While Thailand is seeing a surge in men going in for penis whitening surgeries, doctors have warned people paying for the expensive procedure that the treatment risks infertility and its effects are temporary.
Last month saw more than 100 men making a pilgrimage to The Lelux Hospital in Bangkok which began offering the unconventional treatment six months ago.
After a surge in the its popularity experts have warned the procedure could cause infection scarring and, in rare case, infertility.
Director of Thailand's Department of Medical Services Dr Mingkwan Wichaidit said that a penis is bound to return to its natural color since the human body will continue to produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its distinct tone.
This means that over time it will reverse the expensive laser treatment.
However, side effects, she added, could include infection and serious scarring.
Dr. Mingkwan noted there was still no evidence to suggest the process was 100 per cent safe on any kind of genital area.
To further it all, Deputy director of the Health Service Support Department Dr. Thongchai Teerahattayakorn added that penis whitening could potentially affect men's fertility.
In fact, the department had instructed officials to investigate whether The Lelux Hospital had violated the Sanatorium Act which prevents private medical institutes from using a third party to advertise on their behalf.
The procedure got wide play on Thai television and social media on Thursday after the hospital released images of a man undergoing the treatment.
'We have to be careful because it's a sensitive part of the body,' Bunthita said, adding most clients are aged between 22 and 55, with many from Thailand's LGBTQ community.
The whitening service costs around £480 for five sessions.
