What is frenuloplasty, and when is it recommended?

The frenulum is a little fold of skin under the tip of the penis, and about two to three per cent of men have a problem with this. They might find that this area becomes tight and that it causes restriction. The only option when the entire penis becomes severely scarred is to undergo a complete circumcision. Problems with the frenulum can lead to scarring all over the penis.

How is frenuloplasty performed, and is it painful?

I typically perform frenuloplasty under a local anaesthetic. It’s a very simply little operation where we move a few little skin flaps around. We do it in an outpatient centre. There is minimal pain for around two or three seconds, and the procedure takes around 25 minutes. 95% per cent of men will find that this procedure cures the problem with their frenulum, and so they won’t require circumcision.

What are the potential risks and complications associated with frenuloplasty?

The risk of bleeding is miniscule. Minor infection is relatively common in genital operations. Usually, about one in 20 will suffer from a slight infection after a frenuloplasty. We deal with this by giving antibiotic cream. When frenuloplasty surgery fails, then we usually carry out a circumcision. It is again minor procedure with a very high success rate. It also provides a decent cosmetic outcome if done by an expert.

The only downsides are a few days of discomfort, a small chance of infection and that you cannot have sex for at least six weeks after undergoing a circumcision (frenuloplasty needs the same time off games!)

What is the recovery process like after frenuloplasty surgery?

It is very simple. You can go home immediately after. Painkillers are normally not required. We normally ask our patients to wash their foreskin two to three times a day.

How long does it take to see the results of frenuloplasty, and are there any post-operative care instructions to follow?

Normally, we get about two to three centimetres of lengthening of the frenulum. It takes a number of months for a surgical scar to mature. It takes about six to nine months following any penile surgery for the penis to get to how it is going to be for the rest of the man’s life.