Background

GroTox® is Botulinum Toxin for Growers to address the hyperactive retraction reflex of the penis i.e. excessive shrinkage. GroTox® was introduced October 28th, 2019 in an Instagram post on Leonardo Medicine. This procedure predated Magnym™ which was released in September of 2021 and Bocox/Priapus Toxin™ which debuted in the summer of 2022. Dr. Leonardo was the main contributor of Magnym™ for which he recorded lectures and demonstration videos. Dr. Leonardo has since parted ways with the group. GroTox® is the registered name of Dr. Leonardo's technique in Canada. GroTox® has been registered in the US and other countries but have no connection with Dr. Leonardo. Technique and outcomes may be inferior despite the similar names. Only those trained and licensed by Dr. Leonardo are permitted to use the term GroTox® in Canada.

GrowTox®, on the other hand, is a USPTO registered mark for Tier3 Media, a marketing advisory service in the field of aesthetics. GrowTox® has nothing to do with Penile Neurotoxin. Use of this mark without licensure is in violation of the USPTO registration in the United States. Use of Growtox or Grow-Tox in Canada is also prohibited as it is clearly an imitation of the registered mark GroTox®.

How Does Grotox® Work And What Can It Treat?

Botulinum Toxin or Neuromodulators have been traditionally used as anti-wrinkle treatment for the face. Their use for the penis seems counterintuitive until one understands the mechanism of action. The product is injected into the corpus cavernosa, the chambers within the penis that accepts blood to engorge the penis during an erection. The corpora (plural for corpus) contain an abundance of blood vessels which possess smooth muscles which contract and dilate.

Botulinum toxin relaxes muscles for several weeks to months depending on the dose. When the smooth muscles of the corporal blood vessels relax, a low pressure system develops which allows for increased blood flow velocity and blood volume. When the erection subsides the vascular blood vessels are unable to contract fully to eliminate the blood from the corpora leaving behind residual blood. In a sense, the penis is in a perpetual state of semi-engorgement. If the penis has 50-75% blood volume remaining in the penis at baseline, only 25-50% more blood volume is required to achieve a full erection. The residual blood within the penis also acts to weigh the penis down allowing for a longer flaccid length and better hang.

Physiologically, an autonomic nervous system sympathetic tone is required to achieve an orgasm. Botulinum toxin has an anti-sympathetic response which is effective in delaying orgasm in those who suffer from premature ejaculation. Hence, sexual endurance is improved.

In summary, GroTox® has proven to be helpful in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, Shrinkage, and Premature Ejaculation. GroTox® can be efficacious as monotherapy in some individuals. In addition, GroTox® is a fantastic option for combination therapy as it can enhance the results of other treatment options like the P-Shot®, PDE5 inhibitors, and Pulse Acoustic Wave Therapy.

What Can I Expect During My Appointment?

Consultation is always required prior to treatment to obtain pertinent medical history, to conduct a thorough physical examination, and to understand your goals. Photographs will be taken as part of your medical record to document your baseline appearance. Your face and name are not associated with the images. Treatment options, dosing, limitations, risks, and benefits will be discussed based on your diagnosis.

Ideally the hair on the shaft of your penis should be trimmed or shaved for better absorption of the topical anaesthetic cream that is applied to the treatment area. After 20min the skin of the treatment area is cleansed with an antiseptic solution. Then the product is injected using very fine needles. There are only 4 injection sites. Most patients are comfortable during the procedure as it is not painful.

Follow Up appointments are scheduled 2 weeks after treatment. Photographs will be taken to assess improvement. Additional dosing can be administered if necessary.

What Are The Associated Risks?

As with any injection technique, bleeding, bruising, and swelling are to be expected, but often minor since tiny needles are used. There is a potential for systemic side effects resembling Botulism, but we have not seen this in our practice. Priapism is unlikely as it results from a different mechanism of action. Nerve injury could result if someone who is unfamiliar with penile anatomy performs the procedure.

What Are The Post-Care Instructions?

Abstain from intercourse or masturbation for 72hrs after treatment. Unlike the face where Botulinum toxin is injected into the skin, dermis, or muscle, GroTox® is injected into a vascular structure. The product is thought to linger within the corpora. Squeezing or pressure may clear residual product out of the penis prior to its complete binding to the receptor sites. Keep the injection sites clean until the skin has closed to prevent infection. Do not submerge into a tub or lake water for about 48hrs.

Will My Penis Look Unnatural? What Can I Expect?

Most likely you will look like “You, Only Bigger”. You may notice changes as early as 3-5 days but the effects will peak at about 10-14 days. The benefits may last 3-6 months depending on dosing and severity of retractions.

Outcomes are very natural in appearance and texture. There is no lumpiness. You may notice your penis hanging better with less “turtle-heading”. Often you may stretch your penis out of retraction and notice it stays outstretched for longer periods of time. Results and success will vary from person to person. Response, duration, and dosing may also vary depending on the season. Retractions are much worse during the colder months.

Can I See Before And After Photos?

Yes, we have a gallery of before and after photos available for you to view. These images showcase the results that can be achieved with GroTox® treatment. Please keep in mind that individual results may vary.