Causes of a Buried Penis & Surgical Treatment Options

A buried penis (sometimes called a hidden penis) is a condition in which the penis is partially or completely concealed beneath the skin or fat of the pubic area.
This can make the penis appear much smaller than it actually is and may cause difficulties with urination, hygiene, and sexual confidence. At Moorgate Andrology, our Urologists regularly treat this distressing condition with proven surgical and non-surgical techniques.

What Causes a Buried Penis?

A buried penis can occur for several reasons:

1. Congenital Conditions

In some men, the penis has been buried since birth due to congenital abnormalities such as:

Congenital megaprepuce – excess foreskin covering the penis
Webbed penis – fusion between the scrotum and the shaft

Many patients tell us they have experienced this condition since childhood.

2. Excess Fat Tissue

One of the most common causes of a buried penis in adults is excess fat in the pubic area.
When the pubic fat pad becomes enlarged—often due to weight gain or obesity—it can physically conceal much of the penile shaft.

3. Scarring

Scarring after circumcision or other penile surgery can cause the skin to tighten and pull forward, covering the penis.
At Moorgate Andrology, we frequently treat men who have developed a buried penis following complications from circumcision.

4. Inadequate Skin Growth

Some conditions lead to insufficient penile skin, which prevents the shaft from extending properly and causes it to retract inward.

How Can a Buried Penis Be Fixed?

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your Urologist will perform a full assessment to identify the best approach for you.

1. Weight Loss

If excess fat is the main cause, losing weight through diet and exercise can help.
While many patients have already tried this without success, we still recommend it as a first step—especially for improving overall health before surgery.

2. Topical Treatments

In mild cases, corticosteroid creams may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help free the penis from surrounding skin.
However, the success rate is limited, and most patients require surgical correction.

Surgical Procedures for a Buried Penis

At Moorgate Andrology, our GMC-registered Urologists specialise in advanced surgical solutions for buried penis:

• Liposuction of the Pubic Area

Removes excess fat from the pubic mound to expose more of the penile shaft.
This makes the penis appear longer and restores a more natural contour.

• Penile Lengthening & Anchoring Surgery

This is the most common and effective procedure for treating a buried penis.
The Urologist releases the ligament and buried portion of the penis, allowing it to extend further from the body.
Most men gain between one and two inches of visible flaccid length, depending on anatomy.
Anchoring sutures are placed to help prevent retraction.

• Scar Release Surgery

When scarring is the cause, precise surgical release allows the penis to emerge normally. This is often performed in combination with anchoring or liposuction.

• Penile Implant Surgery

If a buried penis is associated with erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis may be recommended to restore erectile function.
This option is reserved for men who have not responded to other ED treatments.

Getting Help at Moorgate Andrology

If you believe you have a buried penis, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our Specialist Urologist, Dr Nenad Djakovic.
He will assess the cause, explain your treatment options, and help you plan the best pathway to recovery.
Most men who undergo buried penis surgery at Moorgate report restored confidence and a fulfilling sex life.

Causes of a Buried Penis & Surgical Treatment Options | Moorgate Andrology UK

How can a buried penis be fixed ?