Penis enlargement
- Qualified specialists, plastic and aesthetic surgeons.
- State-of-the-art technology.
- Personalized advice.
Surgical penis enlargement – options and reasons
Dissatisfaction with penis size or shape is a widespread issue among men, which can significantly affect self-confidence and well-being and, in some cases, even lead to psychological stress and relationship problems. Although the average penis length in the US is 4.7-5 inches when erect and the average girth is 4.5 inches, some men feel that their size is inadequate. This subjective perception can begin in childhood and continue throughout life.
Surgical penis enlargement can be a solution if dissatisfaction is affecting your emotional well-being. The operation often involves two steps: penis lengthening and penis thickening. However, it is also possible to thicken or lengthen the penis alone.
All detailed questions can be clarified in a personal consultation with our plastic and aesthetic surgeon Dr. Cornelius Grüber. Dr. Cornelius Grüber will explain the various procedures, their limitations, and the expected results. The costs of penis enlargement will also be discussed to enable patients to make an informed decision.
Results after penis enlargement surgery
After penis enlargement surgery, there are various positive changes that patients may experience. The following points summarize the most important results:
- Penis enlargement can result in an increase of 2.5 to 5.5 centimeters.
- Penis thickening can increase the girth by up to 2 centimeters.
- A thickening procedure using the patient's own fat also offers a lasting effect.
Many patients report increased self-confidence, improved well-being, and a better sex life after the procedure.
How is penis enlargement surgery performed?
- Before the operation, the procedure is discussed once again and carefully planned.
- The attending specialist applies an anesthetic ointment so that the injection of the local anesthetic is barely noticeable.
- On request, twilight sleep or general anesthesia can also be administered, although from a medical point of view this is not necessary in most cases.
- The surgeon cuts through the inner anterior suspensory ligaments of the penis via a small, triangular incision in the pubic mound.
- This causes the inner part of the penis to detach and protrude downward, but it retains its stability in the longitudinal direction.
- During the operation, the intimate surgeon cuts through the front, internal retaining ligaments.
- The inner, curved part of the penis is straightened, thereby lengthening the visible part.
- The incision is finely sutured with self-dissolving stitches and covered with a plaster.
- The compression garments support regeneration and prevent dimpling. They should be worn consistently for several weeks or months to guarantee the best possible results.
- If desired, the penis can be thickened in the second stage of the operation.
- The procedure takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the complexity.
Preparing for surgery as a patient
All open questions can be discussed in detail during an individual consultation with our intimate surgeon Dr. Cornelius Grüber. The consultation always begins with an examination to fully explore the options. There is plenty of time to ask any questions and express any wishes. Based on the initial findings, all treatment options are discussed, as well as all risks, pre- and post-operative care.
As the planned procedure approaches, patients are advised to stop taking blood-thinning medication (such as aspirin) 10 days beforehand. This helps to avoid an increased risk of severe bleeding during and after the operation. Patients should also refrain from nicotine for 2 weeks before the procedure, as it can interfere with wound healing and weaken the cardiovascular system. This also applies after the operation, as the carbon monoxide it contains causes a lack of oxygen in the blood. The low concentration of oxygen in the blood prevents the body's cells from regenerating properly and slows down wound healing.
Before the operation, the procedure is discussed once again and carefully planned. The attending specialist applies an anesthetic ointment so that the injection of the local anesthetic is barely noticeable. If desired, twilight sleep or general anesthesia can also be administered, although from a medical point of view this is not necessary in most cases.
Postoperative procedure
The pain after penis lengthening is minimal. Mild soreness after the anesthesia wears off is normal. Painkillers will help on the first day. Immediately after the plastic surgery, the area will be swollen and should be cooled regularly and moderately.
The compression garment supports regeneration and prevents dents and should be worn consistently for several weeks or months to guarantee the best possible result. If desired, the penis can be thickened in the second step of the operation. The procedure takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the extent of the work involved.
After one week, light exercise is possible again, and after six weeks, the penis is fully functional again. During this time, extreme physical exertion—as well as sex and masturbation—are not recommended. To ensure that the small scar heals as invisibly as possible, scar care is recommended in the morning and evening. After penis enlargement surgery, it is important to treat the penis with a distractor such as Phallosan Forte or Penimaster Pro from the 10th day onwards.
The postoperative treatment phase for penis lengthening lasts 16 weeks. It requires the patient's cooperation and discipline to ensure a good result and prevent, for example, scarring and shortening of the severed ligaments.
