Introduction: Let's talk frankly
Concern about penis size is one of the most widespread in men’s health, yet it is rarely addressed in consultations. It has a real impact on self-confidence, sex life, and sometimes relationships.
Today, penoplasty is a regulated medical option, with validated techniques that allow for measurable and natural results, provided that realistic expectations are held.
But before considering any intervention, it is essential to start from a factual basis.
According to a landmark study published in BJU International (Veale et al., 2015), the average size of an erect penis is 13.12 cm . Many insecurities actually stem from a biased perception of the “norm,” often influenced by unrepresentative comparisons.
In this context, the question is not simply “can we expand?”, but what results can we realistically expect?
This is precisely what I propose to explore in this article: the available techniques, their concrete results, their limitations and above all, how to choose the approach best suited to your situation.
Can you really enlarge your penis? My honest answer
Yes, but with some nuance. And any practitioner who promises spectacular results without prior evaluation deserves to be avoided.
What medicine can actually do today:
- Lengthening the penis at rest by +2 to +6 cm through sectioning of the suspensory ligament (minimal gain during erection)
- Increase circumference via hyaluronic acid injections or autologous lipofilling
- Combining the two approaches for an overall result in terms of length and volume
Penile augmentation is not a radical transformation. It’s a precise, customized optimization that respects the natural harmony of your anatomy. That’s the approach I take.
What medicine cannot do: double the size of the penis, guarantee an identical result from one patient to another, or significantly affect erection length through injections alone.
Penile enlargement techniques available at the clinic
At my Urology practice in Paris Opéra, I offer two main approaches. The choice depends on your anatomy, your goals, and the benefit/risk ratio.
Surgical penoplasty
- Lengthening by sectioning the suspensory ligament — acts on the flaccid length
- Enlargement by lipostructure (lipofilling) — increases the circumference using your own fat
- Additional procedures as indicated: frenulum plasty, circumcision, glans augmentation
Medical penoplasty (non-surgical)
- Cohesive hyaluronic acid — shaft enlargement, results visible immediately
- Glans augmentation (HA) — rebalancing of volumes if the glans is considered too small
In all cases, information, informed consent, and close monitoring are integral parts of the process. No decision is taken lightly.
Penile lengthening surgery: sectioning of the suspensory ligament
The anatomical principle
Part of the penis naturally remains “hidden” under the pubic skin, anchored by a ligament called the suspensory ligament . By surgically severing this ligament, this buried portion is released — allowing the penis to gain visible length, primarily in its flaccid position.
Average gain: +2 to +6 cm at rest.
During an erection, the gain remains minimal, as the ligament does not directly influence erectile length. This is a crucial point to avoid any unrealistic expectations.
How does the operation proceed?
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia, in an approved surgical facility.
- A discreet incision in the pubic hair — for a virtually invisible scar
- Controlled section of the suspensory ligament
- Careful closure and dressing
Procedure duration: 60 to 90 minutes
Hospitalization: 1 night depending on the case
Step-by-step recovery
- Days 0 to 3 : mild pain, painkillers, rest at home
- Day 7 : Removal of stitches (or absorbable threads)
- 3 weeks : resumption of sedentary professional activities
- 6 weeks : resumption of sexual relations is possible
- 3 months : final result visible and stabilized
An important point: I often recommend wearing a penile extender for several weeks after the procedure. The goal is to maintain the gain and prevent scar retraction.
Risks to be aware of
Like any surgery, this procedure carries risks — rare, but real:
- Modification of the erection angle (slight downward tilt possible)
- Visible or hypertrophic scar
- Instability at the base of the erect penis
- Partial loss of gain without adherence to the post-operative protocol
These risks are explained in detail before any intervention.
Hyaluronic acid augmentation: fast, without surgery
How does it work?
Cohesive hyaluronic acid is a biocompatible gel injected into the tissues of the penile shaft to increase girth—both flaccid and erect. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, without an operating room, using only an anesthetic cream.
Duration: 20 to 45 minutes , without hospitalization.
What you can realistically expect
Yes, the result is visible immediately after the injection.
However, a natural resorption of approximately 30% should be anticipated in the first few months, before stabilization over 12 to 18 months . A touch-up may be recommended approximately one month after the initial session if any irregularities appear.
