Surgical Penile Lengthening: What the Research Really Says

Men seeking penile enhancement often turn to online forums or clinic marketing that make bold claims. But what does the medical research actually say about surgical penile lengthening?

What Is Surgical Penile Lengthening?

Surgical penile lengthening aims to increase the visible length of the penis. The two most commonly discussed methods are:

  • Suspensory ligament release (ligamentolysis)
  • Penile implants (lengthening prosthesis)


These procedures are invasive, require anesthesia, and carry long-term risks. Let’s look at each one in detail.

Ligamentolysis: Cutting the Suspensory Ligament

How it works

Ligamentolysis involves cutting the suspensory ligament that anchors the penis to the pubic bone. By releasing this ligament, more of the shaft becomes visible outside the body.

What research shows

Risks

  • Loss of stability during erections
  • Scar tissue formation and shortening over time
  • Visible scarring at the pubic area
  • Dissatisfaction due to unrealistic expectations

Penile Implants for Lengthening

How it works

Penile prostheses are primarily designed to treat erectile dysfunction, but some surgical modifications aim to increase length by stretching tissue during implantation.

What research shows

Risks

  • Infection and implant rejection
  • Mechanical failure requiring revision surgery
  • Permanent alteration of natural erectile function

Why Fillers Are Safer and Reversible

Compared with invasive surgeries, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide a safer, customizable, and reversible way to achieve penile enhancement. 

Girth Enhancement with Long-Lasting Results

Studies have demonstrated that HA fillers can significantly increase penile girth with results that remain visible for over a year. A 2019 trial found that HA produced immediate and measurable girth increases, with effects maintained for 12–18 months in most patients. More recent reviews confirm that fillers can provide durable improvements when performed by trained physicians.

Reversibility When Needed

Unlike surgical procedures, HA fillers are not permanent. If adjustments are required, the filler can be safely dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme widely used in aesthetic medicine. This makes HA one of the only penile enhancement options that is fully reversible, providing peace of mind to patients concerned about long-term outcomes.

Minimal Downtime and Fast Recovery

Most men are able to return to work and normal activities immediately after their filler session. In one clinical study, patients reported no major interruptions to daily life following HA injections, with only mild, short-lived swelling or tenderness at the injection site. This contrasts sharply with surgery, which typically requires weeks of recovery and carries a higher risk of complications.

Strong Safety Profile

Research shows that penile filler injections are well tolerated, with complications being rare and usually minor. A systematic review noted that the most common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, or small nodules, which generally resolve without further treatment. Importantly, no life-threatening complications were reported across multiple clinical studies.

What About Combination Therapies?

Emerging approaches pair fillers with neuromodulator injections to improve both size and erectile quality. Neuromodulators relax smooth muscle in penile blood vessels, improving blood flow and erection firmness while providing a small boost to flaccid length.

When combined with HA fillers, men may experience both a fuller appearance and enhanced erection quality without the risks of surgery.

Key Takeaways: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical

Quick Facts

  • Ligamentolysis: Limited gains (1–2 cm flaccid), high dissatisfaction, long-term risks.
  • Implants: Excellent for erectile dysfunction, but not for cosmetic enlargement.
  • Fillers: Safe, reversible, effective for girth, immediate results, no surgery.
  • Combination approaches: May offer enhanced benefits for both girth and firmness.

A Safer Path Forward in Calgary

For men in Calgary considering penile enlargement, the research makes one thing clear: surgery carries significant risks with limited rewards. Non-surgical options such as hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulator injections provide safe, customizable, and reversible alternatives.

At Intramed Medical Centre, we are proud to be the first clinic in Calgary to offer Upsize™ (HA filler injections) and Firm-X (neuromodulator injections). These treatments can be performed alone or in combination, providing both girth enhancement and firmer, more reliable erections.

Our experienced physicians ensure your care is private, professional, and tailored to your goals. Flexible financing is available, and appointments can be booked quickly.

If you’re ready to explore safe, non-surgical penile enlargement, book your consultation today.

Kindly note that our clinic will be closed for the holidays from December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025. We will resume normal operations on January 2, 2025.

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  • For non-urgent medical concerns, we are members of the Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (PCN). To access this service, please call Health Link @ 811. If needed, they will connect you with the doctor on call or refer you to the PCN after hours clinic, located at 5960 Centre Street SE, for a same day or next day appointment.