Surgical procedures for penile enlargement have been on the rise in the past decade, reflecting a growing demand among men to improve their sexual self-confidence and overall well-being. Among the various methods available, hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection has gained popularity due to its safety, effectiveness, and minimally invasive nature. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of HA filler injections for penile augmentation, focusing on their efficacy, safety, and potential impact on ejaculation.
What is Penile Augmentation?
Penile augmentation, also known as penile girth enhancement (PGE), refers to procedures designed to increase the size of the penis. These procedures can be surgical or non-surgical and are primarily performed on men with sexual dysfunction caused by anatomical abnormalities or those seeking cosmetic enhancement.
The Need for Penile Augmentation Procedures
The demand for penile augmentation procedures has been driven by an increasing number of men suffering from so-called “small penis syndrome” (SPS), a psychological condition where men perceive their penis size to be inadequate, despite having a normally sized penis. This condition can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and sexual dissatisfaction, impacting a man’s quality of life.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) fillers have emerged as popular materials for soft tissue augmentation, including penile enhancement. Both HA and PLA fillers are biodegradable and offer a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
HA fillers consist of a highly viscous gel formed by crosslinked HA molecules. These injectables are harmless, compatible with the body, and yield results that appear natural. HA fillers have been approved by various health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for cosmetic and therapeutic uses.
Polylactic Acid Fillers
PLA fillers, like HA fillers, are also biocompatible and biodegradable. PLA stimulates collagen production in the body, leading to a gradual increase in volume over time. PLA fillers have been approved by several health authorities for soft tissue augmentation.
Procedure of Filler Injection for Penile Augmentation
The filler injection procedure for penile augmentation is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia. After applying an anesthetic cream or performing a penile dorsal nerve block, the filler is injected into the penile shaft using a fine needle. The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes, and patients can return home the same day.
Efficacy of HA and PLA Fillers for Penile Augmentation
Several studies have shown that both HA and PLA fillers can significantly enhance penile girth. In a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of HA and PLA fillers, both fillers resulted in significant penile girth enhancement, which lasted up to 24 weeks post-injection. Additionally, both fillers improved patients’ satisfaction with penile appearance and sexual life.
Impact on Ejaculation
Interestingly, some studies have found that penile augmentation using fillers can improve symptoms related to ejaculation. For example, in a trial evaluating the clinical impact of HA filler injection on ejaculation, HA filler injection significantly increased the self-estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time in patients.
Safety of HA and PLA Fillers for Penile Augmentation
HA and PLA fillers are generally safe for penile augmentation. Most adverse events related to filler injection, such as inflammation or pain at the injection site, are mild and transient. No serious adverse events have been reported.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HA and PLA fillers provide a safe and effective option for penile augmentation, offering men with SPS a way to improve their self-confidence and sexual satisfaction. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider before deciding on a treatment plan.
References:
- Penile Augmentation with HA and PLA Fillers: A Multicenter, Patient/Evaluator-Blinded, Randomized Trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31735613
- Efficacy and Safety of Penile Girth Enhancement Using Hyaluronic Acid Filler https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8987147/
- Penile Augmentation with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Gel https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4498824/
- A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety Between Hyaluronic Acid and Polylactic Acid Filler Injection in Penile Augmentation https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.01.310
Author Bio: Emil Shakov, MD is the medical director and co-practice owner of The Youth Fountain in Freehold, NJ. He has been active in the field of aesthetics since 2013. Dr. Shakov is a clinical instructor in the use of hyaluronic acid injections. He is proud to offer Dermal Filler for Penile Girth Enhancement for his male patients.
