Frenuloplasty – Frenulotomy

Some men experience discomfort or pain during an erection or sexual intercourse due to a very tight or short frenulum (frenulum breve). In most cases, this is congenital but can also be acquired later in life due to certain inflammatory conditions or trauma.

Frenulotomy is a procedure that relieves the tension of the frenulum and addresses the resulting symptoms. Contrary to some men’s concerns, frenulotomy is not the same as circumcision and does not alter the appearance of the foreskin.

What is frenulotomy?

Frenulotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the frenulum, the thin fold of skin connecting the glans (head) of the penis to the inner layer of the foreskin.

The procedure is performed by a urologist who transversely cuts the frenulum and then stitches it longitudinally in a new, extended position using absorbable sutures that dissolve on their own within a few weeks.

This procedure extends the gap between the foreskin and the glans penis and relieves the tension of the frenulum. It is a routine procedure lasting about 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia – an anesthetic is injected into the frenulum area. The patient is discharged home immediately after the procedure.

A short frenulum may sometimes be accompanied by phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is too tight to retract, which requires a more comprehensive treatment approach. In such cases, frenulotomy may be performed as part of a phimosis surgery.

If the only issue is a short frenulum, frenulotomy can completely resolve the symptoms while preserving the foreskin and not affecting its appearance.

Who is a candidate for frenulotomy?

Men with a tight or short frenulum can usually identify the issue by the discomfort experienced when retracting the foreskin over the glans. During an erection or sexual intercourse, this discomfort can often turn into pain. Symptoms of a tight frenulum may include:

1. Discomfort or pain during an erection or intercourse. The increased tension of the frenulum during an erection can cause pain and discomfort.
2. Bleeding during intercourse. Increased tension can cause small tears or complete rupture of the frenulum, leading to pain and bleeding. If this occurs, the bleeding area should be disinfected with a 3% boric acid solution.
3. Abnormal curvature of the glans penis. A short frenulum can cause the glans to curve downward unnaturally during an erection.
4. Difficulty retracting the foreskin. This issue may be noticed only during an erection or even in a relaxed state depending on the degree of tension.
5. Premature ejaculation. Excessive tension may cause increased sensitivity and lead to premature ejaculation. Extending the frenulum can reduce this sensitivity, potentially resolving the issue.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a urologist for a clinical examination and recommendation for the procedure. Although some discomfort or fear regarding the examination or procedure may be present,

it is important not to delay seeing a doctor as frequent tears or ruptures of the frenulum can lead to scar tissue formation, worsening the tension, and causing sexual dysfunction.

Preparation for frenulotomy

A medical examination by a urologist is necessary before the procedure, which will be recommended based on symptoms. No special preparation is required.

Recovery from frenulotomy

Recovery from frenulotomy is relatively quick and painless, typically lasting about a week. Mild swelling and bleeding at the site of the incision are expected.

During the first few days, extra care should be taken with hygiene around the stitches, and strenuous physical activities, including heavy lifting, should be avoided. Sexual activity should be avoided for 2–4 weeks until the swelling subsides and the incision heals completely.

Risks of frenulotomy

In very rare cases, complications may include:

• Prolonged bleeding and swelling
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Infection of the surgical site
• Scar tissue formation
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic or functional results

Cost of frenulotomy

For information on the cost of the procedure, please click the link.

For any additional questions or to schedule an appointment with our urologist, please contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or email us at info@sinteza.hr.

To book an appointment directly, click on the link.

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Client documents

• Što sve trebate znati prije operacije
• Kako se pripremiti za zahvat u općoj anesteziji