Nonsurgical penile augmentation and girth enhancement refers to minimally invasive procedures aimed at increasing the size or circumference of the penis without surgery. These treatments often involve injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or autologous fat transfer, which are designed to enhance penile girth. These procedures are growing in popularity as men seek alternatives that provide noticeable results with minimal downtime.

What is nonsurgical penile augmentation and girth enhancement?

“Nonsurgical penile augmentation and girth enhancement” refers to procedures that aim to increase the size or girth (thickness) of the penis without the need for surgery. These treatments are typically performed in a clinic setting and involve minimally invasive techniques, such as the injection of dermal fillers, autologous fat (fat transfer), or other biocompatible substances into the penile shaft to increase its size.

Girth enhancement and penile augmentation refer to different aspects of penile enhancement procedures:

• Penile girth enhancement focuses only on increasing the width, while penile augmentation may refer to procedures that enhance both length and girth.
• Penile augmentation is a broader term that can include various surgical and nonsurgical procedures for overall enlargement, while girth enhancement is more specific to increasing penile thickness.

Nonsurgical penile girth enhancement

These are the most common nonsurgical options and typically focus on increasing the penis’s girth (thickness):

Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid)

• How it works: HA is injected into the penile shaft to increase girth.
• Results: Immediate increase in thickness with natural-feeling results.
• Duration: Typically lasts 6–18 months, depending on the type of filler used.
• Pros: Minimally invasive, quick procedure with minimal downtime, reversible (can be dissolved if results are unsatisfactory), customizable results.
• Cons: Temporary results; may need repeat treatments to maintain effect.
• Ideal for: Men seeking a non-permanent solution with minimal risk and downtime.

Autologous fat transfer (fat grafting)

• How it works: Fat is harvested from another part of the body (usually abdomen or thighs) via liposuction and injected into the penis to increase girth.
• Results: Provides natural, long-term results with the feel of one’s own tissue.
• Duration: Results can be more permanent than fillers, but some fat may be reabsorbed over time, and touch-ups might be required.
• Pros: Uses your own body tissue, no risk of allergic reaction, more natural-feeling results, longer-lasting than fillers.
• Cons: More complex than fillers (requires fat harvesting), some fat reabsorption can occur, and results may vary.
• Ideal for: Men seeking a more long-term solution and are willing to undergo a slightly more involved procedure.

Collagen-stimulating fillers (e.g., calcium hydroxylapatite)

• How it works: Certain fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, not only add volume but also stimulate the body to produce more collagen over time.
• Results: Gradual increase in thickness over several months.
• Duration: Results can last up to 2 years.
• Pros: Longer-lasting than hyaluronic acid fillers, stimulates natural tissue growth.
• Cons: Results take time to develop, and treatment is more expensive than standard fillers.
• Ideal for: Men looking for longer-lasting effects and gradual, natural growth.

Comparison of minimally invasive and surgical techniques

Here’s a comparison highlighting the key advantages and disadvantages of nonsurgical methods compared to surgical approaches.

Nonsurgical treatments:

• Best for: Men seeking modest, low-risk enhancements, particularly in girth, with minimal recovery time and temporary or reversible results.
  • Advantages: Minimally invasive, low-risk, quick recovery, reversible, less costly upfront, fewer complications.
  • Disadvantages: Temporary results, limited length enhancement, potential need for repeat treatments, and risk of uneven results.

Surgical treatments:

• Best for: Men seeking permanent, more dramatic changes in both length and girth and are willing to accept higher risks and a longer recovery process.
  • Advantages: Permanent results, greater potential for both length and girth enhancement, more predictable outcomes in some cases.
  • Disadvantages: Higher risk, longer recovery time, permanent changes, more expensive upfront, scarring, and complications are possible.

Are nonsurgical techniques permenant?

