Surgical Treatment for a Tight Penile Frenulum

Frenuloplasty is a minor surgical procedure to release a tight frenulum—the small band of tissue on the underside of the penis. A tight frenulum can cause pain, discomfort, or curvature during erections or sexual activity. This condition may affect both circumcised and uncircumcised men.

Who May Benefit from Frenuloplasty?

You may be suitable for frenuloplasty if you:

  • Have a tight frenulum causing pain or pulling during erection
  • Experience curvature or tension at the head of the penis during sexual activity
  • Are uncircumcised and have difficulty retracting the foreskin due to frenular tightness
  • Want to avoid full circumcision but still relieve the tightness

Benefits of Frenuloplasty

  • Eases foreskin retraction
  • Reduces pain and discomfort during intercourse or erections
  • May correct penile curvature caused by frenulum tension
  • Offers an alternative to circumcision in selected patients

How Is Frenuloplasty Performed?

  • Performed under local or spinal anaesthesia for patient comfort
  • A small incision is made in the tight frenulum, which is then re-sutured to lengthen and release tension
  • The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes
  • Dissolvable stitches are used to close the wound
  • Local anaesthetic is administered for post-operative pain control

What to Expect After Surgery

  • This is a day procedure — most patients go home the same day
  • You may resume light activities the next day
  • Strenuous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks
  • Swelling, bruising, and sensitivity are common for 2–3 weeks

Procedure Outcomes

Frenuloplasty effectively relieves the pain, tightness, and restricted movement associated with a short frenulum. It generally leads to a significant improvement in comfort and function with low risk of recurrence.

Post-Operative Care 

What to Expect

  • Discomfort may begin as the anaesthetic wears off (a few hours after surgery)
  • Prescribed pain medications may be used, or ibuprofen/paracetamol for relief
  • Some bleeding from the wound is normal for a few days
  • Leave dressings in place for 24–48 hours or as instructed
  • Swelling, redness, and penile sensitivity are expected and may last up to 6 weeks
  • Dissolvable sutures may take up to 3 months to fully absorb