The Complete Guide to Penis Enlargement: Procedures, Costs, Risks & Results

Penis enlargement, also called penile augmentation, refers to medical procedures designed to increase the visible length, girth, or both dimensions of the penis.

While often discussed in casual or sensational ways online, modern enlargement is a serious area of men’s health that combines reconstructive urology, cosmetic medicine, and sexual health expertise.

What Penis Enlargement Really Means Today

Historically, attempts at enlargement were inconsistent and frequently unsafe. Ancient methods relied on weights, traction, and herbal mixtures, while more recent decades saw the rise of unregulated injections, “miracle” penis enlargement pills, and mechanical devices marketed with unrealistic promises.

Many of these approaches have caused complications ranging from deformity to erectile dysfunction to Peyronie’s disease.

In contrast, today’s medical options are more advanced, evidence-based, and performed in controlled settings by trained specialists. Men now have access to minimally invasive injectable fillers, surgical lengthening techniques, and even combination approaches that provide measurable and lasting results.

For many patients, the goal is not only physical change but also an improvement in confidence, sexual satisfaction, and overall quality of life.

This guide explains the complete landscape of penile enlargement. It covers the most common procedures, how much they typically cost, what risks are involved, and the kind of results that men can realistically expect.

It is written to cut through myths and marketing claims, offering a reliable reference point for anyone considering treatment or simply seeking to understand how enlargement works in modern medicine.

Key Takeaways on Penis Enlargement

Penis enlargement includes medical procedures that increase perceived penile length, girth, or both.
Non-surgical options like hyaluronic acid (HA) and PMMA fillers provide girth enhancement, while traction and lengthening protocols (MAXL, P-Long) can add modest erect length and girth.
Surgical options such as ligament release, penile repositioning, grafting, fat transfer, or comprehensive reconstructive surgeries offer permanent and more dramatic results.
Silicone injections and implants carry the highest complication risks and are not recommended by most specialists.
Costs vary: fillers are lowest upfront, permanent fillers and surgery cost more, and complex revision cases can reach $40,000–$100,000.
Risks exist with all procedures but are lowest with HA fillers and highest with silicone implants. Choosing a urology-trained specialist is critical for safety.
Results: girth gains average 0.5–1+ inches, length gains 0.5–2+ inches, depending on method and compliance. HA is temporary, while PMMA, fat transfer, and surgery are permanent.
Quality of life: Beyond size, many men report improvements in confidence, body image, and intimacy.

What Is Penis Enlargement?

Penis enlargement, also known as cosmetic urology and sometimes called penile augmentation or phalloplasty, is the medical term for procedures that increase visible penile size in either length, girth, or both.

Unlike the myths, supplements, and unregulated injections that often circulate online, modern enlargement refers specifically to treatments performed by trained physicians in a medical setting.

In practice, penis enlargement is not a single procedure but a spectrum of medical options. These options range from minimally invasive filler injections that increase girth, to surgical operations that alter the supporting structures of the penis for permanent length and circumference changes.

Some men pursue only one type of procedure, while others combine methods over time to achieve more comprehensive results.

It is also important to recognize that penis enlargement is not purely cosmetic. While many patients pursue it to increase confidence or satisfaction with appearance, enlargement is also used in functional and reconstructive contexts.

For example:

Buried penis repair: restoring normal length and function after obesity or scarring.
Peyronie’s disease correction: addressing curvature and narrowing caused by fibrous scar tissue.
Post-trauma reconstruction: repairing deformities after injury.

From a medical perspective, penis enlargement falls broadly into two categories:

Non-surgical procedures – minimally invasive treatments such as injectable fillers or traction-based protocols.
Surgical procedures – operations such as suspensory ligament release, tissue grafting, or combination surgeries that permanently alter penile dimensions.

Understanding these two categories (and the advantages, limitations, and risks of each) is essential for anyone considering enlargement.

The sections that follow explore both non-surgical and surgical options in detail, outlining how each works, what results are possible, and how men can decide which approach is best suited to their goals.

