COMPLICATIONS AFTER PENIS ENHANCEMENT WITH HYALURONIC ACID: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction. The penis is a symbol of the primal sense of male fertility and sexual activity, which affects the sense of male personality and the ability to satisfy a partner. Some patients experience discomfort, even if their penis is within the normal size range from an anatomical point of view. The reason for the spread of penis enlargement procedures is related to the feeling of masculinity that the appearance of the genitals can give a man, as well as a changed perception of his body. Penis enlargement procedures are becoming more and more common among men who seek to achieve a more desirable aesthetic of their male organ. In addition, penis enlargement methods remain a controversial issue, as they do not have clear indications and can cause complications. Materials and methods. This study reviewed the literature on complications after penile enhancement with hyaluronic acid (HA). To achieve this goal, we conducted a systematic search for scientific medical information in English-language databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), and HMIC (Health Management Information Consortium). We analyzed all articles that met the specified search parameters. In addition, we manually searched for relevant references in the found texts. Results. The use of HA injections for penis enlargement in men shows a low rate of complications both in the early- and long-term period after the procedure. In a small percentage of patients, early and expected side effects included swelling, bruising, subcutaneous nodules, and infections. In this work, radical ways of their correction are proposed for all types of complications, which makes the use of HA safe and effective for penis enlargement. Conclusions. Nowadays, there is a lack of high-level evidence-based information on complications after HA injections. Due to the growing demand for these procedures, the issue of their safety is relevant. According to the available statistics, the overall incidence of complications after HA injections is spontaneous without further side effects. If complications are detected, the prognosis after treatment is satisfactory. As a result, there are no standardized surgical protocols and recommendations for penile enhancement with hyaluronic acid in the world.