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Phalloplasty

(Penile Enlargement)

 
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Phalloplasty (Penile Enlargement)

Cosmetic surgery for penile enlargement or phalloplasty began in the early 1990s. Since then, doctors have refined their techniques to decreases risks and optimize the benefits of this surgery. Penile enlargement can lengthen the penis, increase girth and the size of the head of the penis, through various techniques. Most plastic surgery boards do not endorse penile enlargement surgery because they believe it poses unnecessary risks to an otherwise normally functioning organ. There are reputable doctors that perform this procedure although it is not widely supported. Ultimately, the decision to have penile enlargement lies with you.
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What are some of the common benefits of penile enlargement?

Penile enlargement (phalloplasty) can add length or girth to the penis and in some cases may help a man to feel less self-conscious about this area.
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What will happen at the initial consultation?

Your doctor will take your medical history to see if you are healthy enough for the operation. An examination will be done to see what steps to take in your phalloplasty procedure.
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How is a penile enlargement done?

There are different techniques used in penile enlargement. Commonly the suspensory and fundiform ligament at the base of the penis is released, causing the portion of the penis normally hidden inside the body to be visible. Your doctor may add tissue expanders to prevent contraction of the ligament in the future. A scrotalplasty procedure can be performed to reduce the skin of the scrotum making the penis appear more prominent. Fat injections or tissue grafts add girth to the penis shaft or the head of the penis known as the glans.
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At what age can penile enlargement be done?

Penile enlargement has no specific age requirements.
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How long does penile enlargement take?

Surgery is usually 1-3 hours long.
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Do I have to stay in the hospital?

This surgery requires a brief hospital visit and outpatient care for a period of 1-3 days.
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How much pain is there?

There is some pain with this procedure but it can be comfortably managed through medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.
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What can I expect after a penile enlargement?

After you wake up from the general anesthesia, your penis will be wrapped in surgical dressings that will need to be replaced periodically according to your doctor’s directions. You will need to stay in the hospital a few hours before being moved to an outpatient facility or accommodations where you can receive assistance.
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What is the recovery period like?

There will be minimal discomfort following the procedure which can be alleviated by pain medication. After your phalloplasty you will be quite swollen for a few days, but all swelling will subside within 6 months of the procedure. Your doctor will require you to do postoperative physical therapy to prevent retraction of the penis and maximize gains. You will also need to avoid smoking and strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks following penile enlargement surgery. To decrease your risk of infection, showering will have to be avoided for a week or more. During this time you will have to use a sponge or washcloth to clean yourself. Sex can be resumed anywhere from 4-8 weeks later. The more extensive the surgery, the longer you must wait before resuming any sort of sexual activity.
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people?

Most men experience a 1 inch gain in length or width. If fat injections are used in glanular enlargement of the head of the penis or in girth enhancement, there is a chance that the fat could eventually be reabsorbed into the body, eliminating any gains you may have had. In 1999 the results on a study of males who received a phalloplasty operation were published in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality. This study showed 68% of the 58 participants felt their penile enlargement surgery did not live up to their expectations.
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Ideal Candidate

  • An individual who does not take anticoagulants or blood thinners
  • No serious heart problems
  • A patient who has a low risk of scarring and keloid formation
  • Mature enough to weigh the benefits and possible risks of the procedure
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Alternatives

Weight loss or liposuction of the pubic fat pad (the area above the base of the penis) can make the penis appear longer. Doctors are divided on whether or not certain non-surgical methods work. There are some vacuums and weighted devices that may be able to stretch the penis, but the results are not consistent or as significant as penile enlargement surgery. Weighted stretching of the penis is used after penile enlargement to maintain results, but it is not conclusive whether this therapy will work without the phalloplasty procedure.
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Risks

  • Loss of sensitivity in the penis or increased sensation
  • Asymmetry
  • Excessive scarring
  • Shortening or retraction of the penis
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Less erect erections
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Penile Enlargement Costs

Penile enlargement surgery can cost $9,000-$15,000.
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Choosing a Doctor

It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in penile enlargement. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor

  1. What are the average gains for penile enlargement surgery?
  2. Is their a chance I will experience erectile dysfunction or other significant complications?
  3. Are the desired results I described realistic?
  4. Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
  5. What kind of anesthesia is used?
  6. How much does it cost?
  7. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many has he/she performed in the past year?)
  8. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
  10. May I have the names and contact information for several recent patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
  11. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
  12. Should I have blood drawn ahead of time in case I need a transfusion?
  13. What should I expect postoperatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  14. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
  15. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  16. Do you offer patient financing?
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Be sure to:

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have to foods, drugs, environmental elements or others.
  • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription.
  • Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery. Also avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as Nuprin, Motrin or Advil. Also avoid herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, some types of Chinese black mushrooms and other natural substances or foods that may thin the blood.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you for a few days afterward, if needed.


The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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How do I finance this procedure?

Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnhance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!

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*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
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4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

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4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

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