Did you know there is a simple surgery that can actually increase the length and appearance of your penis? Well, there is, and we’re ready to tell you all about it. All you have to do is consider going through what’s called penile ligament release surgery. This procedure is ideal for anyone who has concerns over their size, so read on and let’s learn more about ligament release surgery for length.
The penile ligament release surgery involves releasing the ligament that connects the genitals to the pubic bone. Surgically cutting this ligament allows them to extend further from the body, achieving an increase in flaccid length. It can also deliver a more proportional look.
In this post we’ll explore common questions around suspensory ligament surgery, including who makes a good candidate for this surgery, what kind of length increases you can expect, details on recovery, and the potential risks to weigh before scheduling your procedure.
At Enhanced Medical, our patients’ health, safety, and complete satisfaction are our top priorities. Our board-certified surgeons have over 30 years’ combined experience performing these delicate procedures. We take the time to understand your unique goals and expectations and will guide you through every step of the process to help you decide if suspensory ligament release is right for your needs and anatomy.
How Ligament Release Surgery for Length Works
Before going through Ligament Release Surgery for Length, it is important to be aware of how it works. Let’s dive into how this surgery can deliver positive results to you.
Anatomy of the Suspensory Ligament
The suspensory ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that anchors the penis to the public bone. It plays an important role in supporting the penis at an upward angle when erect. However, this ligament also limits how far the penis can extend away from the body in its flaccid state.
Surgical Mechanism
During a ligament release procedure, the surgeon makes an incision just above the base of the penis to access and cut this ligament. This releases the tethering effect of the ligament, allowing more of the inner penis shaft that is normally hidden inside the body to become external and visible.
The surgeon also closes the incision in a way that advances tissues forward in a V-Y fashion, minimizing scar retraction after healing. This closure technique helps position tissues in a way that maximizes length gains from the surgery.
The result is both a longer flaccid penis that hangs further from the body, as well as gains in erect length in some patients. On average, patients gain 0.5 to 2 inches in length from this surgery.
Are You a Candidate?
Are you the right candidate to undergo penis lengthening gains via ligament release surgery? Let’s help you find out.
Ideal Physical Criteria
The best candidates for ligament release surgery are men who have an adequately-sized penis that is simply hidden behind the pubic bone. Ideal candidates have a flaccid penile length less than 4 cm despite normal erect size, or have a very small “stretched penile length” (SPL) under 7.5 cm.
Men with a healthy BMI under 30 also tend to have fewer complications and better surgical outcomes. Those who simply wish to increase the size of an already normal or large penis are usually discouraged from this surgery, as the risks tend to outweigh the benefits.
Psychological Screening
All candidates should be screened for body dysmorphic disorder or related conditions that make them excessively preoccupied with the idea that their penis is too small. Surgery will not address psychological distress over appearance in these complex cases.
Contraindications
However, some men should not undergo suspensory ligament release even if they meet the physical criteria. Those with poorly controlled diabetes, bleeding disorders, active erectile dysfunction or other complicating health factors may face higher surgical risks without enough benefit to justify those risks. Our expert physicians can help determine if you are otherwise healthy enough for this procedure.
Benefits & Realistic Ligament Release Surgery Gains
Ligament release surgery for length is gaining more attention because of its effectiveness. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this surgery.
Typical flaccid gain of 1.5 to 3 cm
Most patients can expect a flaccid length gain between 1.5 to 3 cm (0.6 to 1.2 inches) from the procedure. This extends the relaxed penis further away from the body for a longer looking position. Changes to erect length are usually more modest at 0 to 0.5 inches.
Increase in Confidence, Clothing Fit and Partner Perception
While the absolute increases in size are not extreme, most patients report greatly improved confidence and self-image. The visible increase in flaccid hang can also improve comfort and bulge while wearing certain clothes or swimwear.