Penis thickening with hyaluronic acid
Penis thickening with hyaluronic acid is a simple, minimally traumatic method of increasing the girth and length of the penis by 1 to 2 centimeters. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like, highly water-binding substance that is well tolerated as a natural component of the body. This minimally invasive method is particularly suitable for patients who prefer a simple, quick solution or are unsure whether thickening is right for them.
The treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 60 minutes. Initial results are visible immediately, and the maximum effect is achieved after about 1 to 2 weeks.
About 12 weeks after the minimally invasive procedure, a check-up with the treating physician takes place. Depending on your metabolism and lifestyle, the effects last between 6 and 18 months. During this time, about two-thirds of the hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body. If you are happy with the results, you can repeat the treatment. Compared to penis thickening with hyaluronic acid, the use of autologous fat is the more sustainable method.
Penis thickening with autologous fat
Surgical penis thickening with autologous fat, also known as lipofilling, involves removing autologous fat through liposuction and injecting it along the shaft of the penis. Dr. Cornelius Grüber obtains the material for penis thickening with autologous fat by liposuction from the pubic area, thighs, or abdomen. After drawing the fat cells into syringes, he injects the natural filler with a microcannula at regular intervals along the shaft. Injecting the body's own fat provides long-lasting results, as up to 70 percent of the fat cells grow and the volume remains permanent. Forty to 70 milliliters of autologous fat is sufficient, and the circumference increases by about 20 to 30 percent.
Surgical penis thickening with autologous fat is performed under comfortable general anesthesia and offers a more permanent solution compared to hyaluronic acid. The procedure not only improves girth, but also skin elasticity and sexual pleasure.
Enlarge the glans with hyaluronic acid
In uncircumcised men, the glans penis (Latin for “glans”) is covered by the foreskin when flaccid. And this procedure only involves a few millimeters. But those few millimeters can reduce the enjoyment of sex. Thickening the glans is a simple way to add volume or adjust a glans that is too small to match the diameter of the penis shaft. Gland thickening is very successful with hyaluronic acid. The minimally invasive procedure reduces irritability at the nerve endings and thus also reduces the problem of premature ejaculation.
Thickening the penis and glans with hyaluronic acid step by step:
- An anesthetic ointment is applied before the injection.
- The hyaluronic acid to be injected also contains a local anesthetic, which ensures pain-free treatment.
- A blunt cannula is used to inject the amount of hyaluronic acid tailored to the individual patient along the shaft of the penis or around the glans.
- After inserting the fine needle, the filler is administered little by little.
The first results are visible immediately. The treatment takes about 30 minutes.
Want to lengthen or thicken your penis?
When deciding between penis thickening and penis lengthening, various factors should be taken into account, as both procedures have different objectives and deliver different results.
Penis thickening aims to increase the girth of the penis, which is particularly attractive to men who feel their penis is too thin. Penis lengthening, on the other hand, aims to increase the length of the penis. This procedure can achieve an extension of 2.5 to 5.5 centimeters. Lengthening is often an option for men who feel that their penis is too short and who lose self-confidence and sexual satisfaction as a result. However, it is important to note that the proportions between length and girth are crucial in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
In many cases, it may be advisable to combine both procedures to create a harmonious overall appearance. The decision as to whether thickening, lengthening, or a combination of both procedures should be performed depends on the individual wishes of the patient and will be discussed in detail during a personal consultation at HANSEATICUM.
Risks of penis enlargement
As with any surgical procedure, certain risks and possible complications must be considered when undergoing surgical penis enlargement. It is crucial to choose an experienced surgeon in order to minimize the risks and achieve the best possible results.
General surgical risks include allergic reactions, swelling, and bruising, which usually subside within 1 to 2 weeks. In rare cases, delayed wound healing, infections, or temporary numbness of the penis may occur. There is also a small risk of erectile dysfunction and sensitivity disorders, but these are temporary in most cases. The surgery does not affect erectile function or fertility, as the root of the penis remains unchanged.
Penis thickening, especially when using autologous fat, can involve specific risks such as asymmetry and uneven distribution of fatty tissue. When using hyaluronic acid, lumps or nodules may form. Other possible complications include excessive girth increase, erectile dysfunction, hypertrophic scars, or injury to the urethra. Smokers in particular run the risk of nicotine impairing the fat healing rate, which can lead to suboptimal results.
By choosing a reputable surgeon with many years of experience, many of these risks can be minimized, making the procedure safe and low-risk overall.
Alternatives to penis enlargement without surgery
Some men initially try to gain the missing centimeters with manual exercises and non-invasive methods. Regular medical traction massages, known as jelqing (jelq = milking), are said to lengthen the penis. The Arabic penis massage must be performed daily for at least a year to show results. However, it usually does not have the desired effect.
