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Penis-enlargement scams: You're more normal than you think
Surgical methods of penis enlargement — Not for cosmetic use
Some surgeons have developed several different enlargement techniques, none of them endorsed by medical organizations. The American Urological Association, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have all issued policy statements against cosmetic surgical procedures to enlarge the penis.
A few different techniques are used to lengthen a penis. All of them are experimental. There aren't enough studies of penis-enlargement surgery to give an accurate picture of results and risks of complications.
One procedure to lengthen the penis involves severing the suspensory ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone and moving skin from the abdomen to the penile shaft. When this ligament is cut, the penis may look longer because more of it hangs down. But cutting the suspensory ligament can cause an erect penis to be unstable and position itself at odd angles, particularly when erect.
Another operation moves a skin flap from the pubic area onto the penis. This procedure can lead to severe deformities, such as hair growth on the base of the penis, scarring and other problems.
Some procedures to make the penis thicker involve suctioning fat from a fleshy part of the body and injecting the fat into the penis. Another technique is simply to cut fat from the buttocks or abdomen and graft it onto the penile shaft. Some practitioners use tissue from cadavers.
None of these techniques has been proven to be safe or effective. The ASPS considers injecting fat into the penis of unproven benefit and unknown safety. Potential risks of these techniques include infection, loss of sensation in the skin, excessive bleeding and loss of penile function. While this may increase penis girth, the body can reabsorb the fat over time and cause irregular penis shape.
Surgery is risky, costly and may not work
Studies have shown that the majority of men who undergo penis-enlargement surgery aren't satisfied with the results. Surgery may at best add an average of half an inch (1.3 centimeters) to the length of the flaccid penis. Surgery may not add any length to the erect penis — and some surgeries have actually reduced penis size.
When surgery may be an option
The need for penis-enlargement surgery is rare. It may be considered for a man whose penis doesn't function normally because of a birth defect or injury. Although cosmetic penis enlargement is offered by some surgeons, it's controversial and is generally considered unnecessary and potentially harmful.
A few things that might actually help
While there is no safe, effective way to enlarge your penis, there are a few things you can do if you're concerned about your penis size:
- Communicate with your partner. It may be hard to break old habits or to have an open dialogue about your and your partner's sexual preferences. But you'll be glad you did — and you may be surprised at the spark it puts back in your sex life.
- Get in shape. Enhance your appearance in other ways. Regular exercise can make a big difference. Better physical conditioning may not only make you look better, but can also give you more strength and endurance during sex.
- Lose the belly. The place that size might help the most is less belly — not more penis. If your lower abdomen hangs over your genitalia, you might look as if you have a shorter, smaller penis than you actually do. Fat can obscure some or much of the upper part of the penis. For this, the best treatment is to achieve a healthy weight.
- Trim your pubic hair. A lot of pubic hair around the base of your penis can make your penis look shorter. Trimming may make your penis look bigger. It may also increase sensitivity around the base of your penis.
Talk to your doctor or a counselor. Feeling unhappy about the size of your penis is a common problem. A certified counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or your family doctor can help. Many men feel better with reassurance that they are "normal" or with advice about how to better satisfy their partner without resorting to cosmetic penis enlargement.
The bottom line
Many men think they have a small penis and that increasing the size of their penis will make them a better lover or make them more attractive. But chances are your penis is within the normal size range. Even if your penis is smaller than average, it may not matter as much as you thought. Consider other options before you resort to time-consuming, expensive or dangerous techniques that will be minimally effective at best. The most effective solution may be as easy as open communication with your partner, talking with a professional counselor or enhancing yourself in other ways.
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- Cosmetic surgery price list. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery International. http://www.drgiunta.com/costs_finance.html#pricelist. Accessed April 12, 2009.
- Costs. Penis surgery clinic. www.penis-surgery-clinic.com. Accessed April 17, 2009.
