Penile girth enhancement procedures have gained popularity in recent years, which may cause tight foreskin in uncircumcised men after fillers.
These procedures come with various risks and complications, some of which are not widely discussed in medical literature. One such complication is phimosis, a condition where the foreskin becomes tight and cannot be easily retracted over the glans penis after filler insertions.
The risk of phimosis after filler insertion is higher in adults who already have mild tightness of the foreskin.
Overview of Penile Girth Enhancement Procedures
Penile girth enhancement procedures can involve a range of techniques, including dermal injections and fillers. These methods aim to increase the circumference of the penis by injecting substances such as autologous fat, silicone, hyaluronic acid (HA), and collagen into the penile shaft.
Despite their growing popularity, it is crucial to understand that these procedures have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, primarily due to the lack of extensive research and documented safety profiles.
Common Fillers Used in Penile Augmentation
- Autologous Fat: Harvesting fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the penis.
- Silicone: A more permanent option but associated with significant complications.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Commonly used in cosmetic procedures, favoured for temporary effects and biocompatibility.
- Collagen: Provides volume and structure, though carries risks of allergic reactions and complications.
The Risk of Phimosis with Penile Fillers
Phimosis occurs when the foreskin becomes too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis after filler insertions.
Tight foreskin can cause pain, swelling, and hygiene difficulties, potentially leading to balanitis. HA fillers have been noted to cause this complication in some cases.
Mechanisms Behind This Complication
- Excessive filler volume: Over-injection can lead to swelling and tightness.
- Inflammatory reaction: The body’s response to injected material can cause inflammation and scarring.
- Improper technique: Uneven filler distribution may create localised swelling around the foreskin.
- Pre-existing phimosis: Men with mild or severe phimosis are more prone to filler migration into the foreskin, causing tightness.
Case Representation and Management
A recent case highlighted phimosis following HA penile girth enhancement. The patient developed foreskin tightness, making retraction difficult and painful.
Management Steps
- Prevention:
- Keep the penis upright in supportive tight underwear for the first 7–15 days.
- Massage excessive filler back up the penile shaft before it settles (1–2 weeks).
- Medical management:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Topical corticosteroids
- Injections to dissolve the fillers in selected cases
- Surgical intervention:
- Dorsal slit or circumcision may be necessary in severe cases.
Conclusion
While penile girth enhancement procedures offer solutions for men seeking increased circumference, risks such as phimosis should not be overlooked.
Patients must be fully informed about potential dangers, and surgeons should follow strict protocols to minimise risks. Without FDA approval and comprehensive studies, the medical community relies on case reports and ongoing research to understand and manage complications.
Patients should consult experienced urologists and carefully weigh potential benefits against the risks of tight foreskin.
Some clinics advise circumcision before girth enlargement surgery to prevent phimosis and improve cosmetic outcomes.
Our Expertise
We are a specialist London circumcision centre that can manage phimosis complications after filler procedures.
Please ask for professional advice and treatment at our London Circumcision Centre.