Non-Surgical Penis Enlargement Options

Non-surgical penile enhancement refers to minimally invasive treatments that increase girth or length without the need for general anesthesia, incisions, or extended recovery.

These approaches appeal to men who want visible changes with less downtime than surgery and often serve as either a first step toward enhancement or a stand-alone solution for those satisfied with modest gains.

The three most common non-surgical methods are hyaluronic acid fillers, PMMA (permanent) fillers, and traction-based protocols.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

What it is

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance naturally found in connective tissue and widely used in aesthetic medicine for facial contouring. When injected into the penis, HA adds volume beneath the skin, producing an immediate increase in girth.

Procedure

Performed under local anesthesia in a clinic setting.
Injections are carefully placed along the shaft to create even distribution.
The procedure typically takes less than an hour.

Results

Immediate girth gains of 0.25 to 0.5 inches, depending on volume injected.
Results last 12 to 48 months, as the filler gradually breaks down and is reabsorbed by the body.

Recovery

Most men return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
Bruising, swelling, or mild tenderness is common but temporary.
Sexual activity is usually resumed after about one week to 6 weeks, depending on the injector.

Advantages

Reversible — HA can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if needed.
Natural feel when properly injected.
Minimal downtime.

Limitations

Temporary — requires maintenance injections over time.
Less volume potential compared to permanent methods.

HA is often recommended as a starting point for men new to enhancement who want to “test drive” girth augmentation before committing to a longer-lasting option.

PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) Fillers

What it is

PMMA is a synthetic material consisting of microscopic beads suspended in a bovine carrier gel. Once injected, the gel is absorbed, and the beads remain in place, stimulating an inflammatory response resulting in collagen formation that produces permanent volume.

Procedure

Usually performed over multiple sessions, spaced weeks or months apart, to allow gradual buildup of collagen and natural-looking results.

Results

Permanent increase in girth, typically 0.5 to 1+ inches depending on the number of sessions and total volume placed.
Collagen continues to form for months after treatment, so results improve over time.

Recovery

Mild swelling and bruising are common but usually resolve within days.
Most men resume normal daily activities almost immediately.

Advantages

Permanent results once collagen is fully formed.
Requires fewer maintenance sessions compared to HA.
Produces natural firmness over time.

Limitations

Not reversible — unlike HA, PMMA cannot be dissolved.
Risk of nodules or granulomas if injected improperly.
Requires a high level of expertise in penile anatomy to avoid complications.

PMMA appeals to men who want a long-term or permanent solution without undergoing invasive surgery.

Traction & Physiologic Protocols

What it is

Traction devices and physiologic enlargement programs rely on gradual stretching of penile tissue. When applied consistently, traction can stimulate new tissue growth, increasing length over time.

Procedure

Devices are worn for several minutes per day, usually over the course of a few months.
Some programs also incorporate biologic stimulators or supportive protocols to enhance results.

Results

Typically 0.5 to 1 inch increase in length for compliant users.
Results may be permanent if traction is maintained consistently.

Recovery

Non-invasive; no incisions or anesthesia required.
Skin irritation or discomfort may occur if devices are not used properly.

Advantages

Avoids incisions or surgery.
Provides measurable length gains.

Limitations

Time-intensive; requires daily use over months.
Results vary widely depending on patient compliance.

Traction is often prescribed as an adjunct therapy following surgical ligament release to prevent retraction and maximize length gains, but some men use it as a stand-alone option for modest enlargement.

Summary of Non-Surgical Options

HA fillers: Best for temporary, reversible girth enhancement with minimal downtime.
PMMA fillers: Permanent girth solution that relies on collagen stimulation.
Traction protocols: Non-invasive approach producing length gains with consistent use.

These options are popular because they balance visible results with lower procedural risks compared to surgery. However, they are best suited for men seeking moderate improvements.

Those pursuing more dramatic or permanent changes often consider surgical options, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Surgical Penis Enlargement Options

For men seeking more dramatic or permanent changes, surgical procedures provide the most significant increases in length and girth. Unlike fillers or traction devices, surgery alters the visible anatomy of the penis in a lasting way.