Some patients find the change enough to positively impact intimacy and their partner’s perception of size proportion. However, any existing issues in the bedroom typically require additional help beyond just surgery.
Synergy with Post-op Traction
Some patients use penis traction devices after healing from surgery, which applies gentle constant stretching to the tissues. This can provide up to 1-2 cm of extra gains in length for both the flaccid and erect state. Our clinicians can advise on appropriate device use protocols after surgery.
Ligament Release Surgery for Length: Step-by-Step Surgical Process
Before going through ligament release surgery for length, it is worth being aware of how the procedure is performed. Here’s a step by step process that helps you get a better idea.
Pre-Op Checklist
In the weeks before surgery we will have you complete necessary lab testing, adjust any medications, ensure proper hair removal around the surgical site, and take preventative antibiotics. Following pre-operative protocols helps minimize complications.
Day-Of Details
The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or with general anesthesia depending on surgeon and patient preference. After anesthetizing, the surgeon makes a small transverse incision above the penis to access the suspensory ligament. The entire procedure usually lasts 45 to 120 minutes, depending on anatomy and closure technique.
Closure Options – V-Y plasty vs. Z-plasty
The incision can be closed either in a V-Y fashion to advance tissues forward or as a Z-plasty to reorient scar direction. Each closure has pros and cons in length gain, angle change, and appearance, which our physicians will review to align with your ideal outcome. Dissolvable stitches are used to minimize discomfort during the healing process.
Ligament Release Surgery for Length: Recovery Timeline & Traction Protocol
When you are aware of the ligamentolysis recovery timeline, you can plan accordingly. Here’s an overview of the recovery timeline and lengthening traction device protocol.
Day 0-7: mild pain, drain care, no sitting upright > 30 min.
The first week after surgery focuses on incision care and healing while avoiding activities that increase swelling or pressure. You will have a small drain tube to remove fluid buildup and will need to limit upright sitting to 30 minutes at a time. Pain is generally mild with medication.
Week 2-3: stitches removed, begin light stretching.
At your follow-up visit, the dissolvable sutures are checked, and any remaining ones are removed. Gentle manual stretching can begin to help prevent scar tissue formation and maintain new length. Some swelling may still be present.
Month 1: resume desk work/low-impact exercise.
After the first month, any residual pain or swelling should be sufficiently resolved to allow a return to light office work or non-jarring physical activity. We advise avoiding sex, heavy lifting, and high-intensity training during this time.
Months 1-3: daily traction 2 h; gains consolidate.
Penis traction is ideally performed daily during months 1 through 3 post-surgery, for approximately 2 hours per day. This helps solidify gains as healing is completed. Proper traction prevents retraction and can provide up to 1 to 2 cm extra visible length.
Month 6: final length; follow-up imaging.
At the 6 month mark, maximum flaccid length should be achieved along with moderate erect length gains. Follow up photographs and ultrasound imaging help compare objective before and after metrics. Additional minor procedures can refine residual skin irregularities.
Ligament Release Surgery for Length Risks & Complications
While suspensory ligament release is considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, there are inherent risks associated with any surgery. Here are some risks of ligament release penis procedure.
Loss of penile angle, scarring, numbness, infection, re-attachment.
After the supporting ligament is cut, some men find the penis points more downwards or flops over when flaccid. Excess scarring around the incision can limit gains. There may be small areas of numbness near the incision. As with any procedure, infection is possible but rare with proper care, as is potential re-attachment of the ligament.
Revision likelihood & what can (cannot) be fixed.
Some patients opt for a minor revision if the angle change is over 20 degrees or scarring limits the achieved length. However, the amount of extra obtainable length has its limits. Issues like numbness, erectile dysfunction, or dissatisfaction with legitimate size gains cannot be corrected with further procedures. Realistic expectations are necessary for satisfactory long-term results.
Our expert physicians will clarify the pros and cons unique to your anatomy and what revised outcomes could be expected, if needed, during your consultation. Most patients, approximately 85-90%, experience good results from their primary surgery.
