Cosmetic surgeon says popularity of penis fillers rising

Dr. Lucy Glancey, 48, runs the intimate clinic at Harley Street Skin Clinic, and performs all manner of procedures on some of the most intimate areas of both men and women.

She said she used to inject penis fillers about once a week in 2023, and today, she injects up to eight times per week.

Dr. Lucy said the procedure — which costs between £3,300 ($4,455) to £8,250 ($11,140) per appointment at her clinic — is most popular with middle-aged men although it is rising in popularity with younger men too.

The maximum increase in girth in total by fillers will add 1 inch — although this may take several sessions to achieve depending on the length of the penis, she said.

Dr. Lucy said some men do ask for more, but they are advised against it.

But even then, she said some clients return because they get home and their partners tell them they're now "too big."

While the treatments are low risk when performed correctly by a qualified practitioner with high-quality products, risks of problems are low.

But she warned men should research their injector and products used, as the procedure is unregulated and when done by non-qualified practitioners, it can lead to lumps, problems getting erections, damage to the urethra and even abscesses and infections.

Dr. Lucy said: "In terms of the procedure, it's very similar to fillers done in the lips. It is primarily designed to increase the girth but sometimes we do see an increase in length too, indirectly.

"The fillers can help with symmetry, curvature or defects like dents in one side, but it is primarily for increasing size.

"It's definitely more common now than a few years ago, people are more aware now that it exists.

"It is gaining popularity very fast.

"I've had some clients come back and say they won't be having any more filler for a while as their partner said they're now too big!"

Dr. Lucy explained that the fillers administered to the penis can be grouped into two kinds — body fillers, like those used in the buttocks, and facial fillers, like those used in the lips.

She uses the facial fillers, as they contain hyaluronic acid and are considered to be higher quality, but come with a higher price tag.

She explained there has been a major rise in people inquiring about penis fillers, which are deposited between layers of the skin and gradually dissolve over the following 12 to 18 months.

Patients are told not to have sex for two weeks after having the treatment but after then, they can return to their normal activities, assuming they aren't experiencing any pain.

She said: "Initially the filler is quite malleable, so using condoms too early can mean it imprints on the base and causes a dent.

"It's like wet concrete that hasn't set yet."

Dr. Lucy said that she mainly sees middle-aged men, in their late 50s, who wish to have the treatment after considering it for some time.

But she explained due to the sensitive nature of the treatment, clients tend to come via word-of-mouth recommendations, meaning clients tend to recommend to their peers.

She said: "Usually it is the man who initiates it, and it might be their partner who tells them to slow down with the filler.

"But I have seen female patients that will bring their male partner too.

"And as long as it's safe and they're both happy, that's fine by me."

She explained that currently it's not a heavily regulated procedure, and this can lead to risks when people pay for cheaper injections.

She said when the procedure is done incorrectly or using substandard materials, it can cause issues such as lumps, damage to the erectile mechanism or the urethra, and there can be a risk of infection.

Dr. Lucy said: "You have to do your due diligence and go to someone who knows what they're doing.

"It's a topic that needs to be addressed, there are lots of non-qualified practitioners who don't know how to deal with issues if things go wrong.

"You can buy fillers online and start administering filler, it's underground, but it isn't illegal.

"As long as people don't claim to be a doctor. And it is cheaper than going to a clinic."

She said if the filler is injected into the wrong layer of skin, it can create lumps when injected too superficially, and damage the penis itself if injected too deep.

She said: "Safety is important and it isn't an innocent procedure, fillers are medical.

"Sometimes the temptation can be too much and men drop their guards - anyone can call themselves an injector.

"It is a topic that needs to be addressed."

Dr. Lucy said while her job can garner a range of reactions, her focus is on giving people a treatment that is safe, high quality, and that they're happy with.

She said: "People might be shocked by my job but for me, it's just a normal day at the office!"