While these operations involve higher cost and longer recovery, they also offer outcomes that are not achievable through non-surgical methods.

Modern surgical enlargement generally falls into three main categories: surgical lengthening, surgical girth enhancement, and combination surgeries that address both dimensions at once.

Suspensory Ligament Release (Lengthening Surgery)

The suspensory ligament is a band of connective tissue that anchors the penis to the pubic bone. By surgically releasing this ligament, more of the shaft extends externally, creating the appearance of a longer penis.

Procedure

Performed under general or regional anesthesia.
A small incision is made at the base of the penis to access and release the ligament.
In some advanced techniques, the penis is repositioned for improved stability and aesthetics.

Results

Typically, men see 1 inch or more in flaccid length.
Gains in erect length vary but can be improved when traction therapy is used during recovery.

Recovery

Initial swelling and discomfort last 1–2 weeks.
Most men return to light daily activity within 1–2 weeks, but heavy lifting and sexual activity are restricted for 6–8 weeks.
Traction or stretching devices are often prescribed post-operatively to prevent retraction and maximize gains.

Advantages

Provides permanent improvement in visible length.
Especially effective for men with prominent suprapubic fat or buried penis when paired with monsplasty and/or abdominoplasty.

Limitations

Gains in erect length may be less dramatic than flaccid changes.
Requires strict adherence to traction protocols after surgery.

Advanced Lengthening with Repositioning Techniques

Some surgeons, such as Dr. Kenneth J. Carney of Rejuvall, refined standard ligament release by combining it with advanced repositioning strategies that improve penile stability. These methods reduce the risk of an unnatural erection angle and help ensure more predictable length outcomes.

Results

In qualified patients, length gains of 1.5 to 2 inches or more are achievable.
Improvements can apply to both flaccid and erect length, depending on patient anatomy.

Advantages

Greater predictability than traditional ligament release alone.
Preserves function and aesthetics more reliably.

Girth Enhancement with Tissue Transfer

Surgical girth enhancement involves the use of the patient’s own tissue — most commonly fat transfer or dermal grafting — to add circumference to the penis.

Procedure

Fat transfer: Fat is harvested from another body area, processed, and injected into the penis.
Dermal grafting: A layer of dermal tissue is harvested and grafted into the shaft.
Both methods require anesthesia and hours of operative time.

Results

Permanent gains in girth, often 0.5 to 1+ inches in circumference depending on tissue availability.
Results are typically more dramatic than non-surgical fillers.

Recovery

Several weeks of swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected.
Patients usually return to light activity within 2 weeks and resume sexual activity after 6–8 weeks.

Advantages

Substantial and lasting girth gains.
Uses natural tissue in the case of fat transfer.

Limitations

Fat transfer results can be unpredictable due to reabsorption.
Grafting procedures are more invasive and carry higher risks of scarring, failure, or irregularities.

Silicone Girth Implants

In recent years, silicone sleeve implants have been marketed as surgical options for penile enlargement. These devices are made of a soft, medical-grade silicone that is surgically inserted beneath the skin of the penis to increase circumference.

Procedure

Performed under general anesthesia.
The implant is inserted through an incision above the base of the penis.
The device is positioned to wrap around the shaft, creating immediate and permanent girth enlargement.

Results

Provides an increase in flaccid girth and flaccid length appearance.
Some men report improved confidence due to the immediate, visible size change.

Recovery

6–8 weeks of recovery with restrictions on sexual activity and physical exercise.
Swelling and discomfort are common during the early healing phase.

Advantages

Immediate, permanent increase in penile circumference.
Marketed as a single-procedure solution for men seeking dramatic gains.

Limitations & Risks

High complication rates compared to other surgical or injectable methods.
Risks include implant visibility, unnatural feel, shifting or malposition, infection, and chronic pain.
Removal can be complex, often requiring corrective surgery, and may result in permanent deformity or scarring.
Does not increase true erect length or girth.

