One of the most common concerns men have — particularly those considering penile implant surgery — is whether surgery can increase penile length. Setting realistic expectations matters: there is no proven surgical procedure that can safely create significant new penile length. However, certain anatomic conditions can cause part of the penis to appear hidden or shortened, and in carefully selected patients, procedures can be performed to improve visible and perceived penile length by exposing more of the patient's existing anatomy.
"We cannot create new penile anatomy — but we can often optimize how much of your existing penile length is visible and functional. For men undergoing penile implant surgery, a personalized approach to length, girth, rigidity, straightness, and overall appearance can be incorporated into the surgical plan when appropriate."— Kian Asanad, MD
Ventral Phalloplasty & Penoscrotal Webbing
Some men have penoscrotal webbing — scrotal skin that extends higher along the underside of the penile shaft. This can obscure the natural penoscrotal angle and make the penis appear shorter.
A ventral phalloplasty or complex scrotoplasty can remove this excess webbing and reconstruct a more defined penoscrotal junction.
This procedure does not physically lengthen the erectile bodies. Instead, it can expose more of the ventral penile shaft and improve the perceived length and contour of the penis.
Infrapubic Lipectomy
In some men, excess tissue in the suprapubic or infrapubic region can partially conceal the base of the penis.
An infrapubic lipectomy removes selected excess fatty tissue around the penile base, allowing more of the existing shaft to become externally visible.
For appropriately selected patients, this can be performed at the time of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery as part of a comprehensive strategy to optimize visible penile length and postoperative appearance.
Maximizing Length During Penile Implant Surgery
Penile implant surgery should not be considered a penile enlargement procedure. The primary purpose of an IPP is to restore reliable, on-demand erectile rigidity in men with erectile dysfunction.
However, surgical planning matters.
For men concerned about penile shortening — particularly after prostate cancer treatment, longstanding erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, or weight gain — the goal is to maximize the patient's existing anatomy while restoring erectile function.
Depending on the individual patient, this may include:
- Appropriate sizing and positioning of the penile implant
- Correction of significant penile curvature or deformity when indicated
- Ventral phalloplasty or complex scrotoplasty for penoscrotal webbing
- Infrapubic lipectomy when excess tissue conceals the penile base
- Counseling regarding postoperative cycling and penile rehabilitation
The goal is not to promise inches or create unrealistic expectations. We cannot create new penile anatomy — but we can often optimize how much of your existing penile length is visible and functional. For men undergoing penile implant surgery, a personalized approach to length, girth, rigidity, straightness, and overall appearance can be incorporated into the surgical plan when appropriate.
Before & After
Selected case results from Dr. Asanad's reconstructive surgery practice.
Before
After
Patient outcomes vary. Images shown with patient consent and posted with discretion.
Is This Right for You?
Considering penile implant surgery or concerned about penile shortening? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Asanad — fellowship-trained prosthetic urologist — to discuss which options may be appropriate for your anatomy and goals.