Girth Augmentation of the Penis Using Flaps “Shaeer's Augmentation Phalloplasty”: The Superficial Circumflex Iliac Flap

Cosmetic penile enhancement procedures: an SMSNA position statement

BACKGROUND

Penile cosmetic enhancement procedures have been performed for many years with varying success. However, they have historically been relegated to niche areas of sexual medicine, with limited data, and have not achieved mainstream adoption. More recently, the topic has been increasingly discussed within academic congresses due to availability of novel techniques, therapies, and procedures. Given their distinctive nature, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) felt that it was pertinent to develop formal position statements to help guide both patients and sexual medicine providers on the current state of the scientific literature and to give recommendations for future research.

AIM

The study sought to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations for injection and surgical procedures designed to lengthen, augment, or otherwise cosmetically enhance the penis.

METHODS

A review was performed of all scientific literature listed in PubMed from inception through December 2023 relating to penile cosmetic enhancement procedures. Only invasive (injection/surgery) therapies were included due to their distinct risk-benefit profile compared with more conservative treatments (eg, vacuum erection devices, penile traction devices). Similar therapies were categorized, with pertinent data summarized and used to help create relevant position statements. All statements were expert opinion only and were based on analyses of the potential risks and benefits of the specific therapies.

OUTCOMES

A total of 6 position statements were issued relating to 5 distinct sexual medicine cosmetic enhancement procedures.

RESULTS

A consensus opinion was reached by SMSNA leadership on the state of injection/surgical penile cosmetic enhancement procedures as of 2024. Key topic areas addressed included injectable soft tissue fillers, suspensory ligament division, graft-and-flap procedures, silicone sleeve implants, and sliding/slicing techniques. Distinct recommendations were tailored to each therapy and were based solely on the current state of the literature. It is anticipated that future studies will further inform position statements and will lead to ongoing modifications.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The current position statements provide both patients and clinicians evidence-based, expert recommendations on best practices relating to penile cosmetic enhancement procedures.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Strengths include the use of an expert panel of sexual medicine clinicians, consensus design, and summary of existing literature. Limitations include expert opinion and limited research on the topic.

CONCLUSION

The current SMSNA position statements provide evidence-based, consensus opinions on the appropriate role for penile augmentation and cosmetic procedures in 2024.

Lengthening Phalloplasty with Division of the Suspensory Ligament and Distally Based Fat Flaps in Penis Enlargement Operations

SUMMARY

Small penile size is worrying for most men and leads to poor self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. A penis can be enlarged in two ways: by increasing the length and by increasing the circumference. The purpose of this article is to present a new procedure of augmentation phalloplasty thst combines these two parts in the same operation with a new technique to fill in the dead space created by the suspensory ligament division. The lengthening of the penis is achieved with an inverted V-Y plasty followed by a division of the suspensory ligament of the penis all the way down the pubic symphysis. Two distally based fat flaps are advanced into this area to fill in the dead space. The widening of the circumference is performed with fat injections. The penile length gain postoperatively is 2 to 4 cm in the flaccid state, and the widening component with the fat grafting technique gives an approximate circumference increase of 1 cm with excellent natural results. Sexual self-esteem and functioning improvement was reported by the patients, 75 in total. Three patients returned after the operation for revision of fat injections 6 to 12 months after the operation. The literature regarding the long-term results after augmentation phalloplasty is poor, and it is difficult to compare results with other techniques. Penile enlargement, when performed for the appropriate reasons, can have a positive effect on the lives of many men. After 15 years of experience, this procedure gives very pleasing results with minimal complications.

Aesthetic Penile Augmentation Procedures: A Comprehensive and Current Perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Some men experience small penis syndrome (SPS), a body dysmorphic disorder in which a patient believes their penis to be small even when it is clinically average. As cosmetic surgery becomes more widely accepted, management of SPS may present a challenge for urologists. We aim to provide an updated review of aesthetic penile augmentation procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Augmentation procedures range from invasive to noninvasive. Surgical solutions include grafts and flaps, suspensory ligament release, and suprapubic lipectomy. Minimally invasive solutions include injections of fillers (hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate). Noninvasive solutions include external devices such as vacuum pumps and traction devices. In the current climate, aesthetic penile augmentation is becoming a desirable option for many patients but remains clinically controversial. Our review summarizes recent and relevant studies and demonstrates the need for further research and consensus on penile augmentation procedures.

