Penis Reduction Surgery vs Penis Enlargement Surgery

updated 31/03/2026

Penis reduction surgery  and penis enlargement surgery are two very different procedures designed to address different patient needs.

Understanding the differences can help individuals determine which approach may be appropriate.

Purpose of Each Procedure

Penis enlargement surgery is typically performed to:

• increase visible length of the flaccid penis between one and two inches. This is achieved by dividing the suspensory ligament that holds some penis length back to the pubic bone. The effect of this technique is that the penis slides forward and reveals additional length. It is a permanent procedure because special steps are taken to prevent the ligaments joining up again on their own. At Moorgate Andrology we do this by using native surrounding tissues instead of using implants as others do. this is less risky and avoids the need to have an implant in the body for the rest of your life

• Most men who choose to have their penis lengthened will have the penis made thicker at the same time. This is done by harvesting fat from the belly and inner thigh areas. This is where high quality fat is stored. This fat is then purified and the purified fat cells are then injected into the penis. This increases the flaccid and erect girth by around one inch, depending on the initial fat absorbed in the first few weeks. The remaining fat is them considered permanent.

Penis reduction surgery may be considered to:

• reduce the length and/or girth of the penis. Again, most men choosing this surgery choose to make the penis smaller in length and girth. Not everyone is suitable for penis reduction surgery and  full evaluation is needed before patients are accepted for surgery 

• address functional concerns. When the penis is very large, either in girth or length, it can make sexual intercourse very difficult and often painful. 

• improve comfort. Having a very large penis can make wearing certain clothing difficult. For example, swimwear, tight jeans etc. 

Key Differences

Some of the main differences include:

• opposite treatment goals  completely. 

• different surgical approaches. The two procedures are very different in terms of their surgical approach. Penis reduction surgery is very demanding of the surgeon since it involves complex anatomical structures. This surgery tales around two hours whereas penis enlargement surgery take just one hour.  

• varying recovery considerations. Recovery from both procedures is actually reasonably similar in that six weeks normally leads to full recovery. Penis reduction surgery may take a little longer and return to sexual activity could be up to eight weeks. Individual recovery does vary from patient to patient for both procedures of course

Suitability

The appropriate procedure depends on:

• individual anatomy. Examinations are required for both procedures. In enlargement surgery the surgeon will assessing availability of suitable fat for the girth enhancement. In reduction surgery the penis will be closely examined and measured to ascertain the required reduction based on current size.

• personal goals. This is always critical to discuss what patients are looking for in terms of surgical outcome . In penis reduction surgery the procedure cannot be reversed so very careful thought is required as to the desired length and girth. In penis enlargement surgery the results are predicable so again expectations need to be set by the surgeon and the patient.

• medical assessment. A consultation process is essential for both operations. At Moorgate Andrology there are always two consultations with Specialist Urologists. In the case of penis reduction surgery there are also two to three Psychologist consultations

Importance of Specialist Guidance

Because these procedures are highly specialised, consultation with an experienced clinician is essential.

Making the Right Decision

Understanding the differences between procedures helps ensure patients make informed and appropriate choices.

Penis enlargement surgery has become very popular but do you know what penis reduction surgery actually is ?. Not many people know it actually exists. This is due to the scarcity of experts in this particular surgery field.