No, nonsurgical treatments for penile augmentation and girth enhancement are generally not permanent. Here’s a breakdown of the most common nonsurgical options and their longevity:

• Hyaluronic acid Fillers: Results typically last between 6–18 months, depending on the type and brand of filler used. The body gradually absorbs the filler over time, leading to a decrease in penile girth. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results once the effects wear off.
• Autologous Fat Transfer: This can provide longer-lasting results than fillers, but it is still not permanent. Over time, some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body. A percentage of the transferred fat (up to 30–50%) may be absorbed over several months. Some patients may need additional fat grafting procedures to maintain or improve results.
• Collagen-Stimulating Fillers: Results from collagen-stimulating fillers can last up to 2 years or longer, as they stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. The body produces its own collagen in response to the filler, but the process eventually slows down over time, and touch-ups may be needed.

Complications of nonsurgical treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for penile augmentation and girth enhancement are generally considered safer and less invasive than surgical options, but they still carry certain risks and potential complications. Below are some of the complications associated with nonsurgical methods:

Hyaluronic Acid

• Lumps and Irregularities: Uneven distribution of the filler can result in visible or palpable lumps, bumps, or an irregular appearance along the shaft. In some cases, the filler can be massaged to smooth it out, or an enzyme (hyaluronidase) can be injected to dissolve the filler.
• Overfilling or Asymmetry: Too much filler in certain areas can lead to an unnatural look or asymmetry. Corrections may require additional treatments or dissolving some of the filler.
• Infection: Any procedure involving injections carries the risk of infection, particularly if sterile techniques are not strictly followed. Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection occurs, and in rare cases, the filler may need to be removed.
• Bruising and Swelling: Mild bruising and swelling are common and typically resolve within a few days to weeks after the procedure. These side effects are usually temporary and improve with time.
• Filler Migration: In some cases, the filler may migrate away from the injection site, leading to uneven results or contour changes. Filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase or, in some cases, removed surgically.
• Allergic Reactions (rare): Though rare with hyaluronic acid fillers (which are biocompatible), there is a small risk of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity. Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be required in cases of mild reactions.

Autologous fat transfer

• Fat Absorption: A significant portion of the transferred fat (up to 30–50%) may be absorbed by the body over time, reducing the initial results and leading to asymmetry or loss of volume. Additional fat grafting sessions may be needed to maintain results.
  • Lumps and Irregularities: Uneven fat distribution can cause lumps, nodules, or an irregular surface. Massaging the area may help, but in some cases, additional fat grafting or surgical correction may be required.
  • Oil Cysts or Calcification: Sometimes fat cells that don’t survive the transfer can form oil cysts or become calcified, leading to hard lumps. These may need to be surgically removed if they become problematic.
  • Infection: Infection can occur at the site of liposuction or injection. Antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgical drainage may be needed.
  • Nerve Damage (rare): There is a small risk of damaging nerves during the procedure, leading to numbness or changes in sensation.  This may resolve over time, but in some cases, it can be permanent.

Collagen-stimulating fillers

• Granulomas: These lumps may need to be dissolved or surgically removed.
  • Delayed Results: Since these fillers stimulate collagen production over time, the initial results may be subtle, and some patients may feel dissatisfied with the slow progress. Patience and multiple sessions may be required.

General risks across all nonsurgical treatments

• Discomfort or Pain: Mild pain or discomfort at the injection or treatment site is common, particularly during the initial healing period.
  • Psychological Impact: Dissatisfaction with the results can lead to emotional distress or negative body image, especially if expectations are not met. Having realistic expectations and consulting with a skilled provider can help mitigate this risk.
  • Necrosis (Tissue Death): In very rare cases, poor technique or excessive filler can block blood vessels, leading to tissue necrosis (death of tissue). This is a medical emergency and can cause permanent damage.

Summary

Nonsurgical treatments for penile augmentation and girth enhancement primarily involve injectable fillers, fat transfer, and other techniques. These methods offer temporary results that typically last between 6–18 months. The procedures are minimally invasive, with fewer risks and shorter recovery times compared to surgery. While nonsurgical methods are safer and reversible, they are not permanent and require ongoing maintenance for lasting effects.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE