Complications of Penile Lengthening and Augmentation Seen at 1 Referral Center

Abstract

PURPOSE: Complications of the recent cosmetic technique of penile lengthening and girth enhancement are reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 16-month period 12 men presented with complications of penile augmentation performed elsewhere. All 12 patients had undergone release of the suspensory ligament and 10 had received autologous fat injection. RESULTS: The chief complaint was poor cosmetic appearance (irregular residual fat nodules in 7 men, skin deformity and scarring in 4 and scrotalization in 4). Reoperation was necessary in 6 patients, wound complications occurred in 6 and sexual dysfunction was reported by 4. Only 1 patient reported a subjective increase in penile length. CONCLUSIONS: Although a verifiable complication rate may never be available, the morbidity of elective penile lengthening and girth enhancement is noteworthy. These cosmetic techniques should be regarded as experimental.