Penis Filler

Bringing a syringe anywhere near your penis probably sounds like a bad time, but some men are turning to penis fillers to increase penis size or girth.

Penis filler injections, part of a new trend of penis augmentation, contain some of the same stuff people use to smooth out wrinkles — like hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid. But are they safe?

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of filler injections for penis enlargement, associated risks, and alternatives to consider.

Penis fillers are non-surgical cosmetic procedures that involve injecting substances, typically hyaluronic acid, into the penile shaft to increase its girth or size. A trained medical professional, like a board-certified plastic surgeon, injects the substances into the soft tissue under the skin of the base and the shaft of the penis using a needle or cannula. This creates an instantly thicker look.

Men often seek penile girth enhancement procedures like penis fillers to enhance their physical appearance, boost self-confidence, or address body image concerns.

Like dermal fillers you inject into your face, you need regular penile filler injections to maintain a thicker look. It's important to understand that penis filler doesn't increase the length of your penis. Instead, fillers make your penis appear larger in its flaccid and erect state due to added volume.

The most common type of penis enlargement injections are hyaluronic acid fillers (AKA HA penis fillers). Other types include polylactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Each filler has different benefits and risks. 

Autologous fat transfer is another procedure that can add volume to the penis. But it involves surgery because the first step is taking fat from another part of your body. 

Hyaluronic Acid Penis Fillers (HA Fillers)

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that can temporarily increase the girth of the penis, with results lasting up to 18 months, according to some studies. 

In one 2024 study involving 155 male participants, those who received multiple hyaluronic acid penile injections had an average girth increase of 1.8 centimeters (cm). Twenty-three men who received four treatments or more experienced an average girth increase of 2.952 cm.

In another study, men who received hyaluronic acid fillers saw significant increases in girth and satisfaction with penile appearance. They also saw improvements in their post-injection sex life. Even more, the filler increased the duration of sex, giving the men more control over ejaculation.

Another advantage of hyaluronic acid-based fillers? It’s possible to dissolve them with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, if necessary.

Polylactic Acid Fillers (PLA Fillers)

Polylactic acid is a synthetic material that can encourage new collagen formation through a mild inflammatory response. 

After a soft tissue injection, PLA particles gradually break down through hydrolysis. The injection site experiences a mild increase in volume for up to 18 months due to the formation of fibrous tissue and collagen.

In one study comparing hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid filler injections in 74 patients with small penis syndrome (a type of anxiety or body dysmorphic disorder, not a true micropenis), the mean penile girth increases were 2.1 ± 1.0 cm in the hyaluronic acid group and 1.6 ± 0.9 cm in the polylactic acid group. Though hyaluronic acid injections triggered greater girth growth, both groups' satisfaction levels significantly increased at 24 weeks.

Polymethyl Methacrylate Fillers (PMMA Fillers)

Polymethyl methacrylate is a non-absorbable synthetic polymer with a permanent effect. 

After injection with PMA, connective tissue surrounds the filler microspheres, creating added volume that enzymes can’t break down.

In a 2024 study that compared HLA to PLA and PMMA penile fillers for penis enhancement, the girth increase was greatest in the PMMA group. However, the increase in satisfaction levels was smaller in the PMMA group compared to the other two groups. 

The researchers speculated this was because PMMA material is harder than HLA and PLA, giving the penis an unnatural feel. They also suggest that some men might feel anxiety over being unable to reverse the effects of PMMA fillers.

Autologous Fat Transfer

Autologous fat transfer is not technically a penis filler, but rather a type of plastic surgery that uses a patient’s own fat to increase penile girth. 

First, a healthcare professional takes fat from one part of the body (via liposuction) and inserts it into the superficial, middle, and deep layers of penile tissues. 

A study of 52 patients found that autologous fat transfer for penile augmentation significantly increased penile girth and improved erectile function, without affecting penile length. 

One study revealed that men were satisfied with their penis filler results even 18 months after the procedure. Those who underwent penile girth enhancement reported improvements in self-confidence, sexual confidence and confidence in situations where their penis might be seen, such as in a locker room.

But penis fillers aren’t just about looks. They may have additional benefits, too.

Studies in patients with premature ejaculation (PE) suggest that hyaluronic acid injections into the glans of the penis may increase the length of time it takes to reach ejaculation by 4.46 times. And the effects are long-lasting, with some results lasting up to five years.  

Injections in the glans penis (AKA the head of the penis), filler may decrease sensation, resulting in longer-lasting sex. But the main goal here isn’t cosmetic. 

The FDA hasn’t approved any type of injectable for the purpose of enhancing penis size. While some dermal fillers are FDA approved for wrinkle filling in the hands or the face, putting them into the penis is an off-label use. Though fillers can enhance self-esteem for some men, unrealistic expectations might lead to disappointment. 

If you’re thinking about penis fillers, it’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional. They can go over the potential physical and mental health impacts of this type of procedure. And give you a realistic picture of what to expect. 

Potential side effects of penile fillers include:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness and inflammation

• Bleeding

• Nodule formation

• Allergic reactions

• Penile disfigurement

More serious complications like penile sepsis can happen when you’re getting penis fillers at a facility that isn't trustworthy.

Treatment depends on the complication, but it can include injecting a substance to dissolve the filler, antibiotics for infection, or surgical procedures.

To prevent complications, most providers recommend: 

• Avoiding sexual activity for at least two weeks post-injection to allow the filler to settle

• Applying ice to reduce swelling

• Keeping your penis clean and dry

• Monitoring for any signs of infection or discomfort

If you’re worried about your penis size, you have a few options — some more effective (and safe) than others. These include:

• Suspensory ligament incisions

• Penile extenders

• Tissue grafting

• Implants 

A 2020 review of 21 penis enhancement treatments found most lacked solid evidence and often came with high risks or poor results. 

Counseling, however, proved effective in reassuring most men that their size was perfectly normal. It’s not unusual to worry about your penis size from time to time or wonder how it compares to other men. But size isn’t everything. If your concerns are keeping you from leading a satisfying sex life, it may be time to talk to a medical provider to get some support.

And if you’re considering penis fillers to deal with sexual performance issues like premature ejaculation, there are other proven PE treatments you may want to consider first, including prescription medication and desensitizing wipes made with topical anesthetics to help you last longer in bed.

Non-surgical penile enlargement procedures are typically less expensive than surgery, but they aren’t cheap. They’re also not typically covered by insurance.

The cost of penis filler depends on the type of filler, the number of syringes used, and how many follow-up treatments you need. 

Penis fillers may boost the size of your genitals and your self-confidence, but they carry some risks that go beyond the sting of a needle. Some filler materials are also more effective than others.

Here’s what we know:

• You have a few different filler options. Penis fillers typically use substances like hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, or autologous fat. Most require regular injections for sustained results. 

• There are risks and side effects. Potential risks include swelling, nodule formation, pain, and disfigurement. Consult a medical professional to set realistic expectations and ensure fillers are right for you.

• Counseling may be more effective. While fillers may enhance girth and confidence, it can help to talk to a counselor if concerns about your penis size are interfering with your sex life.

Get more tips on how to improve self-confidence in the bedroom and explore sexual health products ranging from sex toys and lube to prescription medication for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.