The penis enlargement procedure involves a simple transfer of fat cells from the patient's lower abdomen into the tissue region between the skin and the erectile tissue of the penis. A patient's own fat cells are used for augmentation because they do not run the risk of rejection by the body.

Fat grafting has been performed for over 100 years but the use of purified liquid fat cells removed by liposuction has been in clinical use for just over 10 years. The survival of grafted fat cells whether in the liquid or solid state is unpredictable. Be it so, most plastic surgeons feel that autografts are superior to synthetic substances whenever possible.

PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

The initial consultation with your doctor or Cosmetic Surgery Advisor is very important. Your surgeon will need a complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Your doctor or Cosmetic Surgery Advisor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications. Smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing.

TYPE OF ANESTHESIA

Penis enlargement may be performed under general, or in some cases, under local anesthesia, which allows the patient to sleep through the entire operation.

THE SURGERY

Fat injection is a surgical procedure which autografts fat (a patient's own cells) from one location in the body to another. Fat cells are very delicate but many survive the liposuction process. Those that do, can be reinjected to a new recipient site. Human research, for non penis regions, has shown that approximately 30% of the cells obtain circulation and live. But no data is available for penis fat autografting, as this would require amputation and analysis. It appears though, that because the penis has excellent circulation and the skin is elastic that more than a 30% survival rate can be obtained. In fact, one treatment may be sufficient for some patients. The head of the penis contains erectile tissue and fat should not be injected into this tissue as it might damage it. The fat is injected into the subcutaneous region of the shaft and does not affect the stiffness when the corpora are engorged.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon.

ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK

No surgery is risk free. Fat injection is very safe. You can not be allergic to your own cells. Infection is possible but antibiotics are taken pre and post-op. Bruising and swelling are normal. The biggest problem is obtaining symmetry or evenness, but careful molding at the end of surgery and the possibility of future touch-ups make this less of a concern. Risks are outlined in detail in the Special Consent to Fat Injection Surgery. One day is usually sufficient. Strenuous work should be avoided for a 7-10 days. It is best to give the new cells at least 4-5 weeks to heal. Early sexual activity might cause them to shift to an unwanted location.

YOUR NEW LOOK

The result is a penis of the same shape and length but greater in circumference. Because the penile shaft is narrower than the maximum diameter of the head, the doctor usually fills out the shaft slightly beyond the head's maximum diameter to maintain proper proportion. Circumference can be increased by 30-50 percent, depending on the results desired by the patient.