Penile enlargement surgery aims to increase the length or girth of the penis. There are several techniques, each with its own benefits, limitations and risks. Results are usually modest, so it’s important to have a frank discussion with an experienced surgeon about your expectations before deciding.
Kamol Hospital offers two main types of penile enlargement: lengthening and girth enhancement. We also offer penile implants for men with erectile dysfunction, and penile reconstruction for congenital conditions or injury.
Is Surgery Right for You?
Many men worry about penis size, but most fall within the normal range. Concerns about size often matter more to the man himself than to his partner. Before considering surgery, it can help to talk openly with your partner, focus on overall health and fitness, or speak to a counselor about any anxiety.
Surgery is most clearly indicated for micropenis, a medical condition in which the stretched penis is shorter than about 7.5 cm (2.8 inches) in an adult, when the size causes physical or psychological distress. Every candidate has a medical and psychological assessment before surgery.
1. Penile Lengthening Surgery
An incision is made at the base of the penis, and the suspensory ligament, which anchors the penis to the pubic bone, is released. This allows about 2–3 cm more of the penile shaft to sit outside the body. Erections still work normally, but the penis may point slightly lower, and the angle of erection may not be as high as before.
Releasing the ligament can make the penis less stable during erection, with a risk of injury during sex. In men with a lot of fat over the pubic area, removing that fat can also make the penis look longer, but combining procedures increases the risk of complications.
2. Penile Girth Enhancement
Techniques for increasing penile girth include:
Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)
Fat is taken from another part of the body by liposuction, then injected into the penile shaft. Part of the injected fat is usually reabsorbed, and fat can settle unevenly, leading to lumps or an irregular shape. In some cases, sensation or erection firmness may be affected.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, add girth without surgery. Results are temporary, so repeat injections are needed. As with fat, filler can spread unevenly, causing lumps, an irregular shape or scarring, and may affect sensation or erection firmness.
Allografts or Autologous Grafts
Tissue or graft material is placed under the skin of the penis to add girth immediately, through an incision along the circumcision line. Options include skin grafts and acellular dermal matrix (ADM), a scaffold that your own tissue gradually grows into
3. Penile Implants
In cases where other methods are not suitable. Kamol Hospital provides penile implants with rigidity and three pieces of penile implant during sexual intercourse, as shown in the photo below. However, these surgeries involve risks such as infection, problems with grafting materials, and potential effects on erectile function.
Despite the potential benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge the risks associated with penile enlargement surgery, including infection, bleeding, scarring, loss of sensation, and dissatisfaction with results. Not all individuals seeking this surgery may be suitable candidates, and it’s crucial to have realistic expectations.
Similarly, many men believe that enlarging their penises will improve their sexual prowess or attractiveness. However, it’s essential to understand that penile size typically falls within the average range, and concerns about size may not be significant to partners. Addressing these concerns may involve open communication, focusing on overall physical fitness, and seeking guidance from counselors or therapists.
When considering penile enlargement surgery, candidates should undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations, have realistic expectations, and be committed to post-operative care. Consulting with qualified healthcare professionals is essential to fully understand the risks and benefits.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo penile enlargement surgery should be made on an individual basis, taking into account personal circumstances and preferences. Effective communication and informed decision-making are vital to ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Penile Implants for Erectile Dysfunction
Penile implants (penile prostheses) for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) when medication, vacuum devices or injections haven’t worked or aren’t suitable. Common causes include diabetes, spinal cord injury, prostate surgery, pelvic trauma, certain neurological conditions and Peyronie’s disease.
Kamol offers two types:
- Semi-rigid (malleable) implants: bendable rods placed in the penis, positioned up for sex and down for concealment.
- Three-piece inflatable implants: fluid-filled cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum and a reservoir in the abdomen, giving a more natural erection.
Semi-rigid implants
- Advantages: no mechanical parts to fail, a shorter operation, and lower device cost
- Limitations: less natural, need to be positioned by hand each time, harder to conceal, and don’t change size
Three-piece inflatable implants
- Advantages: firmness and girth increase when inflated, they’re easier to conceal, and erections feel closer to natural
- Limitations: mechanical parts can fail and may need revision, a longer operation, and a much higher device cost. Inflatable implants typically last around 10 years.
Implants allow spontaneous intimacy without medication and have high satisfaction rates among patients and partners. Risks include infection, mechanical problems and the need for further surgery. See Erectile Dysfunction for other treatment options.
Penile Reconstruction and Phalloplasty
For micropenis, injury or congenital conditions, a new or larger penis can be built from tissue elsewhere in the body, using techniques such as anterolateral thigh (ALT) or radial forearm phalloplasty. Kamol’s urologists and plastic surgeons work together on these procedures. See Penis Reconstruction.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Medical evaluation: in good general health, with any conditions such as diabetes well controlled.
- Psychological evaluation: to understand your concerns and make sure surgery is the right step.
