Surgical penile lengthening may change the visible length of the penis when flaccid. It involves releasing the suspensory ligament at the base of the penis, a procedure also known as ligamentolysis. At your consultation in Berlin, Dr. med. Stephan Frantzen discusses whether the procedure is appropriate for your anatomy and expectations, and explains the associated risks.
Updated: 26 October 2026
This procedure involves surgically releasing the suspensory ligament at the base of the penis. It may change how far the penis extends visibly from the body. It does not create additional erectile tissue. In particular, it cannot be expected to reliably increase erect penile length.
The operation targets visible length, not girth. Other procedures aim to change circumference: girth enhancement with fat transfer and girth enhancement with hyaluronic acid. Combining procedures is not an automatic recommendation and requires a separate assessment.
An examination by a specialist should establish whether there is an anatomical issue or whether penile size falls within the usual range. An apparently short visible length may have causes other than a short penis. New shortening, pain, curvature or erection difficulties require a separate medical assessment.
Previous procedures, medical conditions, medication and your specific expectations also matter. Please bring any previous operation reports. If concern about penile size has a major impact on everyday life, psychological or psychosexual support may be more helpful than surgery. Body dysmorphic disorder must be identified and treated before a cosmetic procedure.
In the procedure described here, the suspensory ligament is released through a surgical incision above the penile root. This ligament connects the penis to the pubic bone and helps support it. Surgery changes this support; it does not create additional erectile tissue.
The individual technique, anaesthesia, treatment setting and aftercare are agreed before surgery. The precise plan depends on factors including your anatomy and any previous operations. The illustration outlines consultation, surgery and follow-up appointments.
Discuss anatomy and expectations
Release the suspensory ligament
Check healing and function
The practice's existing illustrations explain the position of the suspensory ligament and the principle of surgical release. These are schematic drawings, not a promised increase in length.
The potential effect mainly concerns visible length when flaccid. A specific gain in centimetres, improved erectile function or greater sexual satisfaction cannot be promised. The effect may also be small or absent.
Professional organisations take a cautious view of cosmetic procedures. The European Association of Urology (EAU) lists suspensory ligament release as an option with a weak recommendation and requires detailed counselling about risks. The American Urological Association (AUA) considers the safety and efficacy of this operation for lengthening in adults insufficiently demonstrated. These differing assessments are part of an informed decision; offering the procedure at a practice does not remove the scientific uncertainties.
Clinical background: EAU: penile size, assessment and treatment options · AUA: statement on penile augmentation surgery
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, visible scarring, changes in sensation and persistent discomfort. As the suspensory ligament helps support the penis, the angle and stability of an erection may change. Erectile function may also be impaired. Scarring can limit the intended effect. Further corrective procedures may be needed and carry their own risks.
Your consultation should cover more than the appearance you hope to achieve. Ask specifically about possible effects on function, how complications would be managed and what would happen if the result did not meet your expectations. This overview cannot replace an individual discussion of the risks and consent process.
Wound checks and a period of reduced activity are part of treatment. When you can return to work, sport, sexual intercourse and other activities depends on the procedure and how healing progresses. Swelling immediately after surgery is not a reliable indication of the eventual result.
Any possible traction treatment also requires medical supervision. Whether it is suitable, when it should begin and how it should be used need to be discussed individually. Do not use traction devices or stretching exercises on your own. Change medication only after discussing it with your doctor.
Seek prompt medical assessment for: increasing severe pain, fever, marked redness, unusual wound discharge or new difficulty passing urine. Rapidly progressing swelling, dark skin discolouration or feeling seriously unwell requires immediate medical assessment; do not wait for your next follow-up appointment.
Choosing not to have a procedure is also a reasonable option. Depending on the findings, information and reassurance, psychological support or medically supervised traction treatment may be discussed. None of these options comes with a guaranteed outcome. Girth enhancement does not replace treatment for actual shortening or erectile dysfunction.
The overview of male intimate surgery places these procedures in context. You can discuss your individual situation at a men's health consultation with Dr. Stephan Frantzen. A fee is charged for the medical consultation in accordance with the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). We discuss the extent of your individual treatment during the consultation; we do not publish fixed prices here.
Ligament release affects support and visible length. Fat transfer and hyaluronic acid treatment, by contrast, aim to change shaft circumference. Girth enhancement is therefore not an equivalent alternative if length alone is your concern.
A limited visible length can, for example, be related to the surrounding tissue. An examination is needed to establish whether the ligament, tissue characteristics or another cause is the key factor. There is no standard operation suitable for every starting point.
Costs depend on the individual surgical plan and the care involved, including anaesthesia and aftercare. Dr. Frantzen explains the planned services and individual costs in person. A fee is charged for the medical consultation in accordance with the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
Finke & Frantzen is located at Heinrich-Roller-Straße 15, 10405 Berlin. If you are travelling from outside Berlin, please also discuss the examination, follow-up appointments and care for any complications before making arrangements. You can reach the practice team via the appointments and contact page.
Board-certified plastic surgeon and
board-certified general surgeon
Releasing the suspensory ligament cannot promise a reliable increase in erect penile length. The procedure mainly changes visible length and support in the flaccid state.
No. Erection problems have different causes and require a separate assessment. Cosmetic lengthening is not a substitute for their diagnosis or treatment.
Scarring and the healing process can limit the effect. A lasting, unchanged gain is not guaranteed. A further examination is needed to determine whether a corrective procedure could be considered.
An online consultation can provide initial guidance. A definitive assessment for surgery requires an in-person examination and an individual discussion of the procedure and its risks.
It is not possible to responsibly promise an individual gain in centimetres without an examination. Even study averages cannot predict an individual patient's outcome. The change mainly concerns the flaccid state, and the effect may be small or absent.
This depends on the exact procedure, wound healing and medical follow-up. You will receive a personal aftercare plan. A general timeframe cannot replace clearance following an examination.
Anaesthesia is discussed before surgery. Wound pain, swelling and a feeling of tightness may occur afterwards, and discomfort can also persist. Increasing or severe pain requires medical assessment.
Discuss your wishes with Dr Stephan Frantzen in Berlin. Medical consultations are subject to a fee under the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). A consultation does not commit you to a procedure.
Book a consultationThis information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical examination and informed-consent discussion. Options and risks are assessed in relation to your findings.
