In this video, Dr Alice Varanda Pereira explains the various techniques used by aesthetic medicine to enlarge the penis.
What is penis enlargement?
Penis enlargement surgery is the generic name given to the set of techniques used to increase the dimensions of the visible part of the penis in length, width or both. It is also called penoplasty. Concern about the size of the male sex organ is far from recent and there are a number of stereotypes associating penis size with virility, dominance and power. Nowadays, the media and the film and pornography industry spread the idea of the large penis as a symbol of masculinity, which makes men more “attentive” to the size of their sexual organ. But what is the normal size of the penis and in which cases is penis enlargement surgery indicated?
INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY PENIS ENLARGEMENT
Many men are dissatisfied with the size of their penises, which is why penis enlargement procedures are in great demand. While some men are dissatisfied only with the length, others with the diameter and others with both. Surgical techniques make it possible to increase length or thickness alone or both. It's important to note that not all men who have penis enlargement surgery have a penis that is smaller than normal. Expectations regarding penis size are very personal and the important thing is for the man to be satisfied and feel comfortable with his sexual organ and his intimacy. Good candidates for penile enlargement surgery usually have the following characteristics:
- Penis length and/or width less than normal;
- Dissatisfaction with the length and/or width of the penis;
- Healthy;
- Emotionally stable;
- Surgery does not correct hormonal or congenital changes such as micropenises;
- If there are associated functional problems (sexual, reproductive, urinary or other dysfunctions), these should be assessed and given the appropriate treatment before penoplasty is carried out.
Normal size of the penis
Although penis size varies throughout life and in different populations, a flaccid adult penis measures between 7.6 cm and 13.0 cm in length and 8.5 cm and 10.5 cm in circumference. The length of an erect penis varies between 12.7 cm and 17.7 cm in length and 11.3 cm and 13.0 cm in circumference.
What results can I expect
with penile enlargement surgery?
By releasing the suspensory ligament of the penis, an average increase in length of between 1 and 4 cm can be achieved. The average gain in circumference after a fat grafting session is between 25 and 35%. These measurements should be taken 3 months after surgery, at which point the results have stabilised. Several fat grafting sessions can be carried out according to the desired results and degree of absorption of each patient.
Click here to download the Before and After Penis Enlargement Cases
Surgery Procedure
Penile Enlargement
1. Counselling
The first step in your penile augmentation consultation is an assessment of the patient's expectations, state of health and lifestyle. The surgical plan will be outlined after the medical diagnosis.
2. Detailed explanation
During your penile augmentation consultation, you will be presented with a personalised surgical plan and all the risks, pre- and post-operative care and the results you can expect will be explained.
3. Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for penile enlargement surgery. The cost of the surgery depends on whether you want an increase in length, width or both.
Techniques Increase in penis length and diameter
There are non-surgical ways of enlarging the penis, such as medication, diet or stretching machines with vacuum or weights. However, the results obtained by these methods are temporary and barely visible. Surgery is the only way to permanently increase the length and width of the penis. The choice of the appropriate technique or combination of techniques is made after an assessment in consultation and discussed with the patient, taking into account their goals and expectations and the initial characteristics of the sexual organ. The various interventions adopted include:
Penis suspensory ligament surgery: penis lengthening is achieved by releasing a small ligament that joins the back of the penis to the pubis. The patient is left with only a small scar above the base of the penis. With this procedure it is possible to increase the length of the penis by 1 to 4 cm. When indicated, suspensory ligament surgery can be combined with pubic liposuction to give the penis a longer appearance.
Liposuction of prepubertal fat: These procedures are used when fat partially covers the base of the penis and the problem is aggravated by the volume of abdominal fat. Removing fat from this area gives the penis a longer appearance because it increases the exposed part of the penis.
Fat grafting: the most commonly used technique for increasing girth is to apply the patient's own fat graft under the skin of the penis, which results in an increase of 25-35% in its initial perimeter.
Phalloplasty: phalloplasty is the surgery indicated for increasing the size of the penis in length and width. It consists of combining some of the surgical techniques mentioned above to achieve the best possible result.
Type of Anaesthesia
Penile augmentation surgery is usually performed with sedation and local anaesthesia, but the decision is always made by the anaesthetist according to the combination of procedures and the patient's medical history. Sedation is administered intravenously so that the patient falls asleep and doesn't notice anything during the entire operation. Then, once the patient is asleep, local anaesthetics are administered so that they don't feel any discomfort during the surgery. The anaesthetist will be present during the surgery to ensure the patient's comfort and safety.
Type of Incision - Scar
In the case of suspensory ligament surgery to increase length, a small incision is made in the pubic area, which once healed is practically unnoticeable, hidden by the pubic hair.
In the case of fat grafting to increase the width of the penis, no “cuts” are made. Only a small mark is left where the cannula is inserted to remove fat from the abdomen, flanks or another area of the body. The fat is applied to the penis through injections.
Augmentation surgery
Penile step-by-step
Bookings
The first step is to mark out the intervention area and the area where the fat will be harvested.
Anaesthesia
Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist and then the local anaesthetic is injected into the area to be treated.
Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection is carried out to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are placed to isolate the area from the external environment.
Fat harvesting
The liposuction cannula is inserted into the harvest area to aspirate the fat.
Centrifugation
The fat is centrifuged and prepared for application to the penis.
Suspensor ligament
A small incision is made above the penis and a small ligament that joins the back of the penis to the pubis is released to achieve an increase in length.
Fat injection
The previously treated fat is injected into the penis to increase its diameter.
