

Women who are considering plastic surgery have no shortage of outlets. From articles in magazines to friends who openly discuss the work they’ve had done, it is easy for women to find answers and get the support they need. For men, things are not nearly as simple.
Despite this, more men than ever before are looking into plastic surgery to enhance their bodies, including male enhancement surgery. For prospective clients, the key to getting the answers they need is asking the right questions. So, what do you really want to ask a plastic surgeon about male enhancement?
What Penile Enhancement Procedures Are Available to Me?
Penis enhancement surgery is not one single procedure. There are numerous options available to potential clients. These include:
- Penile girth enhancement
- Penile length enhancement
- Adult circumcision
- Penile corrective treatments
It is important to note that these are legitimate medical procedures and not merely body modifications. Men should be extremely cautious of body modification providers making claims about their ability to provide penis enhancements when they do not have the proper qualifications.
Am I a Candidate for Penis Enhancement?
Not every man who wishes his penis had more length or girth is going to be a good candidate for male enhancement surgery. Only your surgeon will be able to determine if you are eligible for surgery. Generally speaking, good penile enhancement candidates will meet some of the following criteria:
- Penis length or girth that is lower than the average for an adult male
- A contour of the penis that upsets you
- Persistent erectile dysfunction that is otherwise untreatable
- A chronic condition, such as Peyronie’s disease, that has a low likelihood of improving with treatment
- Presence of penile deformity or atrophy
- Sexual side effects from non-optional medications
- Sexual side effects from other medical treatments, such as those for cancer
- Vascular disease impacting the ability to get and maintain an erection
Even for men who meet some of the criteria above, it is usually recommended that they try other forms of treatment before opting for surgery. This may require working with a urologist in addition to consulting with a plastic surgeon.
Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives I Should Consider First?
Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives that have varying levels of effectiveness. Which ones you might wish to consider will depend on what is motivating you to consider penile enhancement surgery. For example, if you are struggling with getting and maintaining an erection, medications like Viagra could help.
If you are worried about the contour of your penis, the targeted application of fillers might be best for you. Penis length concerns might be resolved through targeted non-surgical fat removal contributing to a condition known as “buried penis.”
Any reputable surgeon should walk you through your options rather than just pushing surgery. However, if these options are not viable, there is nothing wrong with choosing to get male enhancement plastic surgery.
What Are Realistic Expectations to Have for this Procedure?
This is a critical question to ask for any plastic surgery procedure, including penile enhancement. It is not uncommon for clients to have an idea in their minds that simply cannot be matched in reality.
Given that adult media contributes to a generally unrealistic expectation of what penises should look and perform like, it is critical that candidates discuss expectations with their surgeon in-depth before going under the knife.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
This will vary greatly depending on the type of surgery you choose and what complications are involved. However, most surgeries will average around two hours. Keep in mind that you will remain in the hospital for a bit longer, but most clients will return home the same day.
What Will the Recovery Period Be Like?
One of the reasons a reputable surgeon will exhaust all alternatives before scheduling a procedure is because the recovery period after penile enhancement surgery is a lengthy one. Some things to expect from the recovery period include:
- Swelling and bruising for up to 6 weeks
- Pain for up to 4 weeks
- Weight-lifting restrictions for at least 4 weeks
- No strenuous activity or contact sports for 6 weeks
- No sex for up to 8 weeks
- Potentially mild pain during sex until the adjustment period is over
Working with a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience performing male enhancement surgery will make it easier for you to weigh the pros and cons of surgery.
As you look into penile enhancement, remember that there are no wrong questions to ask. An informed patient is an empowered one.
Author’s Bio
Dr. David Dellinger is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as General Surgery. In practice since 1997, Dr. Dellinger serves the greater Austin, Texas area, focusing on procedures including breast surgery, liposuction, body contouring and facial rejuvenation. He also performs a wide variety of reconstructive procedures with a personal interest in breast reconstructive surgery.