Special stretching devices (penis extenders) that must be worn for months are more effective. These are designed to stretch the ligament suspending the penis and pull the hidden part of the erectile tissue further forward, but in most cases this does not lead to lasting success. Vacuum pumps have been used for some time to treat erectile dysfunction. They create an erection by applying negative pressure, while a rubber ring prevents blood from flowing out. Some patients report a slight lengthening of the penis after several months of training, during which they pumped blood into the penis several times a day. However, this does not permanently lengthen the penis.
How much do the treatments cost?
The cost of penis enlargement varies depending on the method used. Surgical penis lengthening at HANSEATICUM costs from €7,450. In combination with penis thickening, the treatment costs for hyaluronic acid injections (from €9,999 for both treatments) or autologous fat injections (from €4,679 in addition to surgical penis lengthening) are added.
Penis thickening with hyaluronic acid is available from €1,500 for 10 ml of hyaluron.
The cost of enlarging the glans with hyaluronic acid starts at €250 per ml of hyaluron.
All prices include VAT after GOÄ.
You can find more information about the individual options on our detailed pages on hyaluronic acid treatment and glans enlargement.
How much does penis enlargement cost?
Penis lengthening surgery at HANSEATICUM costs from €7,450 including VAT, after GOÄ (German Medical Fee Schedule).
How much does surgery to enlarge and lengthen the penis cost?
The treatment costs for both procedures together: from €9,999 including VAT after GOÄ.
About HANSEATICUM
HANSEATICUM is your clinic for plastic and aesthetic surgery in the heart of Hamburg. You can find us at two locations: at Martinistraße 64 and Jürgen-Töpfer-Straße 46. With the expertise of our experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery, the modern equipment in our practice, and our central location, HANSEATICUM has positioned itself as a real hotspot for plastic and aesthetic surgery.
At HANSEATICUM, we are proud to have a team of highly qualified surgeons with more than a decade of experience. Our plastic surgeons, Dr. Grüber and Dr. Tomschik, are renowned specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery, members of numerous professional associations, and have excellent networks in interdisciplinary fields. They are determined to stay up to date and therefore regularly attend conferences and training courses. This ensures that they are always informed about the latest technological developments and safety standards.
At HANSEATICUM, we offer the entire spectrum of aesthetic surgery, including reconstructive surgery following tumors and accidents—and all elective aesthetic procedures on the face and body. Our specialists also demonstrate a keen sense of proportion when performing breast surgery, genital corrections, and gender reassignment procedures for transgender patients.
In the field of minimally invasive procedures, we offer autologous fat injections, eyebrow lifts, chemical peels, and vampire lifts. Treatments with Botox (botulinum toxin) and hyaluronic acid are standard. Our surgeons exclusively offer the BodyTite and Fractora methods, which gently use radiofrequency to tighten the face and body.
Patient opinions
“I am very satisfied. Super nice doctor and team. I could confidently turn to the practice and the doctor with any questions I had. I can only recommend Dr. Grüber and his team.”
Jürgen M., 32 (Name changed)Hamburg, 2021
I felt comfortable at the practice from the very first moment. The staff and doctors are all very friendly and empathetic. If I had any questions afterwards, they were answered immediately by email. The day of the operation was also very well organized. I never felt like I wasn't being taken seriously. Dr. Grüber even called me in the evening to check on me. After the operation, I had regular check-ups at specific intervals, which reassured me. You can contact the practice with questions at any time. I am glad I chose this doctor.
Thomas H., 37 (Name changed)Oldenburg, 2021
"My penis measured only 11 centimeters when erect. This weighed on me every day for years. Due to psychological reasons, I even developed bladder incontinence as a teenager. Now I've had the operation, everything works fine, and I have 4 centimeters more length. The next step was to have fat removed from my stomach, which Dr. Grüber used to thicken my penis, adding almost 2 centimeters to its girth. I was really afraid of the surgery, but now I feel very good. Better than ever before in that regard. Dr. Grüber handled it very professionally and he knows his stuff. He explained everything to me in detail, which took away my panic. I only needed painkillers on the first day, and the small incision healed quickly."
Robert M., 28Hamburg, January 2020
"I tried everything. Shaving, jelqing, and pills didn't help. Then I decided to have surgery. I had read about HANSEATICUM in a newspaper and didn't hesitate for long after talking to Dr. Grüber. The lengthening resulted in an increase of 3 centimeters, and I had the thickening done with fillers. Unfortunately, not much of that has remained because I do a lot of sports. I'm going to try again with my own fat. Nevertheless, I'm really happy that I dared to do it."