[Treatment of adult-acquired buried penis with suprapubic liposuction combined with modified Devine operation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of suprapubic liposuction combined with modified Devine surgery in adult patients with concealed penis caused by obesity.

METHODS

The clinical data of 26 adult patients with buried penis admitted to the Department of Urology of Peking University People' s Hospital and the Department of Surgery of Beijing Eden Hospital from September 2017 to June 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The average age of the patients was (33.0 ± 5.7) years, the average body mass index (BMI) was (29.0±5.4) kg/m², and the penis length in the supine position was (2.9±1.3) cm. All the patients were treated with suprapubic liposuction combined with modified Devine operation. The improvement of penis length and complications were statistically analyzed after operation, and the satisfaction of the patients was followed up, 1 = dissatisfied; 2 = basically satisfied; 3 = satisfied; 4 = very satisfied. The measurement data were expressed in (mean±SD), nonparametric Friedman tests and multiplex analysis methods were used for data comparison.

RESULTS

The average liposuction volume of the 26 patients was (450.0±90.2) mL. Immediately after operation: the penis length was (7.4±2.1) cm, increased by (4.5±1.6) cm compared with that before operation; three months after operation: the penis length was (5.3±1.8) cm, increased by (2.4±0.7) cm compared with that before operation. There was significant difference in penis length before operation, immediately after operation and three months after operation (P < 0.01). All the patients had no sexual intercourse disorder or dysuria. Postoperative edema occurred in 11 cases (42.3%), ecchymosis in 7 cases (26.9%), poor healing of prepuce wound in 2 cases (7.8%), hematoma in 1 case (3.8%), 5 cases (19.2%) without postoperative complications, and no patient had wound infection. Seventeen patients (65.4%) were very satisfied with the appearance and function of the penis, 6 patients (23.1%) were satisfied, 3 patients (11.5%) were basically satisfied, and no patients were dissatisfied. The average score of all the patients' satisfaction with postoperative penis appearance and function was (3.5±0.7).

CONCLUSION

Suprapubic liposuction combined with modified Devine operation is safe and effective in the treatment of adult-acquired buried penis.

Multidisciplinary approach and management of patients who seek medical advice for penile size concerns: a narrative review

We aimed to provide an overview of the strategies available to manage patients concerned about their penile size and to provide useful surgical hints regarding the most common penile enlargement approaches, based on our surgical expertise in this field. A comprehensive research was carried out on MEDLINE/PubMed database to identify pertinent studies concerning penile enlargement issues. The search strategy included a range of keywords; e.g. penis, penile, enlargement, augmentation, lengthening, girth. Management of penile size-related concerns represents a real challenge for the urologist, especially when dealing with patients suffering from penile dysmorphophobic disorder (PDD). A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment, including a psychiatric/psychological evaluation, may help in discerning those patients who would benefit the most from counselling/conservative management from those who would benefit from surgery instead. Conservative approaches include the use of vacuum-based and penile-stretching devices, which have shown encouraging levels of efficacy and safety. Over the last decades, different surgical strategies have been developed, aimed at either increasing flaccid penile length or improving penile girth. Penile lengthening procedures are more established, and satisfactory results can be achieved by experienced, large referrals' volume, surgeons. To date, there is lack of consensus regarding the penile girth enhancing techniques, and therefore these should be regarded as experimental. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to identify patients with PDD, who should not be offered surgical intervention and should be referred for psychiatric/psychological counselling instead. The surgical approach should be tailored to the subject's unique anatomy and underlying conditions.

