{"id":5764,"date":"2026-05-26T21:23:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T20:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/urology\/penile-lengthening-surgery-the-sectioning-of-the-suspensory-ligament-explained"},"modified":"2026-09-29T22:46:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T20:46:43","slug":"penile-lengthening-surgery-the-sectioning-of-the-suspensory-ligament-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beleyurologie.fr\/en\/penis-surgery-and-volume\/penile-lengthening-surgery-the-sectioning-of-the-suspensory-ligament-explained","title":{"rendered":"Penile lengthening surgery: the sectioning of the suspensory ligament explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n
\"medical-professional-meeting-with-patient-in-offic-2026-03-24-03-23-38-utc\"<\/figure>\n

The question of penis enlargement during erection comes up regularly in consultations. It deserves a clear answer, based on current medical data and not on commercial promises. <\/p>\n

The reality is more nuanced: some interventions exist, but they expose patients to significant surgical risks for often limited results. Other, less invasive approaches offer a better balance between safety and efficacy. <\/p>\n

This is precisely what this article aims to examine, with the rigor that this subject demands.<\/p>\n

Penis lengthening surgery by sectioning the suspensory ligament is a real, documented technique that I perform. However, it has a fundamental limitation: it only lengthens the penis when flaccid, not when erect<\/strong> . <\/p>\n

In this article, I explain everything about this procedure: its anatomical function, how it takes place, what it really brings, its limits, its risks, and in which cases I recommend it \u2014 or do not recommend it.<\/p>\n

The suspensory ligament of the penis: understanding the anatomy<\/h2>\n
\"E118OH06\"<\/figure>\n

What is the suspensory ligament?<\/h3>\n

The suspensory ligament<\/strong> is a structure that connects the penis to the pubic bone and maintains its angle. It is also what holds the buried portion of the penis under the pubic skin \u2014 a part of the organ invisible from the outside, but anatomically very real. <\/p>\n

It is precisely on this structure that lengthening surgery acts: by cutting this ligament, this buried portion is released outwards, resulting in a visible gain at rest.<\/p>\n

Why does cutting this ligament lengthen the penis?<\/h3>\n

When the suspensory ligament is severed, the buried portion of the penis is released. It can then descend and become visible. The penis is not lengthened; it is simply exposed. <\/p>\n

This is why the gain is mainly observed in the flaccid position. In erection, the corpora cavernosa stiffen and occupy their full available length \u2014 the fact that the ligament is cut does not change their actual anatomical length. <\/p>\n

A useful metaphor: imagine a rope holding a coiled spring. By cutting the rope, the spring extends further at rest. But its maximum length\u2014under full tension\u2014remains the same. <\/em><\/p>\n

According to data available in the literature, particularly in The Journal of Urology<\/a> and the journals of the French Society of Urology<\/a> , the average gain is +2 to +6 cm at rest<\/strong> . During erection, the gain is minimal and unpredictable. <\/p>\n

Is it possible to lengthen an erect penis surgically?<\/h2>\n

This is the real question most patients ask me. And it deserves a two-part answer \u2014 because there are actually two distinct answers. <\/p>\n

Answer 1: Yes \u2014 but at the cost of unacceptable risks<\/h3>\n

There is a surgical procedure that involves grafting prosthetic material onto the corpora cavernosa to lengthen them. During this operation, the glans and urethra are separated from the corpora cavernosa\u2014which is extremely invasive. <\/p>\n

This surgery is almost never performed for cosmetic reasons in a healthy man. It is reserved for very specific medical situations: confirmed micropenis, severe retraction following infection, or penile implant<\/strong> . I do not perform it outside of these indications. <\/p>\n

The risks are disproportionate to the benefits for a man with an anatomically normal penis: loss of sensitivity, permanent erectile dysfunction, and serious infectious complications. It’s not an option I can recommend. <\/p>\n

Answer 2: No \u2014 if we want a safe and reliable procedure<\/h3>\n

If we are looking for an intervention with reasonable risk, which does not affect erectile function and gives predictable results, then the answer is clear: no surgical technique can significantly lengthen the penis when erect without major risk<\/strong> .<\/p>\n

Sectioning the suspensory ligament is the only lengthening procedure I perform\u2014and only for patients for whom it is clearly indicated. It affects the flaccid length. That’s all. And that’s already a lot for certain types of patients. <\/p>\n

My opinion has remained the same for 20 years of practice: do not take disproportionate surgical risks to try to lengthen your erect penis<\/strong> . The results will be disappointing\u2014and the complications will not. <\/p>\n

How is penile lengthening surgery performed?<\/h2>\n
\"close-up-of-male-doctor-s-hand-pointing-at-pubic-s-2026-03-09-06-36-36-utc\"<\/figure>\n

Before the procedure: the consultation<\/h3>\n

It all begins with a thorough consultation at my office. This isn’t a formality\u2014it’s the most important part of the process. I assess your anatomy, understand your expectations, and explain precisely what the procedure can and cannot do in your specific case. <\/p>\n

I also verify that you meet the necessary criteria: a functional erection (or treated dysfunction), realistic motivation, and the absence of medical contraindications. If I think you would be disappointed with the outcome, I will tell you. <\/p>\n

A standard pre-operative blood test is performed. The anesthesiologist will see you in a separate consultation before the procedure. <\/p>\n

The day of the procedure: the steps<\/h3>\n

The operation is performed under general or regional anesthesia, in an approved surgical facility.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A discreet incision in the pubic hair \u2014 the scar will be virtually invisible once the hair grows back<\/li>\n
  2. Controlled section of the suspensory ligament \u2014 a precise procedure, limited to the targeted area<\/li>\n
  3. Careful closure using intradermal sutures or absorbable threads<\/li>\n
  4. Dressing and monitoring in the recovery room<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Procedure duration: 60 to 90 minutes<\/strong>
    Type of anesthesia: General or regional
    Hospitalization: 1 night<\/strong> depending on the clinical case
    Structure: Accredited surgical clinic<\/p>\n

    Can other gestures be combined at the same time?<\/h3>\n

    Yes, and that’s often relevant. Sectioning the ligament only affects the length. If you also wish to increase the volume, I can combine this with penile lipofilling<\/strong> during the same surgical procedure\u2014to address both length and girth in a single operation. <\/p>\n

    Other complementary procedures can be discussed depending on your situation: frenulum plasty, circumcision, post-operative glans augmentation with hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n

    Recovery: what you need to prepare for<\/h2>\n

    The recovery schedule<\/h3>\n