain, but it can also be carried out under a general anaesthetic.
The operation
If you make a decision to go ahead with penile surgery, the actual procedure may take place in an outpatient surgical clinic where you can go home the same day.The penoplasty operation(s) usually takes about 1 – 2 hours, depending on whether you have the lengthening or enlargement procedures on their own or both. The genital area will also require shaving prior to any of the procedures.
Lengthening
In a lengthening procedure a small incision is made above the base of the penis, and the ligament which suspends it, running from the pubic bone to the top of the penis is cut. This causes the penis to drop forward, thereby lengthening its appearance from the outside by 1 – 2 inches (20 – 50%), although the actual gain will depend from person to person. The ligament is then reattached lower down and a flap of skin, taken from the pubic bone area, is used to cover the new extension, created from bringing the “inner” penis forward. Often dissolvable stitches are used, both internally and on the external cuts, but some surgeons do use normal stitches as well, which will need to be removed after a couple of weeks.
This lengthening operation only affects the non-erect (flaccid) length of the penis, any post-operative erection will remain the same size but the angle of it may be slightly lower than it was prior to surgery.
Enlarging
To enlarge or increase the girth of the penis, a small liposuction procedure is required first to obtain fat from the abdomen or thighs which can be transferred to the penis by injection. As the fat is injected into the penis, it avoids incision scars and reduces the recovery time required.
The penis can usually be increased in girth or circumference by 1 – 2 inches (30 – 50%). The enlargement will be visible in both flaccid and erect states.
How long will it take to recover from a Penile Augmentation?
Exercise should be avoided for 3 – 4 weeks and sexual activity can normally be resumed in a month, although full results of the lengthening procedure may not be achieved by this point and can take 3 – 6 months.
Post-recovery the functioning of the penis will be completely normal, both in terms of urination and erection ability.