Procedure
Suspensory ligament release
May increase visible flaccid length, not necessarily erect length.
01 What it is
Surgical division of part of the suspensory ligament so that more of the shaft is visible outside the body when flaccid.
02 What it aims to change
Visible flaccid length. It does not increase erect length and may change the angle of the erection.
03 How it is performed
Through an incision at the base, part of the suspensory ligament is divided; techniques vary and may include a spacer or post-operative traction.
04 What published studies report
Studies report variable gains in flaccid length and mixed satisfaction. Some gain can be lost to retraction; erect length is generally unchanged.
05 What remains uncertain
The retained gain, the effect on erection angle, and satisfaction vary substantially between studies.
06 Common short-term effects
- Swelling and bruising
- Discomfort
- A lower-angled erection early on
07 Potential complications
- Scarring
- Instability or reduced upward angle at erection
- Loss of the initial gain
- Dissatisfaction
- Infection
08 Reversibility and revision
Not reversible; options are limited and may involve scar revision.
09 Recovery
Surgical recovery over weeks; traction may be advised. Outcomes vary.
10 Questions to ask
- How much retained gain is realistic?
- How will my erection angle change?
- What is the reoperation rate?
11 Evidence references
- Penile Suspensory Ligament Division for Penile Augmentation: Indications and Results
Mean stretched-length gain ~1.3 ± 0.9 cm (range −1 to +3 cm); a spacer improved results, but gains often did not satisfy patients.
doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2006.01.020 - A Critical Analysis of Penile Enhancement Procedures for Patients with Normal Penile Size: Surgical Techniques, Success, and Complications
Reported gains are often modest and satisfaction inconsistent; complication rates are not negligible.
doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2008.07.080