NYC Plastic Surgeon Offers $20K 'S.W.A.G.' Procedure to Boost Penis Size

The controversial treatment injects hyaluronic acid fillers to increase girth and length, but comes with risks and requires 'molding' the penis after the procedure.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Dr. David Shafer, a Manhattan plastic surgeon, has been offering a $10,000 to $20,000 'S.W.A.G.' (Shafer Width And Girth) procedure that injects hyaluronic acid fillers into the penis to increase its size. The procedure, which has been performed over 8,000 times, can boost both girth and flaccid length, though patients must 'mold' the penis in the days after the injection to ensure an even distribution of the filler. While Shafer says most patients report high satisfaction, the procedure does carry risks like vascular occlusion and contour abnormalities that require additional treatment.

Why it matters

The rise of the 'S.W.A.G.' procedure highlights the lengths some men will go to enhance their sexual attributes, despite the potential risks. It also speaks to the societal pressures and insecurities many men face around penis size and masculinity. The procedure's popularity raises questions about the ethics of cosmetic genital procedures, access to healthcare, and how to ensure patient safety in this sensitive area of medicine.

The details

The S.W.A.G. procedure takes about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes for numbing and 10-20 minutes for the actual injection of hyaluronic acid filler underneath the skin of the penis. Shafer uses the stiffest form of hyaluronic acid, which is FDA-approved for jawline augmentation. The primary effect is increased girth, but patients also often see a boost in flaccid length as the weight of the filler stretches the skin. However, the filler only lasts about 2 years and needs to be 'topped off' with about a third to half of the original amount. Shafer says he sees a range of initial penis sizes, from small to above average, but 'nobody's ever satisfied with what they have.' Patients are advised not to have penetrative sex for the first week after the procedure to avoid shifting the filler, and they must actively 'mold' the penis during that time to ensure an even distribution.

  • Shafer started offering the S.W.A.G. procedure about 8 years ago, after a patient asked if he could have filler injected into his penis.
  • The procedure typically needs to be 'topped off' with maintenance injections every 6-12 months.

The players

Dr. David Shafer

A Manhattan plastic surgeon who pioneered the 'S.W.A.G.' penis enhancement procedure, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid fillers to increase girth and length.

38-year-old airport worker

A patient of Shafer's who said his penis grew 2-3 times thicker after the S.W.A.G. procedure, boosting his self-confidence.

48-year-old finance worker

A Long Island patient of Shafer's who said the S.W.A.G. procedure was a 'huge confidence boost' and created a more 'substantial' presence, despite some initial hesitation about the procedure.

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What they’re saying

“Our inquiries usually come in around 2 a.m. Patients, I think, late at night are Googling, 'How can I increase the size of my penis?'”

— Dr. David Shafer, Plastic Surgeon (usa-times.news)

“I felt a little bit more confident in talking to people. The last thing you ever want to feel in the back of your head is that you're, like, inadequate. And I felt like it helped a lot with that.”

— 38-year-old airport worker (usa-times.news)

“The worst part for most people, including me, is simply taking that first step because our imaginations can make it seem much more intimidating than it really is.”

— 48-year-old finance worker (usa-times.news)

What’s next

Shafer praised the potential of upcoming hyaluronic acid plastic biostimulators, which are designed to stimulate the body to grow its own tissue to support, firm and tighten the injection site. He believes these new products could lead to 'much more long-lasting and natural results' for penis enhancement procedures.

The takeaway

The rise of the 'S.W.A.G.' penis enhancement procedure highlights the complex societal pressures and insecurities many men face around their sexual attributes. While the procedure offers a way to boost size and confidence for some, it also raises ethical questions and underscores the need for safe, ethical, and well-regulated cosmetic genital procedures that prioritize patient wellbeing.