Penile augmentation surgery is a specialized area of cosmetic medicine. The Penuma implant offers a distinct surgical solution involving the placement of a medical device beneath the skin. This procedure is designed to provide a permanent increase in penile girth and flaccid length. This overview details the implant’s nature, the surgical process, the expected results, and the recovery period.
Understanding the Penuma Device
The Penuma implant is a unique soft tissue device made from medical-grade silicone, similar to materials used in other long-term cosmetic prosthetics. Its design is a flexible, sheath-like sleeve that completely wraps around the shaft of the penis, sitting just below the skin layer. The implant is intended for aesthetic enhancement and the correction of certain soft tissue deformities.
The Penuma device is the only FDA-cleared penile implant for cosmetic enhancement and restoration. Placed subdermally, the implant allows underlying erectile tissues to function normally, meaning it does not interfere with the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. The silicone sleeve permits natural movement and feel, conforming to the patient’s anatomy while providing a significant increase in circumference.
The Augmentation Procedure
The Penuma implantation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, usually taking less than an hour. The surgeon makes a small incision near the base of the penis, often in the suprapubic area or on the scrotum, to conceal the resulting scar. This site allows access to the penile shaft without cutting into the shaft tissue itself.
Through this opening, the surgeon creates a space beneath the skin layer and above the corpora cavernosa. The custom-sized silicone sleeve is then inserted into this space and positioned to cover the entire length of the shaft. Once situated, the surgeon secures the device and closes the incision with sutures. Patients are typically discharged the same day with a surgical dressing and a small drain to manage fluid accumulation.
Realistic Expectations for Size and Appearance
Managing expectations is important, as the results primarily focus on circumference and flaccid appearance. The implant is designed to significantly increase penile girth, with many patients gaining an average of 1.5 to 2.5 inches in circumference. This girth increase is apparent when the penis is both flaccid and erect.
The implant’s weight and volume also create a noticeable increase in flaccid length, often ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, due to the stretching effect on the penile ligaments and skin. The implant does not mechanically increase erect length, as erection size is determined by the untouched corpora cavernosa. The surgeon selects the appropriate implant size (Large, Extra-Large, or Extra-Extra-Large) based on the patient’s pre-operative measurements. The final aesthetic outcome aims for a fuller appearance, improved symmetry, and a more uniform contour.
Detailed Post-Operative Recovery
The recovery phase requires strict adherence to post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. Immediately following surgery, patients will experience swelling and soreness, managed with prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. A surgical drain remains in place for the first few days to remove excess fluid, and the initial dressing must be kept intact for the first 24 hours.
For the first six to eight weeks, patients must wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid any activity that places tension or pressure on the implant site. Strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and intense exercise, are prohibited during this initial healing period. Patients must also refrain from all sexual activity, including masturbation, for a minimum of six to eight weeks, or until cleared by the surgeon.