Informed consent
Risks & Complications
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones that matter with penile dermal filler, and what we do about each.
In plain terms
A balanced view of the risks.
At Androfill, treatment is performed by a licensed US physician using genuine, traceable, medical-grade hyaluronic-acid filler — the same class of reversible filler used in facial aesthetics, from FDA-approved product lines. Choosing a reversible product, placing it at the correct depth, treating in staged volumes and following aftercare all reduce the chance of a problem. None of that removes risk entirely, so it is important you understand it before you decide.
The complications below are grouped by how often they occur. Most men experience only the mild, short-lived effects in the first group. Serious complications are rare, but they are real, and knowing the warning signs means they can be dealt with quickly.
Group 1
Common, short-term effects.
These are expected after treatment and usually settle within days to a couple of weeks. They are part of normal healing, not signs that something has gone wrong.
Bruising
Bruising around the injection sites is common and usually fades within about a week.
Common · temporarySwelling
Some swelling is expected. The final, settled result appears only once it resolves, typically within two weeks.
Common · temporaryTenderness
The area can feel tender or sensitive for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough.
Common · temporaryRedness
Mild redness at the injection points is normal in the first days and settles on its own.
Common · temporaryEarly firmness or small lumps
Filler is malleable at first and can feel a little uneven. It is gently molded in the first few days before it sets.
Common · earlySlight asymmetry early on
Minor unevenness while swelling settles is common and usually resolves — any that remains is reviewed at follow-up.
Common · earlyGroup 2
Uncommon complications.
These happen less often and can usually be managed with review, molding, a staged adjustment, or dissolving the filler where appropriate.
Persistent lumps or nodules
Occasionally a firm area or nodule persists beyond the early healing period. It can often be molded, adjusted, or dissolved.
UncommonVisible asymmetry
If unevenness remains once settled, it is assessed at review and can usually be smoothed, topped up, or dissolved.
UncommonProlonged swelling
Swelling that lasts longer than expected, particularly in uncircumcised men, sometimes needs review.
UncommonFiller migration
Filler can move from where it was placed, especially if aftercare (no sex for ~2 weeks, no heavy exercise) isn't followed.
UncommonInfection
Any injection carries a small infection risk. It is taken seriously and treated promptly — see the urgent warning signs below.
UncommonResult you're unhappy with
You may feel the change is too much, too little, or not right. Because it is HA, the result can be adjusted or dissolved.
UncommonGroup 3
Rare but serious complications.
These are uncommon, but they are the reason the procedure should be performed by an appropriately trained doctor with a clear pathway to manage problems. They can require urgent medical treatment.
Vascular occlusion
Very rarely, filler can affect a blood vessel and interrupt blood supply to the skin. Signs include severe pain and skin that turns pale, dusky or blue. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.
Rare · emergencySkin or tissue damage
If blood supply is compromised or infection is severe, skin breakdown, ulceration or scarring can occur, occasionally with lasting change.
RareSevere or spreading infection
An untreated infection can develop into an abscess needing drainage, antibiotics, and dissolving of the filler.
RareDelayed inflammatory reaction
Months later, the body can react to filler with swelling or nodules. This can usually be settled with treatment and dissolving.
RareAltered or reduced sensation
Changes in sensation are uncommon and usually temporary, but a lasting change is possible.
RareAllergic reaction
Serious allergy to HA filler or to hyaluronidase (the dissolving enzyme) is rare but possible, and is managed medically.
RareWhen to act
Urgent warning signs.
Most after-effects are mild and settle on their own. The following are different: if any of these occur after your procedure, contact Androfill straight away, and if you can't reach us or a sign is severe, seek emergency medical care (dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room).
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Skin that turns white, pale, dusky, blue or blotchy
- Skin that becomes cold, hard or numb
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- Spreading redness or heat
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
Quick reference
Normal healing vs. call us.
| Normal — expected healing | Call us — don't wait |
|---|---|
| Bruising and mild swelling that improves over 1–2 weeks | Swelling that increases rapidly or is severe |
| Tenderness and mild redness at injection points | Spreading redness, heat, pus or a fever |
| Aching or mild discomfort eased by simple pain relief | Severe or rapidly worsening pain |
| Slight unevenness or firmness while it settles | Skin turning pale, dusky, blue, cold, hard or numb |
| Feeling a little softer or fuller when flaccid | Difficulty passing urine |
If something isn't right
The correction & dissolving pathway.
One of the main reasons we use hyaluronic acid is that the result is adjustable. If you're unhappy, or a lump or unevenness persists, there is a clear, staged pathway — you are not stuck with the result.
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Early settling & molding
In the first days the filler is still malleable. Minor unevenness often resolves as swelling settles, and can be gently molded following the guidance you're given.
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Review & adjustment
At a follow-up, your physician assesses how the result has settled. Persistent lumps can often be smoothed, and a staged top-up planned if you'd like more girth.
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Dissolving, if needed
Because it is HA, the filler can usually be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase where clinically appropriate — to correct a problem or return toward your original size. Dissolving is a medical step with its own small risks, so it is assessed case by case, not done casually.
Suitability
Who it may not be suitable for.
Reducing risk starts before any filler is placed — with an honest assessment of whether the procedure is right for you. It may not be suitable, or may need to wait, if any of the following apply. Suitability is always confirmed at a private consultation.
- Active infection or inflammation of the penis or surrounding skin
- Known allergy to hyaluronic-acid filler or to hyaluronidase
- Unrealistic expectations — for example expecting a large gain from a small volume, or erect-length gain
- Untreated body-dysmorphic concerns without appropriate support
- Certain medical conditions or medicines (including blood thinners) that need review first
- Unknown or permanent filler already in place from elsewhere — this must be assessed first
- Seeking length only — the procedure adds girth, not reliable erect length
- Bleeding or clotting disorders that increase bruising or complication risk
Why reversible filler
Why we only use hyaluronic acid.
We do not use permanent fillers such as silicone or PMMA, and we do not inject over unknown products. Permanent materials carry a much higher risk of serious, hard-to-treat complications, and can be very difficult or impossible to remove. Hyaluronic acid, by contrast, is naturally occurring, gradually reabsorbed by the body, and can usually be dissolved if there is a problem — which is exactly what makes it the safer choice for girth enhancement.
For more on the evidence and how the treatment is performed, see the Androfill Method, the published medical studies, and our frequently asked questions.
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About this page
Last reviewed on 30 July 2026.
Medically reviewed by Dr Gary Horn — founder of Androfill, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon and uro-andrologist, GMC 4267803.
General information only, not a substitute for a consultation. Individual results vary from person to person.