This information is essential to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Points to be aware of
- Risk of asymmetries and nodules if the technique is not mastered
- Possible product migration — post-injection monitoring recommended
- The indication is given with caution, after information and informed consent.
The advantage of this technique is that it is reversible . In case of dissatisfaction or complication, the product can be dissolved using hyaluronidase.
And what about the enlargement of the glans?
I also offer targeted hyaluronic acid injections on the glans—useful when it’s considered too small, or to rebalance proportions after shaft enlargement. The injected volumes remain moderate for safety reasons. The duration of results is similar: approximately 12 to 18 months .
Penile lipofilling (lipostructure): the natural and lasting solution
The principle of autologous fat transfer
Penile lipostructure involves harvesting your own fat—from your abdomen, hips, or thighs—and then reinjecting it around the corpora cavernosa of the penis to increase its girth. Because it is your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection .
This is my preferred technique for patients seeking a long-lasting result that feels particularly natural. The resulting texture is indistinguishable from normal tissue—something that hyaluronic acid doesn’t always achieve.
How does the procedure unfold?
- Marking and harvesting of fat (abdomen, hips or thighs) by micro-liposuction
- Fat preparation: decantation and centrifugation
- Reinjection in micro-wires around the corpora cavernosa for homogeneous distribution
- Light dressing — outpatient discharge most often
Procedure duration: 60 to 90 minutes
Hospitalization: Outpatient (same-day discharge) or 24 hours depending on the case
What you need to know about sustainability
The results of lipofilling are stable provided you maintain a constant weight . This is a crucial point: if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight after the procedure, the result may be affected. I discuss this with each patient during the consultation.
Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed in the first few weeks—this is a normal biological phenomenon. If the result seems insufficient after 3 to 6 months , a follow-up session may be considered.
Lipofilling vs hyaluronic acid: which to choose?
In practice, the choice between the two depends on your priorities: if you want an immediate, reversible, and non-surgical result, hyaluronic acid (HA) is often the first step. If you are looking for a more lasting result and a maximum natural texture , lipostructure is more suitable—provided your BMI is compatible with fat harvesting.
A complete comparison of penile enlargement techniques
Here is a summary to objectively compare the approaches available at my practice. It will help you prepare for your consultation and focus your questions.
| Criterion: | Ligament lengthening, | hyaluronic acid, | lipofilling, | combined approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main objective: | Flaccid length ( +2 to +6 cm ), | Circumference (volume), | Circumference (sustained volume), | Length + volume |
| Intervention time: | 60–90 min , | 20–45 min, | 60–90 min, | 2–3 hours |
| General/Local | Anesthesia | Local Cream | General | General |
| Hospitalization: | 1 night depending on the case. | None (office). | Outpatient / 24h | : 1 night depending on the case. |
| Recovery | : 2–3 weeks , | 24–48 hours | , 2–3 weeks | , 2–3 weeks |
| Duration of results | : Permanent | 12–18 months (touch-up possible); | Stable if weight remains constant | ; Variable |
| Result during erection: | Minimal gain | Yes (circumference) | Yes (circumference) | Yes (volume) |
| Reversible? | No | Yes (hyaluronidase) | No | Partial |
| Main risks: | Erection angle, scarring; | nodules, asymmetry, migration; | partial resorption (~ 30% ); | combined |
* Regarding prices. A precise and personalized quote will be provided to you during the consultation.
Who is penile enlargement surgery for? The profiles I receive
There is no single type of patient. Among the men I see in consultation in Paris, the profiles are varied but they often share the same thing: a genuine discomfort that affects their daily life or their intimate life .
Here are the indications I regularly encounter:
- Persistent aesthetic concern: complex about length or volume, despite a medically normal body shape
- Realistic and stable motivation: the patient expects a natural and proportionate result, not a radical transformation.
- Functional erection — or treated and balanced erectile dysfunction
- BMI compatible with fat harvesting (for lipofilling only)
- Post-operative after-effects or dissatisfaction (following urological surgery, Peyronie’s disease, etc.)
I see each patient without judgment, in a confidential setting. My goal is to understand what’s truly bothering you—and to tell you honestly if intervention is indicated, and if so, which one. Sometimes, the best consultation is the one that leads you to understand that intervention isn’t necessary.
On the other hand, if certain uncontrolled pathologies (diabetes, coagulation disorders, active infection) are present, prior stabilization will be necessary before considering any action.
