Surgery is typically reserved for men whose penises don't function normally because of a birth defect or injury. At best, surgery such as division of the suspensory ligament may add half an inch to the appearance of the flaccid penis but does not change actual length of the penis. At worst, surgery can result in complications such as infection, scarring, and loss of sensation or function. Stretching involves attaching a stretcher or extender device — also referred to as a penile traction device — to the penis to exert gentle tension. Sometimes called jelqing, these exercises use a hand-over-hand motion to push blood from the base to the head of the penis.