Frenuloplasty Corrects the Frenulum of the Penis: Tissue that Connects the Foreskin to the Glans
Frenuloplasty is indicated when a man cannot pull back the foreskin and expose the head of the penis. With the procedure, this movement becomes possible again, and the man regains quality of life. Learn more about this surgery.
Frenuloplasty is the surgery that repairs a short frenulum.
Known as the frenulum, the frenulum of the penis is the tissue that connects the foreskin to the glans. It covers the head of the penis and is a natural structure in men who have not undergone circumcision, and it has the following functions:
- Protection: By covering the glans, the frenulum of the penis keeps the foreskin in the correct position. This prevents the glans from being irritated during masturbation and sexual intercourse.
- Stability and mobility: The frenulum helps the foreskin move smoothly over the glans. This way, the foreskin is not pulled forcefully, and the man does not feel pain.
However, some men have a short frenulum. The main sign is being unable to expose the head of the penis or feeling pressure when doing so. Other warning signs include:
- Inability to pull the foreskin back over the glans;
- Glans bending down when the foreskin is pulled back;
- Discomfort during sex.
In the presence of these signs, frenuloplasty is indicated. Learn more below.
What is Frenuloplasty?
Frenuloplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that involves cutting and suturing the frenulum of the penis. Performed by a urologist, the procedure lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Like any surgery, it requires anesthesia, which in this case, is local.
It is important to remember that frenuloplasty is different from postectomy.
Postectomy is the circumcision surgery. It is one of the most common procedures in urology and involves removing excess skin from the foreskin.
When is Frenuloplasty Surgery Indicated?
The two main indications for frenuloplasty are for patients who experience:
- Pain/discomfort during erection;
- Risk of frenulum tearing;
Men with a short frenulum may feel pain or discomfort during erection. This is because when penile blood flow increases, the frenulum stretches, and the foreskin retracts to expose the glans.
If the man has a short frenulum, the foreskin does not retract properly and becomes tense. This tension causes the head of the penis to be pulled outward against the foreskin and frenulum.
Frenulum tearing also requires frenuloplasty surgery. Tearing can occur during sexual intercourse and masturbation.
Reducing the risk of infections is another reason for the procedure. In cases of a short frenulum, secretions may accumulate, especially in phimosis and excess foreskin situations.
Can a Short Frenulum Cause Penile Curvature?
Short frenulum and penile curvature are related. If the frenulum is shortened, it can cause excessive tension during erection. This situation causes irregular stretching and tenses the base of the penis, which, in turn, prevents the penis from becoming fully erect. The result is curvature.
Sometimes, a man may try to “fix” this on his own. However, attempting to adjust the genitals can lead to trauma.
Over time, these traumas can lead to inflammation or scar tissue, affecting the shape of the penis and leading to Peyronie’s Disease.
Therefore, at any sign of abnormality in the genitals, the man should consult a urologist for an evaluation.
How is Frenuloplasty Performed?
Frenuloplasty is a simple surgical procedure performed in an outpatient setting or surgical center. Regardless of the location, a urologist is the professional with the technical knowledge to perform it.
There is no pain in frenuloplasty surgery because the patient receives local anesthesia.
Preparation for Surgery
Fasting is not necessary. However, preparation for frenuloplasty surgery includes items that cannot be neglected:
1. Preoperative tests
The urologist may request blood and urine tests, tomography, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and X-ray. It is essential to perform them as they assess the patient’s clinical condition.
2. Discontinue medication
If you are taking continuous medication, inform your doctor and the professional responsible for the frenuloplasty.
Anticoagulant medications also require caution. Check with the clinic responsible for the surgery about the measures you should take.
3. Shaving
This is the removal of pubic and scrotal hair, which should be done at home on the day of the procedure. This makes the area more visible to the doctor.
4. Arrive early
Arriving early ensures that the administrative routine, including registration and insurance authorization, goes smoothly. Arriving early is also advisable if it is a private procedure.
5. Bring a companion
Since the patient cannot return home walking, driving, or riding a motorcycle, a companion is required. The person must be an adult to ensure the physical integrity of the person who underwent the surgery.
On the Day of Surgery
In the procedure, the frenulum of the penis is cut, and the tissue is sutured. This takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After the procedure, there may be swelling in the penis.
The penis may lose sensitivity after frenuloplasty, but it is important to emphasize that this effect is temporary.
Post-Surgical Care
After the procedure, the area is covered with a dressing that should be removed the next day during a bath using neutral soap. The dressing should be maintained until the stitches fall out naturally, and removal should always occur during a bath.
Another important aspect is applying ice packs two hours after surgery to prevent bruising.
It is crucial to follow the doctor’s recommendations, which may include:
- Do not wear tight clothing;
- Avoid lifting weights, exercising, or walking long distances;
- Do not drive;
- Attend the follow-up appointment 2 weeks after the procedure;
- In case of pain, use only prescribed medication;
- Change the dressing daily until the stitches fall out;
- Abstain from sexual activity for 4 weeks.
Recovery Time
Following the instructions above, the recovery time for frenuloplasty is 6 to 8 weeks.
Advantages of Frenuloplasty for Men
The advantages of surgery on the frenulum of the penis are:
- Improved sexual performance;
- Increased exposure of the glans;
- Aid in treating phimosis and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans).
Frenuloplasty surgery is the treatment for a short frenulum. The procedure corrects this problem, which causes pain during sexual intercourse and may result in a curved penis. The benefits of this surgical intervention are not only in intimacy but also in self-esteem.
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