Revelations on Men Who Seek Penile Augmentation Surgery: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Men with normal penis size sometimes mistakenly believe they have below average penile dimensions and often seek out treatment. Many men suffer from significant anxiety regarding this perceived defect. In this review, we evaluate the current literature of psychological, medical, and surgical treatment options for men with a complaint of a small penis.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current practice for treatment of men presenting for penile augmentation surgery.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted, using PubMed to identify current studies regarding penile enhancement. Search terms included "penile enhancement," "small penis anxiety," "small penis syndrome," "body dysmorphic disorder," and "penile augmentation."

RESULTS

The literature consistently reveals that men who seek out penile augmentation surgery usually have normal penile dimensions. There are limited published data on the practice of penile lengthening surgery or procedures to increase penile girth. New techniques have expanded on suspensory ligament release, such as tissue grafting and flaps. Structured psychological counseling continues to be the recommended initial standard of care for these men.

CONCLUSION

Many social forces have increased the perception among men that their penis size is inadequate. This increases anxiety and can lead to psychological disorders such as Penile Dysmorphic Disorder and Small Penis Syndrome. Men who undergo penile enhancement are often not satisfied with the results and may develop complications. Soubra A, Natale C, Brimley S, et al. Revelations on Men Who Seek Penile Augmentation Surgery: A Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Penile girth enhancement procedures for aesthetic purposes

The present study aimed to describe and critically discuss the current evidence regarding the penile girth enhancement procedures for aesthetic purposes. We designed a narrative review of the literature. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database was performed. Original articles in English-language, published until March 2021, were selected. A total of 29 studies were included (3 reporting non-invasive approaches, 11 injection therapies, and 15 surgical procedures). The vast majority of articles (26, 89.7%) were not randomized controlled trials, with overall low quality and limited level of evidence. Only 1 (33.3%) paper regarding non-invasive approaches reported a minimal (+0.03 cm) but a significant increase of penile girth (p = 0.034). A low rate (11.2-14.4%) of mild, temporary adverse events and poor-to-moderate patient satisfaction were found. Eight (72.7%) articles concerning injection therapies showed a significant increase in penile girth (p < 0.05). A low rate of mild complications, generally at the injection site, and a high patient satisfaction rate (75-100%) were highlighted. Nine (60%) papers on surgical treatments found a significant increase in penile girth (p < 0.05), while the other 6 (40%) studies reported a generic improvement in penile circumference. Skin necrosis or ulcers, wound infections, or need for reoperation were reported in 8 (53.3%) studies. A high patient satisfaction rate (60-100%) was reported. Our review highlighted the overall positive results of injection procedures, the poor outcomes associated with non-invasive techniques, and the good efficacy and satisfaction with a non-negligible risk of complications in patients undergoing surgical treatments. However, the adverse events are probably largely under-reported and these procedures should still be considered under investigation due to the limited evidence available and the lack of guidelines.

Non-invasive and surgical penile enhancement interventions for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of surgical and non-invasive penile enhancement procedures for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes.

METHODS

A systematic search for papers investigating penile enhancement procedures was performed using the MEDLINE database. Articles published from January 2010 to December 2019, written in English, including >10 cases, and reporting objective length and/or girth outcomes, were included. Studies without primary data and conference abstracts were excluded. The main outcome measure was objective length and/or girth improvement. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS

Out of 220 unique records, a total of 57 were reviewed. Eighteen studies assessed interventions for penile enhancement in 1764 healthy men complaining of small penis. Thirty-nine studies investigated 2587 men with concomitant pathologies consisting mostly of Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction. Twenty-five studies evaluated non-invasive interventions and 32 studies assessed surgical interventions, for a total of 2192 and 2159 men, respectively. Non-invasive interventions, including traction therapies and injection of fillers, were safe and mostly efficacious, whereas surgical interventions were associated with minor complications and mostly increased penile dimensions and/or corrected penile curvature. Overall, the quality of studies was low, and standardized criteria to evaluate and report efficacy and safety of procedures, as well as patient satisfaction, were missing.

CONCLUSION

The quality of the studies on penile enhancement procedures published in the last decade is still low. This prevents us from establishing recommendations based on scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of interventions that are performed to increase the penis size for aesthetic or therapeutic indications.