While silicone implants are FDA-cleared for cosmetic use, many urology-based men’s health specialists do not recommend or perform them due to poor long-term outcomes and high revision rates. In fact, a significant number of men ultimately require implant removal and reconstructive repair.

For these reasons, implants are considered by many experts to be a last resort, not a first-line option for enlargement.

Enlargement with Body Contouring

For some men, true enlargement requires more than just altering the penis itself. Excess fat in the pubic area, skin folds, or scarring from obesity and weight loss can hide a significant portion of penile length.

In these cases, enlargement is best combined with body contouring surgery to fully expose and restore the penis.

Procedure

May include monsplasty (removal of the fat pad above the penis), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or excision of redundant skin.
Often performed alongside penile lengthening surgery to both uncover hidden shaft and extend visible length.
In men with buried penis, reconstructive repair restores both appearance and function, including urination and sexual activity.

Results

Restores several centimeters or more of visible shaft length by removing overlying fat and skin.
When combined with ligament release or girth enhancement, results can be dramatic.
Often produces life-changing improvements in comfort, hygiene, and confidence.

Recovery

Recovery is longer than isolated enlargement procedures because abdominal and pubic incisions are involved.
Most men need at least 6–8 weeks before resuming full activity.

Advantages

Addresses both size and functional issues caused by obesity or weight loss.
Provides permanent improvements in appearance and usability.

Limitations

More invasive than standalone enlargement.
Higher cost due to complexity and multiple surgical components.

Combination Surgeries (Length + Girth)

For some men seeking a comprehensive transformation, lengthening and girth enhancement can be performed together in a single operation.

Procedure

Often involves suspensory ligament release paired with fat transfer, dermal grafting, or filler injection.
Requires careful planning to balance proportions and achieve natural results.

Results

Gains of 1–2 inches in length and 0.5–1+ inches in girth are possible for qualified patients.
Creates the most dramatic overall size change.

Recovery

Recovery time is longer compared to single procedures, usually 6–8 weeks.
Patients must adhere strictly to post-operative care instructions for best results.

Advantages

Addresses both dimensions of size at once.
Provides the most dramatic and permanent changes.

Limitations

Higher cost and longer recovery.
Greater surgical complexity increases the importance of choosing a highly qualified provider.

Summary of Surgical Options

Suspensory ligament release: Lengthens the penis by releasing its internal attachment.
Advanced lengthening with repositioning: Improves predictability and can yield 2+ inches in length.
Girth enhancement with tissue transfer: Adds significant circumference using fat or grafts.
Silicone implants: Offer dramatic girth gains but carry higher complication risks and are often avoided by reconstructive urologists.
Enlargement with body contouring: Combines penile surgery with monsplasty, abdominoplasty, or buried penis repair to uncover hidden shaft and restore both size and function.
Combination surgeries: Provide the most dramatic results but require longer recovery.

Surgery is best suited for men seeking permanent, substantial enlargement and who are committed to the necessary recovery protocols.

Because of the complexity and risks, surgical enlargement should only be performed by physicians trained in urology and penile reconstruction.

How Much Does Penis Enlargement Cost?

The cost of penis enlargement varies widely and depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the materials used, the surgeon’s expertise, and whether the case involves first-time treatment or corrective surgery.

Unlike standardized procedures such as appendectomy or hernia repair, penile enlargement is highly individualized. For this reason, costs are often quoted only after a consultation.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are typically the least expensive option up front. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia, which eliminates hospital or operating room fees. However, because HA is temporary, men who wish to maintain their results will need repeat sessions every 1–3 years. Over time, this can make HA comparable in cost to more permanent options.
PMMA (permanent fillers) are more expensive initially, but because they stimulate the body to form permanent collagen, they rarely require repeat treatment once the desired girth is achieved. The higher upfront investment is offset by the long-term stability of results.
Non-Surgical Lengthening Programs (MAXL, P-Long, etc.) are structured lengthening protocols that combine traction, biologic therapies, and in some cases PRP injections. These typically fall in between filler injections and surgery in terms of cost. However, when successful, the results are permanent, and many men value that they achieve measurable gains in length without undergoing surgery.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical enlargement procedures generally represent the largest financial commitment. This is because they require anesthesia, operating room facilities, surgical staff, and extended follow-up care.

Lengthening surgery typically costs more than filler injections but is considered a permanent solution for flaccid length.
Girth enhancement with fat transfer or grafting involves harvesting tissue, processing it, and placing it surgically, which adds to operative time and expense.
Combination surgeries (length + girth) are the most resource-intensive and therefore the most costly.

Comprehensive Reconstructive Surgeries

For overweight men or those left with excess skin after significant weight loss, enlargement often requires more than ligament release or girth enhancement alone.

Comprehensive surgeries such as buried penis repair, monsplasty (removal of the fat pad above the penis), abdominoplasty, and penile lengthening are sometimes combined in a single operation to fully uncover and restore the penis.

Because these procedures are highly individualized and often involve multiple surgical steps, they represent some of the most expensive options in penile enlargement. Costs vary widely depending on complexity, but they are typically higher than isolated lengthening or girth surgeries.

For men struggling with a hidden or buried penis, however, the functional and psychological benefits are life-changing.

Revision & Repair Cases

The most expensive enlargement cases are often revision surgeries, performed to correct complications from earlier procedures done elsewhere.

Men who undergo unsafe injections or low-cost surgeries from non-specialists will later require corrective operations that can cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a primary procedure.

In hospital referral cases, reconstructive surgery for complications can range from $40,000 to $100,000 or more.

Factors That Influence Cost

Type of procedure (temporary filler vs. permanent surgery).
Material used (HA vs. PMMA vs. grafts).
Surgeon’s expertise and training — highly specialized urologists often charge more, but also have higher success rates.
Geographic location — procedures performed in large metropolitan areas may carry higher fees.
Complexity of the case — first-time procedures are generally less expensive than revisions or reconstructive surgeries.

Why “Cheap” Can Be Expensive

While some clinics or online providers advertise low-cost penile enhancement, these procedures often rely on unregulated materials or inexperienced practitioners.

The short-term savings can be overshadowed by the risks of complications such as deformity, persistent pain, infection, or filler migration, which will ultimately require costly revision surgery.

Bottom line: Penis enlargement should be seen as a long-term investment in both safety and outcomes. Choosing an experienced, urology-trained provider may cost more upfront, but it greatly reduces the risk of complications and the need for expensive corrective work later.

Risks & Safety Considerations

Every medical procedure carries risks, and penis enlargement is no exception. The overall safety profile depends not only on the type of procedure performed but also, and perhaps more importantly, on the expertise of the provider.

Many of the complications seen in men’s health clinics today stem not from the procedures themselves, but from treatments performed by practitioners without specialized urologic training.

Risks of Non-Surgical Procedures

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

The risks associated with HA injections are generally mild and temporary. These include bruising, swelling, tenderness, and lumpiness if the filler is not evenly distributed.

Migration of the filler can occur especially in uncircumcised men, but HA has the advantage of being reversible with the enzyme hyaluronidase. Serious complications are rare when injections are performed correctly.

PMMA (Permanent Fillers)

Because PMMA stimulates the body’s collagen response, the main risk is the development of small nodules or granulomas. These are more likely to occur if the filler is placed incorrectly, or if too much material is injected at once.

Another risk of PMMA girth injections is residual inflammation and pain if the filler is placed too deep or in large volumes.

Unlike HA, PMMA cannot be dissolved, which means revision requires surgical intervention if complications occur.

Silicone Injections

Unlike FDA-approved fillers such as HA or PMMA, liquid silicone injections are not considered safe for penile augmentation.

While sometimes marketed as “pharmaceutical grade” or performed in underground or cosmetic settings, silicone has been linked to serious long-term complications.

Because the material is liquid and not contained, it will eventually migrate away from the injection site, causing lumps, deformities, severe pain, and chronic inflammation.

Over time, silicone can trigger the formation of granulomas or hardened scar tissue that significantly distort the penis.

