How Does Penis Enlargement Surgery Work? Techniques Explained

Penis enlargement surgery involves several methods, including cutting the suspensory ligament (to allow the penis to hang lower, not to increase erect length), fat injections or grafts (to enhance girth, though some fat may be reabsorbed), or implanting a silicone sleeve (like the FDA-approved Penuma implant for girth) or inflatable devices (for both length and girth, often used in cases of erectile dysfunction). Each technique aims to increase perceived or actual size but carries potential risks, such as scarring, deformity, erectile dysfunction, or unsatisfactory results.

Understanding how penis enlargement surgery works can help you make informed decisions about procedures like ligament release, fat transfer, or implants.

Discover with Turkey Luxury Clinics the main techniques, expected outcomes, and important considerations before deciding on surgery.

What is Penis Enlargement Surgery?

Penis enlargement surgery, or phalloplasty, is designed to increase penis length or girth using different techniques, each with its own purpose, benefits, and limitations. From ligament release for flaccid length to pubic fat liposuction, fat transfer, dermal fillers, or Penuma implants for girth and permanent enhancement, results vary depending on the method and individual anatomy.

It’s important to consult with a qualified urologist or cosmetic surgeon to discuss expectations, safety, and the most suitable option for your needs. Proper evaluation and expert guidance ensure the best possible outcome while minimizing risks.

How Penis Enlargement Works

Penis enlargement surgery works primarily by cutting the suspensory ligament for apparent length increase; it is sometimes combined with other procedures, including injecting fillers, grafting fat for girth, or other methods like implant placement, such as the Penuma implant.

Each method works differently in terms of mechanism, effects, safety, durability, and results.

Ligament Release for Penis Length

The penis is naturally anchored to the pubic bone by the suspensory ligament, which supports its position and hides part of its length inside the body. Cutting this ligament allows the hidden portion of the penis to extend outward. So, how does ligament release work, and is it a complicated procedure?

The surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia and typically takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the individual case.

During ligament release surgery, the surgeon carefully identifies and cuts this ligament without damaging surrounding tissues or blood vessels.

This allows the hidden portion of the penis to extend outward, increasing visible length when flaccid. It’s important to note that this procedure primarily affects flaccid length and does not significantly change erect length or girth.

After surgery, the internal portion of the penis slides outward. Recovery can take several weeks, and patients may be advised to use traction devices or perform stretching exercises to maintain the results and prevent retraction.

As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include bleeding, infection, or changes in the natural angle of erection if the surgery is not performed precisely.

Ligament release is often combined with other techniques, such as pubic fat removal or fat grafting, to achieve greater visible length or improve girth.

Pubic Fat Liposuction for Penile Lengthening

Pubic fat liposuction removes excess fat from the pubic area to reveal more of the penis, making it appear longer. The procedure is usually done under local or general anesthesia through a small incision. Recovery is quick, with minor swelling and bruising, and most men can resume normal activities within a few weeks. While it does not increase actual penis length, it enhances the visible portion, improving overall appearance and proportion.

Penis Implants for Girth Increase (Penuma)

Specialized implants, such as Penuma®, are designed to increase both penile length and girth. The Penuma implant is an FDA-cleared, soft silicone device inserted under the penile skin, providing permanent enhancement in girth and flaccid length while maintaining a natural look and feel. Typical girth increases range from 2.5 to 5 cm, with a noticeably improved flaccid appearance.

How does the Penuma procedure work to increase girth size?

The surgery involves the surgical insertion of a soft, medical-grade silicone implant under the penile skin. The implant is customized to the patient’s anatomy (available in sizes L, XL, XXL) and is usually placed through an incision near the base of the penis. The goal is to achieve a natural appearance in both flaccid and erect states, offering a permanently larger look and feel.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires careful postoperative recovery. Compared to dermal fillers or fat transfer, Penuma implants provide long-term, predictable results in both girth and the perception of length.