- Realistic expectations: an understanding that gains are usually modest.
- Discussion of alternatives: non-surgical options and counseling have been considered.
- Commitment to aftercare: willing to follow instructions and attend follow-up appointments.
Penile Implant Surgery: Preparation, Procedure and Aftercare
Preparation
- Your doctor examines you, explains the pros and cons of each implant type, and recommends the one that suits you.
- Don’t eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before surgery.
The procedure
- Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and you’ll receive fluids through a drip.
- A 1–2 inch incision is made between the base of the penis and the scrotum.
- The implant is placed and the incision is closed. The operation takes about 1–2 hours.
- You’ll stay in hospital for about 2 days.
Aftercare
- Keep the wound dry for 7 days.
- Take antibiotics for 7–10 days, as prescribed.
- Avoid exercise for 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid sex for 4–6 weeks.
- From 4 weeks after surgery, use (cycle) the implant at least twice a month.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
Lengthening and Girth Enhancement: Preparation and Aftercare
- Before surgery: health check and blood tests, stop smoking for at least 2 weeks, and stop aspirin and supplements that increase bleeding.
- After surgery: expect swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks. Wear supportive underwear and keep the area clean and dry.
- After lengthening: your surgeon may recommend stretching exercises or a traction device to help maintain length.
- Sex: avoid sexual activity until your surgeon confirms you’ve healed, usually after about 4–6 weeks.
Risks and Complications
Penile enlargement carries real risks, and success isn’t guaranteed:
- Infection
- Bleeding and bruising
- Scarring
- Loss of sensation
- Asymmetry, lumps or an irregular shape
- Instability of the penis during erection (after lengthening)
- Problems with erection firmness
- Unsatisfactory results
- Complications from anesthesia
- Psychological impact if results don’t meet expectations
Why Choose Kamol Hospital in Bangkok for Penile Surgery
- Honest consultation: Our surgeons explain realistic results and alternatives before recommending surgery.
- Urologists and plastic surgeons together: A combined team for enlargement, implants and reconstruction.
- The full range of options: Lengthening, girth enhancement, penile implants and phalloplasty, so the treatment fits the problem.
- Experience in complex genital surgery: Kamol’s surgeons perform phalloplasty and gender-affirming genital surgery, which require advanced knowledge of penile anatomy.
- Privacy and discretion: Confidential consultations and care.
- Hospital-level safety: JCI-accredited hospital with an experienced anesthesia team.
- Support for international patients: Multilingual coordinators and Kamol Trip help you plan your stay in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is penile implantation surgery?
Penile implantation, also known as penile prosthesis surgery, is a medical procedure used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) when other treatments like medication, vacuum devices, or injections are ineffective or unsuitable. The surgery involves implanting a device inside the penis to enable erections suitable for sexual intercourse.
Why do men have penile implantation surgery?
The procedure is primarily used to address erectile dysfunction caused by:
- Diabetes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Prostate surgery or pelvic trauma
- Certain neurological disorders
- Sometimes used for reconstructive purposes in cases of severe penile deformity, such as Peyronie’s disease.
What are penile implants?
Penile implants are surgically implanted devices that help men achieve erections.
There are malleable implants, where bendable rods are placed into the penis that can be adjusted for sexual activity or concealment. And inflatable implants that consist of fluid-filled cylinders placed in the penis, a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir in the abdomen.
What are the benefits of having penile implants?
Some of the key benefits are:
- It provides a long-term solution to ED.
- It allows for spontaneous intimacy without dependence on medications or external devices.
- It has high satisfaction rates among patients and their partners.
Are penile implants used to make the penis bigger?
No. Penile implants treat erectile dysfunction by allowing a firm erection when other treatments haven’t worked. They don’t add length or girth. If your main concern is size, lengthening or girth enhancement is more relevant. If it’s erection quality, see Erectile Dysfunction.
How much bigger can penile enlargement make me?
Gains are usually modest. Releasing the suspensory ligament typically exposes about 2–3 cm more of the shaft, though the penis may point slightly lower. Girth enhancement can add some thickness, but part of injected fat or filler is reabsorbed over time. Your surgeon will give you a realistic estimate after examining you.
Will penile enlargement affect my sensation or erections?
It can. Fat or filler that settles unevenly, scarring, or nerve injury can affect sensation or erection firmness in some cases, and lengthening can make the penis less stable during erection. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following aftercare instructions help reduce these risks.
When can I have sex after surgery?
Most men need to wait about 4–6 weeks, until the surgeon confirms the area has healed. Having sex too early can cause bleeding, infection or damage to the result.
How long should I stay in Bangkok after penile enlargement?
Plan to stay in Bangkok for about 7 days, to allow for the first follow-up check before you fly home. Penile implant surgery includes about 2 days in hospital, and phalloplasty requires a longer stay. Thailand is a well-established destination for men’s health and genital surgery, and Kamol Trip can arrange discreet accommodation close to the hospital.
