Published: March 19, 2021
Last updated: June 03, 2021
The Skinny
Penis size and penis look are important to most men. The average penis is 3.4 inches flaccid, while an erect penis is 5.1 inches. It is believed a very small percentage of men fall significantly outside of these normal ranges. Men’s health, of course, includes sexual health, and men dealing with erectile dysfunction can benefit from penile implants — but these are not first-line therapies. In general, penis enhancement procedures primarily address aesthetic concerns (learn more in our guide to Male Sexual Wellness Concerns). A penis enlargement may benefit your sex life from a psychological perspective, but it will not improve sexual performance, sensation, or orgasm from an anatomical perspective.
The Specifics
Who may consider a penis enhancement procedure?
A quick recap of penile anatomy. There are three main shafts that fill with blood to cause an erection. There are two corpus cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum. The corpus spongiosum ends with the glans penis (the head of the penis). The urethra runs from the bladder to the meatus (opening at the tip of the penis). It is met by the vas deferens (sperm carrying tubes) in the prostate gland. The urethra carries urine and sperm from the body.The scrotum hangs outside the body and holds the testes (sperm producing glands) and the epididymi (sperm storing structures). Genetic predispositions, age related changes, and aesthetic concerns can lead to men considering a penis enhancement procedure. The general concerns are overviewed below.
- Elongated Scrotum: Genetic predispositions or loss of skin elasticity with aging can cause the scrotum to hang undesirably low.
- Erectile Dysfunction: For those who have failed medical and other therapies, a penile implant can assist with sexual dysfunction.
- Penis Size: Aesthetic concerns related to feeling the penis is too small.
What can you expect from penis enhancement?
Penis enhancement procedures can correct genetic issues, and concerns relating to aging, aesthetics, and function. It is important to understand these procedures are not proven to be completely effective. Enchantment surgeries are also not considered first line therapy for sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction.- Penis Enlargement: These procedures are designed to enhance the length and diameter of the penis for aesthetic concerns. They will not impact sexual function or sensation.
- Penis Implants: Implants can be used to assist with erectile dysfunction by providing an artificial way to create an erection.
- Scrotoplasty: Scrotal procedures are designed to enhance the appearance of the scrotum. They can address genetic or age related scrotal abnormalities.
Most of these procedures are not considered effective, permanent solutions. As with any surgical procedure, patients can expect a few weeks of recovery time with limitations on sexual activity.
When should you consider a penis enhancement procedure?
Penis enhancement procedures should be considered when you are in generally good health, can commit to the recovery time and activity limitations, and have reasonable expectations of the results and the permanence of the procedures.Why should you consider a penis enhancement procedure?
The choice to consider a penile enhancement procedure is entirely dependent on the individual. It is important to understand penile enhancement procedures are not considered especially effective and lasting. Additionally, these procedures do not affect sexual performance, sensation, or orgasm. Some of these procedures carry risks for impaired sperm function.Penis Enlargement
It is important to note there is no penis enlargement procedure that is recognized to be effective with long-term results. These enlargement surgeries are primarily designed to address aesthetic concerns related to the size of your penis.- Dermal Fillers
- Overview: Synthetic fillers (like hyaluronic acid) are injected into the penile shaft to increase penis length and diameter.
- Cost: $800 - $9,000
- Recovery & Results: Bruising and swelling for a few days. Limit activities (like sex) for one week. The results are temporary.
- Fat Transfer
- Overview: Liposuction harvest fat from the stomach or thighs for reimplantation in the penile shaft.
- Cost: $3,500 - $8,500
- Recovery & Results: Swelling and bruising for up to two weeks with limitations on activities for four weeks. The results are temporary.
- Ligament Transection
- Overview: The suspensory ligament connecting the penis to the pubic bone is severed so the flaccid penis will lay differently against the body leading to the appearance of an increase penis size and penis length.
- Cost: $15,000 - $25,000
- Recovery & Results: Normal sexual activity can be resumed within four to six weeks. The results will finalize within six months.
Penis Implants for Erectile Dysfunction
These synthetic implants allow patients to control when they have an erection. Implants for erectile dysfunction are only considered after failure of medical or other therapies. They do not affect penis size, sexual performance, sensation, or orgasm.- 2-Piece Inflatable Penile Implants
- Overview: Implantation of inflatable rods into the shaft of the penis with a fluid reservoir implanted directly in the penis as well.
- Cost: $13,000 - $35,000
- Recovery & Results: Return to work within one to two weeks. Resume most activities (including sex) after four to six weeks. The results are permanent.
- 3-Piece Inflatable Penile Implants
- Overview: The most natural appearing implants. The reservoir for the saline solution is placed within the abdomen.
- Cost: $13,000 - $35,000
- Recovery & Results: Most candidates return to work within one to two weeks and resume all activities within four to six weeks. The results are permanent.
- Non-Inflatable Penile Implant
- Overview: A semi rigid rod is inserted into the penis shaft. It is less likely to malfunction, but also more noticeable.
- Cost: $16,000 - $19,000
- Recovery & Results: Most side effects resolve within two weeks, and activity limitations are lifted after four to six weeks. The implant lasts about 10 years.
Scrotoplasty
Whether from genetics or aging, a low hanging scrotum can be lifted and restored with a scrotoplasty.- Scrotoplasty
- Overview: Excess skin is removed and muscles can also be altered to tone and tighten the scrotum. This procedure can affect the viability of sperm.
- Cost: $3,000 - $8,500
- Recovery & Results: Swelling and bruising for one week. No strenuous or sexual activity for six weeks. Results will finalize within three months.
The Takeaway
It is important to understand that while male enhancement procedures are increasing in popularity, there remains a lack of agreement as to their efficacy and benefit. Penis enlargement surgery, implants for sexual dysfunction, and scrotal procedures can create aesthetic and functional benefits — just keep in mind their limitations and consider all your other available options prior to proceeding.
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