What Happens During the Procedure

1. A pre-surgery consultation evaluates health, penis anatomy, and the most suitable technique.
2. Anesthesia (local or general) is applied based on the procedure.
3. Surgery may last from 1–3 hours depending on technique.
4. Post-op recovery involves rest, limited sexual activity, and sometimes stretching or support devices.

Penuma procedure results:

1. Length increase (flaccid): 2–6 cm on average with ligament cutting.
2. Girth increase: Varies by technique; fat or filler injections improve thickness but may reduce over time.
3. Erection length: Limited improvement; erections mostly depend on internal erectile tissue, not external procedures.

Penile Prosthesis for Length & Girth

Penile prosthesis is a cylinder that is surgically placed inside the penis’s erectile chambers, with a pump and reservoir implanted in the scrotum and abdomen.

This procedure is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction, but it can also provide some increase in girth and length. The implant is highly customizable to match the patient’s anatomy.

The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. Recovery involves limited activity initially, with full function typically achieved within several weeks.

Fat Transfer for Girth Increase

To naturally increase penile girth, the surgeon transfers fat into the penis. Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat injection, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance penile girth by harvesting a patient’s own fat and reinjecting it into the penile shaft.

Fat is collected from donor areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks using gentle liposuction techniques like VASER or tumescent liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified to isolate healthy, viable fat cells before being carefully injected under the penile skin. While some of the injected fat may be naturally reabsorbed over time, a significant portion typically settles, resulting in a long-lasting increase in girth and a thicker, fuller appearance.

How penile fat transfer works

1. Harvesting: Fat is gently extracted via liposuction from selected donor areas.
2. Processing: The harvested fat is purified using filtration or centrifugation to improve fat cell survival.
3. Injection: The purified fat is injected through small incisions into the penile shaft layers, usually under local or general anesthesia.
4. Enhancements: In some cases, surgeons may combine the fat with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to support healing and improve fat retention.

Dermal Fillers for Penile Augmentation

Dermal filler injections for penile augmentation are non-surgical procedures that use substances such as Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or Polylactic Acid (PLA) to increase penile girth and, in some cases, enhance visible length. They are considered a less invasive alternative to surgery, with results lasting from several months to a few years depending on the type of filler used. Downtime is usually minimal, but the procedure should always be performed by a qualified specialist to reduce risks.

How does penis filler work?

Hyaluronic Acid fillers provide temporary results, typically lasting from a few months up to two years, while longer-lasting options such as PLA or PMMA (Bellafill) work by stimulating collagen production for more durable enhancement.

The procedure is performed by a doctor, who injects the filler into the penile shaft, and sometimes the glans, to improve girth, contour, and overall shape. The session usually takes 30–60 minutes.

What to expect after penis filler?

Dermal fillers can lead to a noticeable increase in girth, often around 10–20%, and some patients report improved sexual confidence or sensation. Recovery is generally minimal, although sexual activity should be avoided for 1–2 weeks to allow swelling and bruising to subside.

Side Effects and Complications of Penis Enlargement Surgeries

1. Scarring, which can lead to shrinkage or deformities.
2. Unevenness, lumps, or irregular shapes (especially with fat transfer).
3. Nerve damage, loss of sensation, or erectile dysfunction.
4. Infection or implant failure.
5. Unsatisfying results or need for further surgery

Effectiveness & Risks of Penis Enlargement Surgery

1. Limited Gains: Procedures typically offer only small increases in length (around 1 cm) or girth, with inconsistent success.
2. Poor Evidence: High-quality studies are lacking, and evidence supporting effectiveness is weak.
3. Complications: Risks include infection, scarring, penile deformity, shortening, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction.
4. Low Satisfaction: Many patients are dissatisfied, and satisfaction rates are generally low.

Get Safe Penis Enlargement with Expert Surgeons at Turkey Luxury Clinics

Thinking about penis enlargement surgery? Our expert surgeons at Turkey Luxury Clinics will guide you through the best options, explain what to expect, and create a safe, personalized plan for your enhancement goals.

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