Silicone can also cause damage to major organs like the liver and kidneys once it migrates and hardens.

Another major risk is infection: silicone is a foreign body that the body cannot break down or absorb. Once injected, it cannot be removed without extensive surgery, and surgical removal is often complex, requiring excision of affected tissue.

Many men who receive silicone injections eventually require reconstructive surgery, at significant cost and with outcomes that are less predictable than primary enlargement procedures.

For these reasons, silicone injections are widely discouraged by urologists and men’s health specialists. They remain one of the leading causes of corrective surgery in penile enhancement and are not recommended as a safe method of girth enlargement.

Traction Devices & Non-Surgical Lengthening Programs

The primary risks of traction are skin irritation, discomfort, and, in rare cases, nerve compression or scarring if devices are not used properly.

These risks are generally mild compared to injections or surgery, but outcomes depend heavily on patient compliance and whether use of the devices is under medical guidance and supervision.

Risks of Surgical Procedures

Suspensory Ligament Release

The main risks include infection, scarring, changes in penile stability, and dissatisfaction with erect length gains (which are typically less dramatic than flaccid length increases). Failure to use traction devices after surgery can lead to retraction of the penis, reducing results.

Advanced Lengthening & Combination Surgeries

While refinements in technique have improved predictability, risks include infection, prolonged swelling, and asymmetry if post-operative care is not followed as directed.

Girth Enhancement with Tissue Transfer

Fat transfer carries the risk of uneven resorption, leading to irregular contours. Dermal grafting procedures, being more invasive, tend to cause scarring or changes in penile skin texture.

Comprehensive Reconstructive Surgeries (Buried Penis Repair, Monsplasty, Abdominoplasty)

Because these surgeries involve multiple steps — such as fat pad removal, skin resection, and lengthening — the risks are higher than with simpler enlargement procedures. Potential complications include wound healing issues, infection, and scarring at both the penile and abdominal sites.

However, for men whose penis is functionally hidden or impaired by obesity or excess skin, the benefits typically outweigh the risks. Many patients report not only improved appearance but also restored ability to urinate and engage in sexual activity comfortably.

Silicone Girth Implants

The complication rate for silicone implants is higher than for any other enlargement procedure. Risks include device shifting, unnatural feel, implant visibility, chronic pain, infection, and extrusion (implant pushing out through the skin).

Removal of these devices is complex and usually leaves behind scarring or deformity requiring reconstructive repair. For this reason, many urologic specialists do not recommend silicone implants despite their FDA clearance.

The Importance of Provider Choice

While understanding individual risks is important, the single most critical safety factor is who performs the procedure.

Many of the worst outcomes in penile enhancement come not from the treatments themselves but from inexperienced providers:

Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons who lack specialized training in penile anatomy.
Med spas offering filler injections without proper safeguards.
Clinics that advertise “miracle” solutions but lack long-term follow-up care.

A qualified, board-certified urologist or reconstructive surgeon understands not only how to enhance size but also how to preserve function, sensation, and long-term aesthetics.

Patients who prioritize safety and good outcomes are strongly advised to seek care from providers with this level of expertise.

Summary of Risks

Non-surgical options: Generally low risk, especially with HA fillers, but PMMA is permanent and traction requires strict compliance.
Surgical options: More invasive, with higher risks of infection, scarring, or functional changes — but also capable of producing the most dramatic results.
Silicone implants & injections: Highest complication rates, usually requiring removal and corrective surgery.
Reconstructive cases: More complex, with greater risks, but can restore both function and appearance in men with buried penis or excess skin.

Penis enlargement can be performed safely, but only when done by qualified specialists who understand the unique anatomy of the penis.

Patients should always balance the potential gains against the risks and choose providers who prioritize both safety and function.

What Results Can You Expect?

The results of penis enlargement depend on the type of procedure chosen, the amount of material or tissue used, and the patient’s baseline anatomy. While outcomes vary, men considering enhancement can generally expect measurable improvements in either girth, length, or both.