Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain. What Are My Options? (photo)

Question

Hi I'm 25 years old and weigh 220 lbs and have a large fat mass surrounding my penis and scrotum. Penis size is normal. The glans frequently invaginates into the surrounding penile skin when bending over and not erect. I also feel like my scrotal sac is being pushed in an anterior/superior direction and often feel constriction and occasionally pain around this area. I would like this fat removed surgically but am wondering if this procedure is typically covered by insurance companies.

Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and for posting your photographs.  This is indeed a difficult problem, but not one without a solution.  Fairly extensive liposuction in this area, performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, is likely to be highly effective.  Insurance coverage for this procedure is often difficult to obtain, as insurance companies often require documentation of multiple months of a failed weight-loss regimen prior to granting approval.  That said, quite reasonable out of pocket rates for liposuction in a single, limited area (albeit a specialized one) should certainly be attainable.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your individual insurance policy through your company will let you know your covered benefits.  Generally speaking, there must be some documentation of specific symptoms.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the correction of this condition can help you to understand what your options are.  Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Seek a surgical team of a urologist & plastic surgeon to correct the buried penis anatomy. Also liposuction of the pubis area is needed. The only double boarded Ps doing these urolo-plastic operations is Dr Gray Alter in California. Might be worth a phone call to his office 310 275 5566. Than you can discover if your health insurance might cover the operations, I personally doubt but still worth the call. Good luck.

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon problem with obesity, but fortunately there are options.  Depending on the severity of your problem, you may benefit from liposuction, release of the suspensory ligament of the penis, excision of excess skin, and skin grafting.  The simplest option starts with liposuction and proceeds with increased complexity from there.  I would suggest that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  He or she may work with a urologist depending on the complexity of your case.  Good luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

I have treated a few cases like this so can give some general  comments.

	
		Insurance coverage is uncommon unless there are specific symptoms that are documented. 
	
		Liposuction for fat removal may be a good start, followed by surgical removal of the extra pubic skin
	
		If the penis is contracted due to scar tissue, a scar release with a skin graft may be helpful
	
		Cutting the suspensory ligament of the penis may be considered for increased length
	
		Your plastic surgeon may want to work together with a urologists on this


	Good Luck

Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain. What Are My Options? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment for a buried penis

Answer: Treatment for a buried penis

Answer: Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain Options?

Answer: Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain Options?

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Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain. What Are My Options? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Treatment for a buried penis

Answer: Treatment for a buried penis

Answer: Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain Options?

Answer: Buried Penis, Scrotum, Constriction/Pain Options?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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