Surgical options
If you’re thinking about penis enlargement and wondering if surgery is the way to go, I’ve got the info you need. While surgery can be an option, it’s a big step, with risks, costs, and recovery to think about. Let’s break down the most common surgical procedures, how they work, and what to expect—so you can make the best choice for yourself.
Here’s a closer look at surgical penis enlargement options.
(For a data-driven comparison of surgical and non-surgical penis enlargement methods click here.)
Contents
Penis Enlargement Surgery (Penile Augmentation)
Penile enlargement surgery is the term used for procedures that either lengthen or thicken the penis. These surgeries can be complex and are often a last resort after non-surgical methods have been explored.
Penile Lengthening Surgery
What is it? Lengthening surgery involves cutting the suspensory ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone. By releasing this ligament, more of the penis becomes visible, which can make it look longer.
Does it work? This surgery can add 0.5 to 2 inches (1.25 to 5 cm) in visible length, but it doesn’t change the actual size of the penis—just what’s visible outside the body.
Average Cost:
U.S.: $6,000 to $15,000
Europe: €5,000 to €12,000
Asia: $3,000 to $8,000
Risks: The surgery can cause a loss of the natural upward angle of the erection (meaning your penis might not point up when erect), scarring, or even nerve damage, which could affect sensation.
Recovery: Recovery takes a few weeks, and you might need to use a penis extender afterward to maintain the length. It’s not an overnight fix, and patience is key.
Girth Enhancement Surgery
What is it? This surgery increases the thickness of the penis. It can be done with fat transfer (taking fat from another part of your body and injecting it into your penis) or using dermal grafts or implants.
Does it work? Girth can be increased by about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm), but results vary from person to person. Fat transfers can sometimes lead to lumps or uneven distribution, and implants carry the risk of infection.
Average Cost:
U.S.: $5,000 to $10,000
Europe: €4,500 to €9,000
Asia: $3,500 to $7,500
Risks: With fat transfers, the fat can be reabsorbed by the body, meaning the results might not last forever. Implants come with risks of infection or rejection.
Recovery: Recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks, and you’ll need to take it easy while your body heals.
Penile Implants
Penile implants are usually used to help men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED), but some men also choose this option for other reasons.
What is it?
Penile implants are surgically placed inside the penis to help you achieve and maintain an erection. There are two main types:
Inflatable Implants: These include a pump inserted into the scrotum, which you squeeze to inflate the implant.
Malleable Implants: These are semi-rigid rods that keep your penis firm at all times, allowing you to manually adjust it for sex.
Does it work?
While implants won’t make your penis larger, they can help with erection problems and give you more control over when you have an erection. Many men find this boosts their confidence.
Average Cost:
U.S.: $12,000 to $25,000
Europe: €10,000 to €20,000
Asia: $8,000 to $15,000
Risks:
Infections and mechanical failure (with inflatable implants) are the main risks. There’s also the possibility of erosion of the device over time.
Recovery:
It can take several weeks to recover from penile implant surgery, and you’ll need to avoid sexual activity for a couple of months while everything heals.
Suspensory Ligament Release (Ligamentolysis)
Suspensory ligament release is similar to penile lengthening surgery. This procedure focuses on cutting the ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone, allowing more of the penis to hang outside the body.
What is it?
By cutting the suspensory ligament, the penis can appear longer since more of it is visible externally. This is typically combined with other procedures like fat injections to increase girth.
Does it work?
This surgery can add 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) in length, but the overall results depend on how well the body heals and how the ligament is stretched over time.
Average Cost:
U.S.: $6,000 to $10,000
Europe: €5,000 to €9,000
Asia: $3,500 to $7,000
Risks:
There’s a risk of losing the natural upward angle of the penis during erections, as well as scarring and possible reattachment of the ligament too tightly, limiting results.
Recovery:
Recovery typically lasts several weeks, and you might need to use a penis extender post-surgery to prevent the ligament from healing too tightly and losing the length gained.
Penile Dermal Grafting and Skin Flaps
This procedure is aimed at increasing the girth of the penis using grafts of skin or other tissues.
What is it?
In penile dermal grafting, skin from another part of your body is grafted onto the penis to increase its girth. Skin flaps are similar, but they involve more complex surgery to insert the skin or tissue.
Does it work?
This procedure can lead to significant girth increases, but it’s a more involved process that requires careful planning and a skilled surgeon.
Average Cost:
U.S.: $8,000 to $15,000
Europe: €7,000 to €13,000
Asia: $5,000 to $10,000
Risks:
Infection, rejection of the graft, and scarring are possible risks, and some men experience changes in sensation after surgery.
Recovery:
Recovery can take several weeks, and you’ll need to avoid sexual activity and exercise until you’ve fully healed.
Final Thoughts on Surgical Options
Surgery is a serious decision, and it’s important to weigh the potential risks and rewards carefully. While these procedures can lead to increases in length or girth, they come with complications, recovery time, and costs. For some men, surgery brings the confidence boost they’re looking for, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Whatever you decide, make sure you consult with a qualified surgeon, ask all the tough questions, and take time to think it through. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that helps you feel comfortable and confident.
Looking for penis enlargement surgery? Explore the top countries offering safe and affordable procedures from expert surgeons in my blog post “Best Countries for Penis Enlargement Surgery”.