I’m Dr. Sébastien Beley, a Paris-based urological surgeon and andrologist specializing in male sexual health. Today, I’d like to address a question frequently asked by my patients and by many men: is it really possible to surgically enlarge the penis, especially when erect? This question is at the heart of many discussions, often surrounded by myths and sometimes unrealistic hopes. In this article, I’ll explain in detail the current medical possibilities, the limits of surgery, the associated risks, and the existing alternatives.
The central question: can an erect penis be surgically lengthened?
The answer to this question is not straightforward, and depends on the perspective adopted. From a strictly safety point of view, surgery to lengthen the erect penis is not recommended and, in current practice, is not performed. On the other hand, if a patient is prepared to assume all the risks, certain surgical procedures are available, but they are cumbersome and complex, and their indication is very limited.
In practical terms, there’s a surgical procedure that involves grafting an artificial material to lengthen the corpus cavernosum, the internal structure of the penis responsible for erection. This surgical procedure is highly invasive: it involves detaching the gland (the head of the penis) and the urethra from the corpus cavernosum to enable this gain in length. This type of operation is reserved only for very specific pathological situations, such as :
- True micropenis, i.e. a medically abnormally small penis.
- Placement of a penile implant after a serious injury or illness resulting in loss of penile volume.
- Some cases of severe Peyronie’s disease with significant retraction.
On the other hand, it’s important to stress that surgery to lengthen the penis for purely aesthetic reasons, in an otherwise healthy man, is neither recommended nor practiced in the majority of cases. The risks and potential complications are considerable, and the results often disappointing.
The limits of simple surgery: sectioning the suspensory ligaments
Another type of intervention often mentioned in discussions is the sectioning of the suspensory ligaments of the penis. This technique involves cutting the ligaments that attach the penis to the pubis, which can give the illusion of penis lengthening at rest.
It’s important to understand that this technique does not alter the length of the erect penis. Indeed, it only increases the visible length of the penis at rest, as the penis is suspended lower, but the functional length when erect remains unchanged. In addition, this procedure can lead to complications such as :
- Instability of the penis during erection, which can affect sex life.
- A risk of scarring and chronic pain.
- The aesthetic result is sometimes disappointing, with a hanging penis and no real gain in functional length.
For these reasons, I strongly advise against this procedure if it is intended purely for aesthetic purposes or to lengthen the erect penis.
Medical alternatives: volume enhancement using less invasive techniques
If the aim is to increase the size of the penis, particularly in terms of volume, there are medical procedures that are less invasive than lengthening surgery. These techniques aim to increase the diameter of the penis, which can indirectly give an impression of volume and sometimes a visual effect of lengthening at rest.
Penile fat grafting (lipofilling)
Lipofilling involves taking fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the penis. Performed under local anaesthetic, this technique increases the volume of the penis. It offers several advantages:
- Minimally invasive procedure compared to major surgery.
- Improved penis diameter and volume at rest.
- Low risk if performed by an experienced surgeon.
However, this method is not without risks, such as partial resorption of the injected fat, the formation of nodules or cysts, and the risk of inflammation. What’s more, it does not alter the length of the erect penis, but can contribute to a more massive and therefore visually impressive effect.
Medical and injectable treatments
There are also medical treatments based on injectable products, but their effectiveness is limited and temporary. They are not a substitute for surgery, and should only be considered after a thorough assessment and in-depth discussion with a specialist.
Risks and complications of enlargement surgery
It is crucial to understand that any procedure to alter the size or shape of the penis involves risks:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can seriously compromise sexual function.
- Scars and chronic pain: unsightly or painful scars can appear, affecting quality of life.
- Impaired erectile function: Certain procedures can damage nerves or blood vessels, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
- Disappointing results: The actual gain in length or volume is often less than the patient had hoped.
- Penile instability: especially after the suspensory ligaments have been severed, the erection may be less stable.
These risks must be clearly explained to any patient considering such an operation. Caution is advised, and it is essential to consult an experienced urologist-andrologist for a personalized assessment.
The professional point of view: why I advise against simple lengthening surgery
As a specialist in male sexual health, my opinion is clear: surgery aimed solely at lengthening the erect penis is not a satisfactory or safe solution for the majority of men. Major operations carry too many risks, and simpler procedures produce only a limited effect at rest, with no real benefit when erect.
Instead, I recommend considering medical solutions tailored to each individual case, including treatments to improve erectile function, or volume-enhancing procedures under local anaesthetic, which offer a better benefit/risk ratio.
Tips for men who want to improve their confidence and sexual health
Penis size is often a source of concern, but it’s important to remember that sexual satisfaction doesn’t depend on this aspect alone. Self-esteem, communication with the partner, and general health play a fundamental role.
- Consult a specialist: A urologist-andrologist can help you understand the real options for your situation.
- Avoid miracle solutions: Beware of promises of spectacular results, especially on the Internet.
- Work on your confidence: Sexuality is complex and multifactorial. Talking about your concerns is often the first step towards a better sex life.
- Explore medical treatments: For erectile dysfunction and other disorders, effective solutions exist.
Conclusion
To sum up, although surgical procedures do exist to lengthen the penis, they are reserved for specific medical cases and are not recommended for a simple aesthetic desire. Cumbersome techniques entail significant risks and do not guarantee satisfactory erectile lengthening.
Less invasive alternatives, such as lipofilling, can increase penile volume and improve visual perception, but they do not alter erect length. All decisions should be taken in full knowledge of the facts, after thorough consultation with a specialist.
Finally, sexual health is much more complex than penis size. Working on all the physical, psychological and relational aspects is essential for a fulfilling sex life.
To find out more about men’s sexual health, don’t hesitate to consult specialized resources on a regular basis, and surround yourself with competent professionals.