Maximizing Ligament Release Safety & Outcomes
Even if there are risks, you should be aware of how to get the most out of ligament release surgery for length. Here are some tips that can help you with it.
Choose a fellowship-trained urologic surgeon.
This nuanced penile procedure is best performed by a board-certified urologist with fellowship training in genital reconstruction post-residency. At Enhanced Medical, our physicians have 30+ years of experience specifically in ligament releases and male anatomy. Expert technique ensures precision ligament cuts that minimize adverse changes.
Strict traction adherence; nicotine cessation.
Consistently following physician-approved traction protocols for 6 months is key to achieving maximum long-term gains after ligament release. Quitting smoking 4 weeks before and through 6 weeks after surgery can significantly reduce wound healing problems that undermine success.
Red flag symptoms that require immediate call.
Severe pain, sudden swelling, drainage, fever, or excessive bruising/bleeding are all red flag symptoms following surgery. Catching minor complications early on helps prevent lasting problems. Our qualified providers are always on call to address concerns promptly.
By selecting an experienced surgeon, adhering to aftercare, and contacting us with any worrying symptoms, patients can feel confident in obtaining their desired lengthened penis safely.
Combining Penile Lengthening with Girth or Glans Procedures
For some patients, maximizing penile length alone does not fully address their appearance goals or intimacy concerns. Luckily, ligament release techniques can safely be combined with surgeries that enhance girth or reshape the glans (head) of the penis as well.
Surgeons can certainly perform select combinations in a single-stage surgery for convenience and to save on OR fees. However, some patients may opt to undergo a phased approach depending on their unique priorities, healing ability, and pain tolerance. This entails:
- Starting with ligament release first to gain length
- Allowing several months for traction and recovery
- Then adding a secondary girth or glans reshaping procedure
Our compassionate staff can help you consider timing and combination possibilities during your consultation. With the right surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and personal vision for change, impressive upgrades in both the length AND girth categories are possible.
Related Article: DDL Surgery Overview: Penis Enlargement Options for Men Explained
Ligament Release Surgery for Length: Frequently Asked Questions
Can penile lengthening be achieved without traction?
Some increase will occur from just cutting the ligament itself. However, using traction as directed post-op for 6 months provides up to 2 cm of extra visible length for both the flaccid and erect state compared to no traction. It helps counteract natural retraction.
Will the erection angle change?
For some men, the erection does point a bit more downward after this surgery, especially in the first months after, as tissues stretch. But given time to heal in the new position, the erect angle usually stabilizes. Significant curvature of more than 20 degrees down is less common.
Is Ligament Release Surgery for Length reversible?
If adverse curvature or other problems remain bothersome despite conservative measures, surgical options such as plication to shorten the opposite side can improve the erection angle. However, the achieved length itself cannot be reversed per se once the tissues have healed.
What about sensation or fertility?
This procedure only releases external support structures and does not impact internal nerves or sperm transport tubes. So, no major change in penile sensation or fertility is to be expected.
How long is the recovery period for penile lengthening?
Healing progresses over 6 months with major milestones at: 2-4 weeks for regular activity, 1-2 months for sex, and 3 months for athletic training. Max length stabilizes around the 6 month mark for most men.
I have more questions…who can I speak with?
Our staff is available to personally answer any other questions men have about ligament release candidacy, realistic gains specific to their anatomy, or combo procedures like girth enhancement. Call our office at (813) 733-7986.
Related Article: Girth or Length: Which Do Women Prefer
Schedule a Confidential Ligament Release Surgery for Length Consultation
If ligament release surgery for length sounds like a viable option to help you achieve the visible penis length you desire, we encourage you to reach out. We provide professional, judgement-free consultations to determine your candidacy and craft a surgical plan specifically for you.
During your visit, we can also discuss available financing options to make this customized procedure affordable, with no hidden costs or fees.
