Pearly Penile Papule Removal

Also known as hirsuitoid papillomas or papillomatosis, PPPs are common, and not a medical concern for men. In fact, anyone can get them! Research estimates that between 14% to 48% of males have PPP, although, in certain populations, the percentages may be higher. ⁽¹⁾ Despite this, intimate partners may not be familiar with them, they may cause self-consciousness, and men may wish to remove them permanently. 

In a simple procedure at Alvarado La Mesa Urology Center, board-certified urologist Dr. Mo Bidair can treat PPP simply and effectively. To speak with him in person at an individual consultation, please get in touch by calling (619) 486-5005.

Before and After Photos

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About Pearly Penile Papules

Not all penis bumps are the same. A papule is a raised area of skin that’s less than 1 mm in diameter. Pearly penile papules usually develop in adolescence or adulthood. They are rarely found in children and are less common in elderly men. ⁽²⁾ They are most commonly found encircling the glans in small groups or rows. 

Unfortunately, due to their appearance and location, some people commonly mistake pearly penile papules as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a disease when they are nothing of the sort. They are just a different way that the skin has developed in the area. These small bumps do not contain a plug like acne or fluid like a cyst, and they’re not contagious. They are also not the same as skin tags. So what exactly are PPPs?

Pearly Penile Papules:

• Are whitish-pink, sometimes yellowish
• Are raised and round
• Have a “pearly” sheen
• Form around the corona (penis head)
• Very small, can be different sizes
• Benign (non-cancerous)

Why Do Some Men Get PPP and Some Don’t?

Although it’s unclear why some men develop pearly penile papules and some don’t, there are certain circumstances that make them more likely to appear. Researchers have identified that PPPs may be more common in uncircumcised men. Although it was originally thought that the papules developed due to a buildup of smegma (sebaceous secretion) in uncircumcised men, this has since been disproven. It is now thought that roughly 22% of uncircumcised men and 12% of circumcised men have PPPs. ⁽³⁾

Men’s Sexual Health

Your health is of utmost importance. PPPs are not serious, but they may resemble other conditions that do require medical intervention. If you’re not sure if you have PPP or not, it’s best to see a urologist for an assessment. Other medical conditions can present in similar ways such as:

Genital Warts – Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be present in clusters around the genitals. Only 10% of those who contract the virus will get symptoms of genital warts, although HPV is known to cause cancer in men and women ⁽³⁾ Although a cure for HPV is yet to be found, people with genital warts can receive treatment to remove them

Molluscum Contagiosum – A painless viral STI that causes raised bumps following skin-to-skin contact. Although molluscum contagiosum can look similar to PPPs, the bumps are usually larger, and can sometimes be itchy. Treatment can reduce the duration of infection, but the condition usually resolves on its own.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia – Caused by too much sebum produced by oil glands. Unlike pearly penile papules, this condition can occur in other parts of the body, including the shaft of the penis.

Dr. Bidair can assess your condition and determine if you have pearly penile papules or a different condition at a personal consultation. You can reach his office in La Mesa by calling (619) 486-5005.

Benefits of Pearly Penile Papule Removal

There are different methods to remove pearly penile papules. It is done on an outpatient basis, so it is convenient for men with busy schedules. Studies confirm that papule size is one of the leading concerns in men with PPPs. As many as two-thirds of males with moderate-to-large pearly penile papules have concerns about their lesions. The remaining one-third of study patients had smaller papules, and were less concerned. ⁽²⁾ PPP can sometimes resemble STIs like genital warts, which can lead to less than comfortable conversations and reassurances with an intimate partner. PPP removal can help men to feel more confident in the appearance of their penis. This, too, can have an equally positive effect on intimate relationships and self-confidence. 

Candidates

Candidates for pearly penile papule removal can be circumcised or uncircumcised. Generally, men who want them removed can do so easily if they are in good general health, and do not have any other conditions that would affect the success of their treatment. To take the next step, please arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Bidair to discuss your needs.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Bidair is a urological health expert and leading genital cosmetic surgeon in Southern California. We invite you to set up an individual consultation at his San Diego office to discuss your individual needs regarding pearly penile papules. He will perform an examination to determine the presence of PPPs and ask you some questions related to your sexual health and overall health. Once he has performed this examination, and you have explained why you want to remove your PPPs, he will assess your candidacy and arrange your treatment date if it is a good fit for your needs.

Further questions about circumcision? Check out our FAQ page for more details.

Procedure

Pearly penile papule removal is conducted using local anesthesia for your comfort. A straightforward removal procedure involves using the device to target and vaporize each papule with minute precision. Dr. Bidair will skillfully address problem areas to achieve a smoother appearance to the skin. The procedure is incredibly short compared to most cosmetic surgeries, but the duration of your treatment will depend, in part, on the number of papules for removal.

Recovery

Recovery from a laser pearly penile papule removal procedure usually only requires a few days of aftercare. Depending on your circumstances, and whether another procedure, such as circumcision, is planned, patients may require individualized treatment plans. Dr. Bidair will provide you with full written details about preparation, procedure, and aftercare at your personal consultation.

Cost of Pearly Penile Papule Removal in Southern California

The cost of your pearly penile papule removal treatment will be determined at your personal consultation. As each patient has individual requirements, we accommodate patients based on those needs, so treatment costs may vary. To book your personal consultation with Dr. Bidair at Alvarado La Mesa Urology Center, call (619) 486-5005 or fill out our online form for further details.

Check out Dr. Bidair’s blog for the latest news in circumcision, men’s urological health, and men’s wellness. If you cannot make it to us in person, please see our phone consult page for more information.

FAQ

References

1. Aldahan, A. S., Brah, T. K., & Nouri, K. (2016). Diagnosis and Management of Pearly Penile Papules. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(3), 624–627. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316654138 
2. Badri, T., & Ramsey, M. L. (2020). Pearly Penile Papule. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442028/ 
3. What causes pearly penile papules (PPP)? (n.d.). Www.medscape.com. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://www.medscape.com/answers/1058826-32239/what-causes-pearly-penile-papules-ppp