Penile lengthening surgery, also known as penile lengthening phalloplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the length of the penis. It is typically performed for men who are dissatisfied with the size of their penis and have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of the surgery.
There are different surgical techniques used for penile lengthening, including:
1. Suspensory Ligament Release: This is the most common surgical technique for penile lengthening. During the procedure, the suspensory ligament that attaches the base of the penis to the pubic bone is partially or completely cut. By releasing this ligament, more of the penile shaft that is normally hidden inside the body can be exposed, resulting in a slight increase in the visible or flaccid length of the penis. It is essential to note that this procedure typically does not significantly impact erect length.
2. Suprapubic Lipectomy: In some cases, excess pubic fat may partially cover the base of the penis, making it appear shorter. Suprapubic lipectomy involves removing some of this excess fat through liposuction to make the penis appear longer.
3. V-Y Plasty: V-Y plasty is a less common surgical technique used to increase the visible length of the penis. It involves making a V-shaped incision at the base of the penis and then repositioning the skin in a Y-shaped pattern to increase the length of the visible penile shaft.
It is crucial to have a thorough consultation with a qualified urologist or a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in penile procedures before considering penile lengthening surgery. The surgeon will assess the individual's anatomy, discuss realistic expectations, and explain the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
Important considerations regarding penile lengthening surgery:
1. Limited Results: Penile lengthening surgery typically results in a relatively modest increase in visible or flaccid length, and its impact on erect length is usually minimal.
2. Risks and Complications: As with any surgery, penile lengthening procedures carry certain risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, loss of sensitivity, and dissatisfaction with the outcome.
3. Psychological Factors: Dissatisfaction with penile size is often associated with psychological factors. Patients considering penile lengthening surgery should have open discussions with a qualified mental health professional to ensure that surgery is the right decision for them.
4. Recovery and Downtime: Recovery from penile lengthening surgery can take several weeks. Patients may need to avoid sexual activity and refrain from strenuous physical activity during the healing process.
Penile lengthening surgery is not recommended for everyone, and it is essential to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding to undergo the procedure. Patients should have realistic expectations and be well-informed about the limitations of the surgery. It is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risks associated with the procedure.
Want to know more about Penile lengthening surgery, Please consult Professor Somyos Kunachak. He was trained in Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University School of Medicine as well as from several academic bodies in Europe and America. He has been practicing plastic surgery in Thailand for more than 25 years and is running a private practice alongside his career as a fulltime Educator for more than 20years.
During this period, Prof. Kunachak amassed training experiences not just in the field of Plastic Surgery, but also in Anti-Aging Medicine, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Chinese Acupuncture, Laser Medicine and Surgery, Minimal Invasive Surgery and while doing so, authored and published more than 30 scientific and medical researches.
Prof. Kunachak has just recently retired from the academe but his natural affinity to be an educator extends to accepting a consultancy position in his university for the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.