Johannes E., 27Schwerin, October 2019
Frequently asked questions
When is penis enlargement advisable?
In general, penis enlargement is suitable for all men who suffer from a penis that is too small and, for this reason, do not enjoy a fulfilling sex life, suffer from inferiority complexes, or, in the worst case, struggle with depression. However, even men who are of normal size but would like more length and/or girth can fulfill their wish with a relatively minor procedure.
Who is not eligible for penis enlargement?
Patients who assume that penis enlargement will guarantee them an increase in length of five or six centimeters may be disappointed. True miracles or a predetermined increase in length are not feasible.
No reputable surgeon will promise this, as they only have a full view during the operation and can see the length of the hidden erectile tissue. To put it bluntly, they bring something out from the inside. How much this is depends on how much the patient has to begin with. Unfortunately, this cannot be visualized before an operation, at least not in a way that would allow a reliable prediction of the outcome.
What is a normal penis length?
The average penis size in Germany is approximately 13 centimeters when erect and 8.6 centimeters when flaccid. Only when the length is less than 7.5 centimeters do we refer to it as a micropenis. However, only 2 to 3 percent of the male population suffers from this condition. International studies show that penis length when erect can vary between 4 and 26 centimeters.
By how many centimeters can a penis be lengthened?
In many cases, a length increase of 3 centimeters is achieved, with the range between 2 and 6 centimeters. With 3 centimeters more penis length, the penis thickness should be adjusted accordingly.
Is penis enlargement painful?
In general, the procedures are relatively painless. Surgery involving the severing of the suspensory ligaments is performed under general anesthesia. For penis thickening, local anesthesia is sufficient and also painless.
This also applies to twilight anesthesia, during which no pain is felt from the incisions made. The best method for penis thickening is autologous fat transfer, as the fat cells largely grow and the treatment is therefore long-lasting. After all procedures, minor swelling and bruising may occur, which will heal within a few days. Mild to moderate pain may occur when pressure or slight friction is applied to the penis area. It is therefore important to avoid exertion after the operation. Over-the-counter painkillers can relieve uncomfortable pressure and are available without a prescription.
Do health insurance companies cover penis enlargement surgery?
Penis enlargement is a cosmetic procedure that is not considered medically necessary. Therefore, statutory health insurance does not cover the costs. The costs of penis enlargement must therefore be paid by the patient. This applies to both surgical penis enlargement and penis thickening.
What should one think of alternative methods of penis enlargement?
Indigenous peoples have been using stretching systems for thousands of years to stretch and enlarge body parts. Many of the systems available for home use are based on this model. Some use negative pressure in addition to traction. All must be worn for many hours every day over a period of many months. Some are said to achieve small stretching successes when used consistently. These methods have no effect on girth.
Can I use fillers to thicken the glans?
When injecting fillers, every millimeter counts. And sometimes, those millimeters can make all the difference. Thickening the glans is a simple way to add volume or adjust a glans that is too small to match the diameter of the penis shaft. For anatomical reasons, however, only the lower edge can be injected, as otherwise there is a risk of narrowing the urethra. The minimally invasive procedure reduces irritability at the nerve endings and thus also reduces the problem of premature ejaculation.
Does penis thickening leave scars?
No. Unlike penis lengthening, penis thickening with hyaluronic acid leaves no scars at all. The autologous fat method also leaves the intimate area scar-free. Where the fat has been removed, the small incision usually heals quickly, leaving a fine, light-colored line.
How long does the healing phase take and when will I be fully functional again (sex, sports)?
After surgical penis enlargement, the penis is usually fully functional again after about 6 weeks. Light exercise can usually be started after about four weeks. Sexual intercourse and strenuous physical activity should only take place after complete healing, usually after 6 weeks.
Can the penis become shorter again after the operation?
Yes, to a certain extent. Immediately after the operation, swelling may make the results appear greater. During the healing process (particularly due to scarring and tissue retraction), some of the original increase may be lost. A reputable surgeon will explain this clearly during the consultation and set realistic expectations.
Will sensitivity remain after the procedure?
Generally, yes. The procedure does not affect the nerves or vas deferens, which are responsible for sensitivity and erection. However, there is a small risk of temporary sensitivity disorders or numbness, especially in the first few weeks, which are usually reversible.
What preparations should I make before the operation?
- Blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin) should be discontinued approximately 10 days prior to the procedure.
- Ideally, refrain from nicotine for 2 weeks before and after the operation, as smoking impairs wound healing.
- Informative consultation and examination to assess risks, expectations, and condition.