Frenuloplasty
Some men can experience discomfort during sex due to a tight or short frenulum (where the foreskin meets the underside of your penis).
Frenuloplasty
Some men can experience discomfort during sex due to a tight or short frenulum (where the foreskin meets the underside of your penis).
Key Points
Surgery at a Glance
- Surgery Time: 30 - 60 minutes
- Hospital Stay: day case
- Light Exercise: 7 days
- Full Recovery: 4 - 6 weeks
Procedure Time:
30 - 60 minutes
Hospital Stay:
day case
Light Exercise:
7 days
Fully Recovered:
4 - 6 weeks
Procedure Time:
30 - 60 minutes
Hospital Stay:
day case
Light Exercise:
7 days
Fully Recovered:
4 - 6 weeks
Frenuloplasty Surgery in Detail
This procedure is designed to resolve the issues caused by a frenulum which is too short or tight. It involves a small incision made in the frenulum to allow more flexibility and freedom of movement. The frenulum is then stretched to a more comfortable position. It can reduce discomfort and improve sexual function.
For those suffering from pain and discomfort associated with their frenulum, this procedure could offer the following benefits:
- Reduced pain during erections or sex
- Improved sexual function
- Foreskin remains intact
- May help stop the penis bending
- Enhanced quality of life.
Frenuloplasty is also considered a minimally-invasive surgery that’s typically performed under local anaesthetic, meaning reduced downtime and a minimal recovery.
There are risks and side effects associated with all types of surgery. Those associated with frenuloplasty can include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Tenderness at incision site
- Tightness returning to the foreskin due to scar tissue
- A result that isn’t in line with cosmetic goals.
This procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning that you’ll be awake throughout, but the area surrounding your penis will be numbed to minimise discomfort.
Once the area is numbed, your surgeon will begin by making a small incision on the underside of your penis, just where it meets the foreskin – this is your frenulum. The incision will release it so that they can restitch it lengthways to make it longer. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches and the area is loosely dressed to protect the wound.
If you have discomfort during erections or sex due to a tight or shortened frenulum (frenulum breve), you might benefit from this procedure. During your detailed consultation with your Patient Advocate, they will discuss your symptoms, medical history and goals to determine which procedure might benefit you most.
You should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. When you do return home, you should rest and try not to move around too much, as you’ll have some pain, bruising and swelling around your penis. Over-the-counter painkillers will help with this.
For the first few weeks, you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise, sex and heavy lifting. You should be able to get back to your other daily activities within a few days. Any dissolvable stitches will disappear within 2-3 weeks, and you should feel back to normal within this time, too.
From Our Team
Your Journey
Step 1
Our surgeon assistant will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video discussion. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Step 2
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
Step 3
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a theatre or clinical room, based on its type. Afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
Step 4
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our surgical assistant is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Our surgeon assistant will guide you to a suitable surgeon for a video discussion. Should you choose to move forward, we will arrange a pre-surgery meeting, depending on your medical history.
Being in good health is vital for surgery. We’ll arrange a pre-surgery check with our nurses to ensure you’re ready and right for the procedure.
On your surgery day at SUR, we’ll ensure your comfort as we prepare. Your procedure will occur in a theatre or clinical room, based on its type. Afterwards, you’ll rest in a recovery area or room. Once you’re recovering well, you can head home.
At SUR, we prioritise outstanding aftercare. After your procedure, we’ll support you throughout. We’ll schedule check-ins to track your recovery, and our surgical assistant is on hand for any post-operative guidance.
Frenuloplasty FAQ's
Although this will depend on your own rate of healing and your surgeon’s recommendation, most patients will need to wait around 4-6 weeks before engaging in sexual activity again. This allows the site to heal properly and any swelling or pain to dissipate.
Most people will need to take some time off work after their frenuloplasty. The exact time frame will depend on your rate of healing and how physical your job is.
The procedure is performed under anaesthetic, and so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. You might have some pain and discomfort following the procedure, but this will disappear as you heal.