What is the built-in penis?
This is when the penis is contained within the scrotum and pubic fat. It is a frequent complaint of men. Often children are embarrassed to take their clothes off in front of others and adults can have self-image problems and impaired self-confidence in sexual relationships.
Is a built-in penis synonymous with a micropenis?
No, micropenis is a condition where the penis is actually at least two standard deviations smaller than the general population. Usually, micropenis is associated with syndromes or hormonal problems. In the case of an embedded penis, the size of the penis is normal, but it looks smaller than usual because only a little of the shaft is visible.
What causes an embedded penis?
The penis may be trapped in the pubic fat due to obesity, altered fixation of the tissues next to the penis (dartos, fascia escarpa and colles) that "hold" it in the perineum and previous surgeries.
Does the embedded penis affect adults and children?
Yes, in adults it occurs predominantly in obese people. Many patients who undergo bariatric surgery may benefit from surgical correction of the embedded penis.
Many adults who think they have a small penis actually have an embedded penis and the penis can appear visually larger with a surgical procedure.
Does the embedded penis need treatment?
In the pediatric population, surgery is not usually necessary. Just before puberty, boys tend to put on a bit of weight and their penises may look smaller than normal. This is because what makes the penis grow is testosterone, which is not yet being produced at high levels, as the boy is still prepubescent. In this case, when it develops, the penis takes on a normal appearance.
However, in some more extreme situations such as incarceration after phimosis surgery, obesity, or when most of the penis is embedded, corrective surgery may be necessary.
What types of surgery?
Surgery can range from simple plastic surgery such as scrotal flaps to more extensive dissections of the penis, with or without liposuction of pubic fat or dermolipectomy (excision of pubic fat). The surgery is usually carried out in a day hospital, the post-operative recovery is quick and the satisfaction rate with the procedure is usually quite high