In Thailand, a “White” Bootleg Trend is Making Heads Turn and Wounds Heal
Picture this: a queue of 100 men a month lining up at a Bangkok clinic, hoping to brighten their penises with laser, acid, or chemical wizardry. The price tag? About $650 (roughly 520 euros) for five laser sessions. Suddenly, a seemingly harmless cosmetic fad is being called a phallic fashion experiment with all the upside‑down outcomes of a bad hair dye.
Why are surgeons sounding the alarm?
- Massimiliano Brambilla, a Milanese plastic surgeon who deals with genital work, warned that “unnecessary whitening” could lead to burns, scars, or worse—an unintended darker or spotted shaft.
- “These substances are aggressive,” Brambilla added, noting that even his few three refusals in a 15‑year career were a big deal.
Global context: Is this the new hot trend?
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Thailand ranked 21st worldwide for cosmetic procedures in 2016—showcasing a boom in “genital beautification.” Meanwhile, labiaplasty surged 45% from the previous year, suggesting a worldwide hunger for a more “pornographic” body aesthetic.
Expert take: A view beyond the flash
- Fabien Boucher, a Lyonian plastic surgeon, doubts the science and calls the trend a result of society’s “pornographisation.” He insists most male genitalia are naturally darker, and that these whitening procedures produce an unnatural white look that stands out like a neon sign.
- Boucher also points out that penile skin is different from facial skin—thin, sensitive, and currently lacking specialised bleaching products. Without deeper research, the risks linger.
Warnings from the Thai Ministry of Health
The government cautions that even mild irritation could lead to infections or potentially hamper sexual pleasure and fertility. “Honestly, I don’t think they should be doing it,” echoes Boucher, urging doctors to wait for proper safety data.
Beyond whitening: The rise of safer alternatives
While “penis enlargement” saw a 28% drop in 2016, the rise of less invasive booster techniques shows medical professionals are leaning toward methods that promise both safety and realistic results.
