In the quest for the “perfect body,” men and women often turn to black market cosmetic surgery to enhance their bodies, commonly their breasts and butts. But now men are seeking to augment their penises during penis pumping parties.
Participants in penis pumping parties allow an unlicensed, unqualified individuals to inject non-surgical, silicone-type substances (often Fix-a-flat or tire polish) into their penis, in order to make it appear larger. Transgender males transitioning to female have been known to inject these substances into their chest and buttocks in order to resemble the physique and appearance of an exotic dancer, too. These black market procedures have grown in popularity, but the side effects are long-lasting and often fatal.
Twenty-two-year-old Justin Street, who received a penile enlargement procedure illegally in the apartment of Kasia Rivera, died a day after receiving a silicone injection. Street connected with Rivera, who is not a licensed professional, through an advertisement to have a bigger penis. An investigation determined he died from a silicone embolism from the procedure. Rivera has been charged with manslaughter for the death. Investigators believe others may have been affected by similar unsafe procedures. Street’s mother says she came forward to tell the story, so that other men would avoid having the procedures. She fears there are other men who are suffering in silence while dealing with life-long injuries from penile injections.
The procedures are happening just as often outside of the United States. Doctors in Thailand say 30-40 men are admitted into hospitals after undergoing illegal penis enhancement surgeries.
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In 2012, a Thai man was diagnosed with penile cancer years after receiving a black market penile injection of olive oil. The unidentified patient said three years after receiving the procedure the tip of his penis began to show signs of infection, which resulted in him being circumcised. However, the infections were recurring until doctors informed him of the cancer diagnosis. The man may have to have his penis removed to repair the damage done by the procedure.
Stories about penile silicone injections may be minor compared to those about breast, hips, and butt enhancements. Yet 50 percent of men admit they are dissatisfied with their penis size according to Bjui International. The study also concluded that penis size is often not a deal breaker for most women.
“If there were a legitimate method for penile lengthening, Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer would have bought it up and made billions and billions of dollars worldwide,” said Dr. Daniel S. Elliott, an associate professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, NY. “The fact that they don’t means it does not exist.”