What Is the Priapus Shot (P-Shot)? NYC PRP Injection by Dr. Heller

What Is the Priapus Shot (P-Shot)? NYC PRP Injection by Dr. Heller

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon | 35+ Years Experience | Last Updated: May 2026

The Priapus Shot, or P-Shot, is a non-surgical PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection developed for penile rejuvenation. PRP is drawn from the patient’s own blood, processed, and injected into the penile shaft to stimulate growth factors that may improve sensitivity, firmness, and modest girth. The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes, results emerge over 2 to 12 weeks, and most patients return for repeat treatments every 12 to 18 months. The Priapus Shot is a registered trademark of Charles Runels, MD.

“After performing thousands of P-Shot procedures over 16 years, I tell patients the P-Shot works best as part of a layered protocol, not in isolation. Combined with low-volume HA filler or as a sensation-and-firmness adjunct after silicone sleeve implant, results are far more predictable than the shot alone.”

, Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon, NYC

What Is the Priapus Shot?

The Priapus Shot (P-Shot) is a non-surgical injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) developed by Charles Runels, MD. PRP is a concentrated form of the patient’s own blood plasma containing growth factors that stimulate tissue healing and remodeling. Originally developed in orthopedic and aesthetic medicine, PRP has been adapted for penile rejuvenation as a way to improve sensitivity, erection firmness, and modest girth without surgery.

For patients who want a non-surgical option for penile enhancement and rejuvenation, the P-Shot sits alongside HA dermal filler as one of the two most common in-office procedures. For booking and procedural specifics, see Dr. Heller’s P-Shot procedure page.

How the P-Shot Procedure Works

The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes total in the office:

  1. Blood draw. A standard blood draw of approximately 30 to 60 mL is taken from the arm, similar to a routine lab draw.
  2. PRP processing. The blood is centrifuged to separate platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells and other components. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Topical numbing. A topical anesthetic is applied to the penile shaft to minimize sensation during injection. Numbing takes about 15 minutes.
  4. Injection. PRP is injected into specific zones of the shaft using a fine-gauge needle. Typical injection time is 5 to 10 minutes.

Most patients return to normal activity the same day. Sexual activity is typically resumed within 3 to 7 days. Mild bruising or pinpoint redness for 1 to 2 days is the most common post-procedure experience.

Treatment Schedule and Maintenance

Session When Purpose
Session 1 Week 0 Initial PRP injection
Session 2 (if combined protocol) Week 6 to 8 Reinforcement injection
Maintenance Every 12 to 18 months Top-up injection to keep results stable

Most patients see meaningful results from a single P-Shot, then return for maintenance. Layered protocols (P-Shot combined with HA filler or silicone sleeve implant) often include a reinforcement injection 6 to 8 weeks after the first session.

Results Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

Time What patients typically notice
Week 1 Mild swelling subsides; immediate sensitivity changes possible
Week 4 Improved firmness as growth factors activate
Week 8 to 12 Collagen remodel; sensitivity and modest girth peak
6 months Mature result; maintenance window opens at 12 to 18 months
12 to 18 months Consider a top-up injection

Who Is a Good Candidate for the P-Shot?

Most adult men in reasonable health are candidates for the P-Shot. The procedure is most often chosen by men who want:

  • Improved sensitivity or firmness without surgical recovery
  • A non-surgical adjunct alongside other procedures (HA filler, silicone sleeve implant)
  • An option that uses their own biology rather than synthetic implants
  • Modest girth gain combined with sensation improvement

The P-Shot is generally not the right choice for men seeking dramatic girth or length gain alone; HA filler is more effective for visible girth, and silicone sleeve implant or ligament release for length. Patients with certain blood disorders, active infection, or specific contraindications may not be candidates and should review their medical history at consultation.

Side Effects and Risks

Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare. Most reported side effects are mild and short-lived:

  • Mild bruising or pinpoint redness for 1 to 2 days
  • Brief soreness at injection sites
  • Temporary swelling that resolves within a week
  • Minor sensitivity changes during the first 1 to 2 weeks

More serious complications are uncommon when PRP is performed by a qualified provider. Patients with bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners should review medication timing with their physician.

