The primary function of a man’s penis is to provide a means to urinate and perform sex. For most men, the anatomy of their penis is perfectly normal, but this is not the case for every man. Some men suffer from a buried hidden penis, frequently from birth. The condition can be debilitating.
What Is a Buried Penis?
A buried penis is a condition that causes the penis to become hidden beneath the skin surrounding the area. The penis can be partially or completely hidden beneath the skin. A hidden penis can have a significant impact on the patients. A hidden penis can cause erectile dysfunction.
What Causes a Buried Penis?
A buried penis can be caused by obesity in most cases. In infants or young children, the causes may be more complex. Other causes of a buried penis include the following:
- The ligaments that attach the penis to other anatomical structures may be weaker than usual.
- Lymphedema- swelling around the scrotum caused by a collection of lymph fluid that may cause the penis to be buried underneath.
It is important to note that people with a hidden penis have a normal corporal length but poor exposure, which is how a doctor differentiates this condition from micropenis.
Treatment for a Buried Penis
A buried or hidden penis may be easy to diagnose, but it is a complicated condition to treat both in children and adults. Like most conditions, the specific treatment of a hidden penis depends on the cause of the condition. For children and infants, the doctor may choose to let them grow and see whether the condition resolves on its own.
If a grown man has a buried penis, then surgery is often necessary. Buried or hidden penis surgery uses different techniques to resolve the underlying cause. Some surgical approaches toward a hidden penis include:
- Detaching ligaments that attach to the base of the penis from the pubic bone.
- Excision of scar tissue around the penis.
- Using suction lipectomy to remove fat cells. This procedure uses suction catheters made through small incisions.
- An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can remove excess fat and skin.
- The use of skin grafts to cover parts of the penis where the skin is not in sufficient supply.
- Using sutures to repair a buried penis. The sutures are attached internally to the base of the penis.
- A buried penis may be resolved through an Escutheonectomy, which removes the fat pad above the pubic area.
- Another way to resolve a hidden penis is through a panniculectomy, which removes excess skin hanging over the genitals and thighs.
You can also treat a hidden penis through weight loss and medications. Some patients may also need psychological counseling since a hidden penis may cause sexual dysfunction and low self-esteem.
Buried/Hidden Penis Q&A
How is a hidden penis diagnosed?
A visual and physical examination by a doctor is enough for your doctor to diagnose a buried penis. You can get a second opinion if you are unsure of the initial diagnosis.
Is hidden penis surgery painful?
The scrotal area of the body is generally more sensitive than other body parts, so you can expect to feel more sensitive and uncomfortable. Your pain levels will also depend on the extent of the procedure performed and how far the incisions run. However, your surgeon will administer different medications to relieve you of any pain and discomfort.
What are the risks of surgery for a buried penis?
Most buried penis surgeries are successful and have little to no complications. In some cases, the patients will have
- Swelling around the penis
- Painful erections
- Less sensitivity due to nerve interruption
- Poorly healed skin grafts
These complications are less likely to happen if the surgery is done while the child is young. Younger patients also heal faster. Once the surgery is done successfully, there is zero chance it will reoccur.
What happens after a hidden penis surgery?
Your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics and pain management medication. You will also be trained to change the dressing and keep the wound clean to avoid infection. You may need someone to drive you home after the procedure and take care of you for a few days until you are mobile again. Children are usually more likely to go home right after the procedure.
Make sure to go for follow-up appointments with your surgeon to make sure the wound is healing correctly.
How long after hidden penis surgery can I have sex?
Each body heals at different speeds, which is why you should give yourself at least six weeks before attempting any sexual activity. If your wounds have not completely healed, you will experience discomfort or pain.