Realistic results: what you can really expect
This is the question all my patients ask—and it’s the right one. Here’s what I can honestly tell you, based on my clinical experience and the data available in the medical literature.
That is realistic
- +2 to +6 cm in flaccid position after sectioning of the suspensory ligament (minimal gain in erection)
- Visible increase in circumference after lipofilling or hyaluronic acid
- In most cases, there is an improvement in self-confidence and psychosexual comfort.
- Natural results when the indication and technique are well-defined.
Which is not
- Hoping to double penis size
- Achieving the same result as another patient — every anatomy is different
- Expecting a perfect result in a single session, without follow-up
A meta-analysis published in Translational Andrology and Urology highlights that overall satisfaction after surgery is high when expectations have been well-defined beforehand. This is where the quality of the preoperative consultation makes all the difference.
The final result is assessed after a minimum of 3 months — sometimes 6 months for lipofilling, to allow time for the tissues to stabilize. Patience is part of the process.
FAQ: Your questions about penile enlargement surgery
How much does a penoplasty cost?
The price depends on the technique. As a guide: €1,000 to €2,500 for hyaluronic acid injections, €2,500 to €5,000 for lipofilling, €3,500 to €6,000 for lash lift surgery, and €5,000 to €9,000 for a combined approach. These procedures are generally not covered by French national health insurance, except in specific medical cases. A personalized quote will be provided during your consultation with Dr. Beley.
How many centimeters can be gained?
For surgical lengthening (suspensory ligament section): +2 to +6 cm at rest. The improvement in erection is minimal. For volume augmentation (hysterectomy or lipofilling): a visible increase in circumference, varying according to the volume treated. These figures are averages—your result will be assessed individually during your consultation.
Is the result final?
Lengthening surgery is permanent . Lipofilling is long-lasting as long as weight remains stable. Hyaluronic acid is absorbed within 12 to 18 months (with a loss of approximately 30% in the first few months) and requires touch-up sessions to maintain the effect.
Is it dangerous?
All medical procedures carry risks. When performed by a qualified specialist in an accredited setting, these interventions have an acceptable safety profile. Serious complications are rare. Common side effects (bruising, swelling, temporary discomfort) are transient. Complete information is provided during the pre-operative consultation, with informed consent.
Does penoplasty affect erections or sensitivity?
In the vast majority of cases, neither sensitivity nor erectile function is affected. After ligament sectioning, a slight change in the angle of the erection may occur—this is information routinely discussed during the consultation. The erection must be functional (or the dysfunction treated) before any intervention.
Can lengthening and volume be combined in a single procedure?
Yes. Ligament sectioning can be combined with fat grafting or hyaluronic acid injections to address both length and volume. This combined approach is discussed during the consultation, depending on your goals and anatomy.
Should I stop working after the operation?
For hyaluronic acid injections: you can resume activities the next day. For surgery (lengthening or lipofilling): allow 1 to 2 weeks for office work, 2 to 3 weeks for physical labor. Sexual intercourse is not recommended for approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
In summary: what you need to remember
Penoplasty encompasses a range of medical and surgical techniques that allow men to enlarge their penis in length, girth, or both. It is intended for men with genuine discomfort and realistic expectations—not those seeking an impossible, radical transformation.
The approaches I use—surgical lengthening, lipofilling, hyaluronic acid—are complementary, not competitive . The right choice depends on you: your anatomy, your lifestyle, your expectations. That’s exactly what we’ll define together during the consultation.
“If you recognize yourself in what you have just read, I invite you to make an appointment at the office for a no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your situation together and I will honestly assess the options best suited to you.”
Make an appointment with Dr. Beley — Urology Practice Paris Opéra
Tel. +33 1 42 68 83 30 | Address: 82 Boulevard de Courcelles, Paris 17th arrondissement | Email: contact@beleyurologie.fr
Medical sources and references
Veale D. et al. (2015) — Am I normal? BJU International — penis length/circumference nomograms
https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.13010
Translational Andrology and Urology — Review of penile augmentation techniques
https://tau.amegroups.org/
Journal of Sexual Medicine — Studies on penile lengthening procedures
https://academic.oup.com/jsm
French National Authority for Health (HAS) — Recommendations on cosmetic surgery
https://www.has-sante.fr/
French Society of Urology (SFU) — Resources in andrology
https://www.urofrance.org/