Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Penile circumference augmentation, Penile augmentation (girth), Phalloplasty (girth component), PGE.
Definition
Penile Girth Enhancement (PGE) refers to a range of medical and surgical procedures designed to increase the circumference, or girth, of the penis, primarily for aesthetic reasons or to address patient dissatisfaction with their penile size.1,2 It involves various techniques, including non-surgical methods like injectable fillers (such as hyaluronic acid) and surgical approaches like fat grafting or dermal grafts.2
The primary purpose of PGE is to augment penile thickness, which some individuals believe may improve self-confidence and sexual satisfaction.1 Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a common non-surgical option and have been reported to yield girth increases typically ranging from 1.7 cm to 3.92 cm.1 These non-surgical methods, particularly HA injections, are often associated with fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction rates compared to some surgical alternatives.1,2 Surgical procedures can also achieve significant girth increases but may carry a higher risk of complications such as skin necrosis, ulcers, wound infections, or the need for reoperation.2 Despite these risks, surgical options can also result in high patient satisfaction.2 The field of penile girth enhancement is still evolving, with ongoing research into the safety and efficacy of different techniques, and standardized guidelines are not yet fully established.1,2
Clinical Context
Penile Girth Enhancement is typically sought by adult men who express dissatisfaction with their existing penile girth, often for aesthetic reasons or to improve body image and self-confidence.1,2 Patient selection criteria generally include being 18 years or older, having no active local infections, no pre-existing permanent fillers or implants in the treatment area, and possessing realistic expectations regarding the outcomes, which should be confirmed during a clinical interview.1
Clinically, the procedures are performed to increase the penile circumference. Non-surgical injection therapies, such as those using hyaluronic acid, have shown significant increases in penile girth with a reported low rate of mild, temporary adverse events (e.g., bruising or swelling at the injection site) and high patient satisfaction rates, often between 75-100%.1,2 These procedures are generally performed in an outpatient setting. For instance, one study reported an average girth increase of 3.29 cm with HA fillers.1
Surgical treatments can also lead to significant girth increases and high patient satisfaction (60-100%).2 However, they are associated with a non-negligible risk of more serious complications, including skin necrosis, ulcers, wound infections, and the potential need for reoperation, which were reported in a notable percentage of studies focusing on surgical methods.2
Expected outcomes include an increase in penile girth, and many patients report positive impacts such as increased self-confidence and sexual pleasure.1 Some studies also indicate that men who met diagnostic criteria for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) related to penile size concerns lost this diagnosis following a girth enhancement procedure.1 However, broader psychological well-being impacts, such as changes in general psychological distress or overall self-esteem, have shown mixed results, with some studies reporting no significant changes in these areas.1
It is important for clinicians to note that adverse events in PGE procedures may be under-reported, and due to limited long-term evidence and a lack of standardized guidelines, many of these procedures are still considered to be under investigation.2 Patients should be thoroughly counseled on the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of each available option.