P-Shot vs Other Non-Surgical and Surgical Options

Procedure Primary effect Downtime (sex) Permanence
P-Shot (PRP) Sensitivity, firmness, modest girth 3 to 7 days Maintenance every 12 to 18 mo
HA dermal filler Girth (0.5 to 1.0 in/session) 5 to 7 days Semi-permanent with maintenance
Silicone sleeve implant Length and girth (permanent) 6 weeks Permanent
Suspensory ligament release Length (1.5 to 2 in perceived) 4 to 6 weeks Permanent
Fat transfer Girth (modest, ~60 to 70% survival) 4 to 6 weeks Permanent

For a complete cost overview across all options, see our cost guide. For length vs girth strategy, see our length vs girth guide.

Visit Dr. Elliot Heller for the P-Shot in Manhattan, Staten Island, or NJ

If you’re considering the P-Shot, Dr. Elliot Heller, MD, FACS, sees patients at three offices serving the broader NY/NJ metro:

  • Manhattan (primary): Lenox Hill, NYC
  • Staten Island
  • New Jersey

We serve patients from the Upper East Side, Midtown East, Murray Hill, Lenox Hill, Tribeca, Park Slope, Williamsburg, and the broader NY/NJ region. Schedule a confidential P-Shot consultation at 866-477-2023 or our contact page. To book directly, visit Dr. Heller’s P-Shot procedure page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the P-Shot work?

The P-Shot uses platelet-rich plasma drawn from the patient’s own blood. PRP is well-established in orthopedic and aesthetic medicine for tissue rejuvenation. For penile rejuvenation, peer-reviewed studies are smaller and ongoing. In our practice, most patients report meaningful improvements in sensitivity and firmness within 8 to 12 weeks, with modest girth as a secondary effect. Results are most predictable when combined with HA filler or vascular optimization.

How long does the Priapus Shot last?

P-Shot results typically last 12 to 18 months, with growth-factor activity peaking at 8 to 12 weeks and gradually fading. Most patients return for a maintenance injection every 12 to 18 months to keep results stable. Some patients combine the P-Shot with other procedures (HA filler, silicone sleeve implant) for layered, longer-lasting outcomes.

How many P-Shots will I need?

Most patients see meaningful results from a single P-Shot injection, then return for maintenance every 12 to 18 months. Some protocols include a reinforcement injection at week 6 to 8 after the first session, particularly when the P-Shot is combined with other procedures. Dr. Heller reviews the right cadence at consultation based on goals and response.

Is the P-Shot painful?

The P-Shot is generally well-tolerated. A topical numbing agent is applied before injection, and the needle used for PRP injection is fine-gauge. Most patients describe brief mild pressure or pinching during injection rather than sharp pain. The blood draw beforehand is similar to a routine lab draw. Mild soreness or light bruising for 1 to 2 days is the most common post-procedure experience.

Is the P-Shot FDA approved?

The P-Shot uses PRP, which is regulated by the FDA as part of the patient’s own blood. PRP preparation systems are FDA-cleared as Class II medical devices for processing the patient’s own blood. The injection of PRP into the penis specifically is an off-label cosmetic application. PRP for sexual medicine is widely used in clinical practice but not formally FDA-approved as a treatment indication.

How much does the P-Shot cost?

P-Shot pricing is reviewed confidentially during consultation. National peer-published ranges for PRP penile injection typically run between $1,500 and $2,500 per session, with variation based on geography, surgeon experience, and combined-procedure packages. For a comprehensive cost overview across all male enhancement options, see our cost guide.

How fast does the P-Shot work?

Some patients report immediate sensitivity changes within days of injection. Functional results (firmness, modest girth) typically emerge over 2 to 12 weeks as growth factors stimulate collagen remodel. Peak results are usually visible at 8 to 12 weeks. The P-Shot is not an immediate-result procedure like HA filler; it works on the body’s own healing timeline.

Can the P-Shot be combined with other procedures?

Yes. The P-Shot is often combined with HA dermal filler (for girth alongside sensitivity), with silicone sleeve implant (as a sensation-and-firmness adjunct after implant placement), and with vascular optimization (smoking cessation, cardiovascular fitness) for compounding effect. Dr. Heller frequently designs layered protocols at consultation tailored to each patient’s goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Priapus Shot is a registered trademark of Charles Runels, MD. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Individual results vary.

BY Dr. Elliot Heller, MD | January/21/2024
Make an Appointment 866-477-2023