Suspensory ligament release combined with acellular dermal matrix filler in infrapubic space: A new method for penile length augmentation

Until now, no reliable method is recognised in treating buried penis. This study explored a new method of penile length augmentation using acellular dermal matrix filler in infrapubic space combined with liposuction and penile suspensory release. Patients with "small-sized penis" received penile length augmentation procedure including suprapubic liposuction, penile suspensory ligament release and insertion of folded acellular dermal matrix between corpora cavernosa and pubis symphysis. Their penile length from tip to skin was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively. The post-operative complications and patients' satisfaction were also recorded. Fifteen adult male patients were included with the mean age of 33.2 ± 4.6 years old and BMI of 28.9 ± 5.3 kg/m² . The average amount of liposuction was 430 ± 90.0 ml. The average penile length measured pre-operatively and post-operatively (on table and 3 months afterwards) was 3.0 ± 1.3 cm, 7.3 ± 2.1 cm and 5.4 ± 1.8 cm. The penile length has significantly increased by 4.3 ± 1.6 cm (on table) and 2.4 ± 0.8 cm (3 months post-operatively; p < 0.05). The post-operative complications included oedema of penis, ecchymosis of lower abdomen and poor wound healing. No patient was dissatisfied with the appearance and function. The new method using acellular dermal matrix combined with liposuction and penile suspensory ligament release is safe and effective. The method could be applied to selected patients with buried penis.

Effect of Girth Supersizing on Patient Satisfaction After Semi-Rigid Penile Implant Insertion: A Prospective Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Penile length and girth have long been sources of anxiety for men.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to measure satisfaction with intercourse and erectile function 3 and 6 months after girth augmentation in patients with semi-rigid penile implants who received autologous fat injections.

METHODS

Thirty married participants in Egypt were recruited and divided into 2 groups between January 2016 and August 2017. Fifteen patients who underwent semi-rigid penile implant insertion and 15 controls all received autologous fat injections and were followed-up for 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Median penile girth increased significantly in both groups, although fat loss was noted after 6 months. There was a positive correlation between the amount of fat injected and the change in penile girth measured 6 months after the procedure in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous fat transfer is a simple and safe procedure that can be used to augment penile girth in patients whose girth is less than 11.5 cm after penile prosthesis insertion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Systematic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Interventions in Normal Men Complaining of Small Penis Size

INTRODUCTION

Evidence on penile enhancement interventions is lacking. Nonetheless, many non-evidence-based solutions are readily available.

AIM

To investigate enhancement and nonenhancement interventions in men without penile abnormalities seeking to increase penis size.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review with no time restrictions adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies with fewer than 10 cases or including men with organic penile pathologies or previous penile surgeries were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

When available, treatment efficacy was evaluated based on patient satisfaction, penile size increase, and complications.

RESULTS

We included 17 studies, assessing a total of 21 interventions in 1,192 men screened, with 773 followed up after nonsurgical (n = 248) or surgical (n = 525) treatment. The quality of the studies was poor in terms of methodology for patient selection and outcomes assessment. The vast majority of series reported normal penile size. Among nonsurgical treatments, extenders increased flaccid length (but by <2 cm), injectables increased girth but were associated with a high complication rate, and vacuum devices did not increase size. Surgical interventions included suspensory ligament incision (the most used method; n = 12), tissue grafting (autologous, n = 2; dermal fat, n = 3, ex vivo, n = 2), flaps (n = 2), and penile disassembly (n = 1). Some men reported a significant size increase; however, complications were not infrequent, and none of the techniques was externally validated. When provided, counseling was effective, with the majority of men coming to understand that their penis was normal and unwilling to undergo any further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of small penis in normal men is supported by scant, low-quality evidence. Structured counseling should be always performed, with extenders eventually used by those still seeking enhancement. Injectables and surgery should remain a last option, considered unethical outside of clinical trials. Marra G, Drury A, Tran L, et al. Systematic Review of Surgical and Nonsurgical Interventions in Normal Men Complaining of Small Penis Size. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:158-180.