Closing the incisions
The incisions are closed with small stitches that are usually removed after 7 days.
Recovery
The patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain under observation for a few hours until they are discharged.
Preparation for Penile Enlargement Surgery
Before Surgery
- All patients are assessed in consultation before surgery. During the medical consultation, a clinical examination is carried out and it is ensured that there are no anatomical alterations or other genital pathologies.
- The appropriate pre-operative tests are ordered, which usually include a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and blood tests. Additional tests or assessments may be requested if deemed necessary.
- Do not take anti-inflammatories or aspirin in the 10 days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- You may need to make changes to the medication you usually take at home.
- Do not take slimming medication for one month before surgery.
- Do not smoke one month before surgery or after surgery, while healing is taking place. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly scarring and difficulty fixing the fat.
- Read the documentation carefully as questions may arise.
- If you fall ill or feel unwell in the days leading up to the surgery, you should inform the medical team immediately.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery, pre- or post-surgery? Don't wait until the last day and ask all your questions in advance.
On the day of surgery
- The day before, you should eat light meals that don't cause indigestion. From midnight on the day before the operation, you should be fasting - no eating or drinking liquids, including water.
- An antiseptic shower gel should be used from the day before the operation to prevent infections (use in the shower, the day before and the day of surgery).
- All pubic hair should be removed with an electric machine.
- Bring comfortable/large clothes to wear when you are discharged.
- You can't go home alone or drive. You must always be accompanied for the first 48 hours. If you don't have someone to pick you up from the clinic or help you at home during the first few days, you must inform us before the day of the operation.
- You should plan your social and professional life in such a way as to guarantee complete rest in the days following surgery.
Post-surgery
- You shouldn't always lie down or be in the same position and you should take short walks at home to promote circulation.
- The medication must be taken as prescribed.
- Particularly careful personal hygiene is recommended.
- No intense physical activity (particularly sport) should be undertaken for 4 weeks.
- No sexual activity for 6 weeks.
- Most patients can return to work and/or study 1-2 days after surgery. However, it is advisable to take the first week to rest and recover calmly.
- No smoking.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet and keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Benefits Penile Enlargement
Penile augmentation surgery doesn't treat functional problems, but it does offer several benefits. The advantages include:
- Increase in penis diameter by 25 to 35%;
- Increase in penis length by 1 to 4 cm;
- Increased sexual confidence;
- Improved self-esteem;
- Improving the way man relates to his own body;
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Penile Enlargement / Phalloplasty
Is penis enlargement surgery safe?
Concern about penis size is far from recent. There are many historical accounts that refer to various techniques for penis enlargement, using everything from weights to snake venom. The use of surgical methods is not new either. Thanks to advances in science, penis enlargement techniques are now safe and provide long-lasting and very satisfactory results.
How much does penis enlargement surgery cost in Lisbon?
As far as the price of penile enlargement surgery is concerned, each case is different because it depends on whether you're having an increase in length, width or both, and it also depends on the combination of procedures. The exact cost of the surgery is confirmed after the diagnostic medical consultation.
What are the scars like after penile augmentation surgery? Do they fade over time?
The scars from penile augmentation surgery are permanent, but they are so small that they are well disguised. In the case of diameter augmentation, there is only a small mark where the cannula is inserted to harvest the fat. In the case of an increase in length, a very small scar remains above the base of the penis. Over time, they become thinner and lighter in colour. The final appearance of the scar is variable and depends on each patient's genetic characteristics and post-operative care. The final result of the scars is expected after 12 to 18 months.
Apart from penis enlargement, are there any other genital aesthetic procedures?
Male genital surgery is becoming increasingly common. Although most patients come to us for issues related to the size of their penis, there are other procedures that can also be carried out, such as a scrotum lift, filling the glans with hyaluronic acid or genital bleaching.
Does penis enlargement surgery treat erection problems and other dysfunctions?
Penile augmentation surgery is only intended, as the name suggests, to increase the length, width or both of the penis for purely aesthetic reasons. The surgery is not intended to correct hormonal or congenital alterations such as micropenises. Nor does it treat problems related to your urinary or ejaculation functions. However, penile augmentation can improve sexual function in men with low self-image, diminished sexual confidence or anxiety about their partner's responses to exposure to their body.
Can the sensitivity of the penis be affected?
There may be transient changes in the sensitivity of the penis associated with swelling/edema, which is normal with any type of surgery. Permanent changes in sensitivity are an extremely rare complication.
When can I resume sexual activity?
Sexual activity should be interrupted for a period of approximately 6 weeks.
When can I start playing sport again?
You shouldn't do any physical activity or exertion for 30 days, but you can resume gradually. All the precautions taken during the recovery period must be strictly adhered to because, as well as contributing to a speedy recovery, they also help to achieve better results.
How painful is the recovery?
The post-operative period is usually very well tolerated by patients, with minimal associated discomfort, but it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations to reduce the risk of complications and have a smoother recovery.
How many centimetres can I increase in length and width?
The suspensory ligament release surgery allows for an average increase in penis length of 1 to 4 cm. With regard to the increase in width, fat grafting allows an increase of 25 to 35% in relation to the initial diameter of the penis.
Are the results visible immediately after surgery?
The results of penile enlargement are visible immediately after surgery, but measurements should be taken three months later, when the results have stabilised.
What are the risks and complications of surgery?
As with any other surgical procedure, penile augmentation surgery is not without its risks and complications, such as haematoma, seroma, infection and changes in healing, instability in the positioning of the penis, which is usually not very uncomfortable, irregularities in the contour and a greater degree of fat absorption.
