What Is Penile Plication Surgery?
Penile plication is a surgical procedure that reduces or eliminates a curved penis caused by Peyronie’s disease or a birth defect. The surgery is highly successful, and for most University of Utah Health urology patients, the penis returns to within 10 degrees of straightness after surgery.
Candidate Criteria for Penile Plication
Your provider may recommend penile plication surgery if both of these statements are true:
- You have had symptoms for at least six months.
- The degree of curvature has been stable for 3-6 months.
What to Expect During Surgery
Warning: Graphic Content
Our expert surgeons perform penile plication surgery during an hour-long outpatient procedure. This means you’ll recover at home instead of spending the night in a hospital.
You’ll be asleep during the surgery. Your urologist will make a small incision on the side of your penis opposite the curve and use stitches to pull the penis into a straight position. Within 24 hours of surgery, you’ll return to your urologist’s office for a wound check and dressing change.
Post-Surgical Care
Our urology experts will monitor your progress and ensure you are in good health throughout your recovery. Be sure to follow the instructions below.
- Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes at a time for the first 48 hours after surgery. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; wrap a towel or washcloth around the ice pack.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery and for as long as you’re taking narcotic pain relievers.
- Clean yourself with a washcloth but don’t shower for five days after the procedure.
- Resume a regular diet as soon as you feel like it.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take your regular medications. Resume blood thinners only when your doctor says it’s OK.
- Take pain medications as needed. If desired, take acetaminophen (such as extra-strength Tylenol) instead of prescribed painkillers.
Post-Surgical Care Instructions
Our urology experts will monitor your progress and ensure you are in good health throughout your recovery. Be sure to follow the instructions below.
- Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes at a time for the first 48 hours after surgery. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; wrap a towel or washcloth around the ice pack.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery and for as long as you’re taking narcotic pain relievers.
- Clean yourself with a washcloth but don’t shower for five days after the procedure.
- Resume a regular diet as soon as you feel like it.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take your regular medications. Resume blood thinners only when your doctor says it’s OK.
- Take pain medications as needed. If desired, take acetaminophen (such as extra-strength Tylenol) instead of prescribed painkillers.
Penile Plication Recovery
Urination may be painful during your recovery, and you may notice a pink tinge in your urine for 24–48 hours after surgery. Your penis will swell and bruise for several days after the procedure. Take pain relievers as needed and apply ice packs as instructed.
You should be able to return to work and daily activities two or three days after surgery. During recovery, you must refrain from any sort of sexual activity, including intercourse, masturbation, and oral sex, for six weeks. Avoid cycling or similar activities for four weeks. And don’t swim, sit in a hot tub, or take a bath for two weeks.
Penile Plication Recovery Time
Surface-level healing usually occurs within six weeks, but complete healing may require several months.
Penile Plication Side Effects
While effective, penile plication will slightly change the length of your penis. The surgery may shorten your penis on the opposite side of the curve. Your penis length will be equal on both sides.
You may notice other side effects:
- Bumpy areas on the penis from the stitches
- Decreased sensation
- Pain with erections (this will subside over time)
Contact the Urology Clinic
Please call the urology services clinic at 801-213-2700 if you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery:
- Your pain is not adequately controlled with medication.
- You cannot urinate for more than eight hours.
Our clinic hours are Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm. There is a urologist on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for issues that cannot wait until the office is open.
If you feel you have a problem that is an emergency, call 911 or go to a local emergency room.
Find a Men's Health Doctor
Why Choose U of U Health?
A curved penis can be discouraging and embarrassing. An honest conversation with an experienced health care provider is the first step in restoring your quality of life. Our urology experts are highly experienced in penile plication surgery and perform many procedures each year. Let us help alleviate your frustration and get back to living the life you want.
Make an Appointment
Call 801-213-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our urologists. You do not need a referral from your primary care physician to schedule an appointment with us. However, your insurance provider may require you to get a referral before you see a specialist. Contact your insurance carrier with questions about your plan’s specific requirements.
