What is a short frenulum?
The penile frenulum functions to help the foreskin stay over the glans (head) of the penis. If it
is too short it may prevent the foreskin from being pulled back, or on erection cause the glans of
the penis to be pulled/curved downwards.
This then makes the penis shorter, be painful during erection and sex, and even repeatedly tear
causing bleeding and pain.
How is a short frenulum treated?
Needle-less and suture-less frenuloplasty!
Frenulum breve can be simply fixed in most men in under 10 minutes by cutting the tight frenulum (Frenuloplasty) under local anaesthesia. Local anaesthetic cream is applied 90min before the surgery. Injections are usually not necessary.
The tight band is cut across ways with an electrical needle, releasing any tightness. The skin is closed using surgical glue along the frenulum to increase its length. Sutures are not needed, and the glue acts a barrier to infection. Dressings are not required.
Alternative Treatment - Circumcision
Circumcision may remove the frenulum so circumcised men have problems less frequently. It is generally not
necessary to have a circumcision to repair a short frenulum unless there is associated phimosis –
narrowing of the opening of the foreskin such that it cannot be retracted easily over the glans penis.
This releases the tight frenulum but also removes the foreskin. Removal of the foreskin may reduce the
sensitivity of the penis and affect sexual enjoyment.
Fortunately frenulum breve can be simply fixed in most men with just local anaesthetic. We use a small
injection of local anaesthetic. The tight band is cut across ways (sometimes for very thick bands a
portion may need to be excised). The glans is rotated upwards and any tightness released. Then the skin is closed using surgical glue or tiny dissolving stitches running lengthways along the frenulum to increase its length.
Dressings are not required.
Post frenuloplasty care
The stitches/glue dissolve in about 2 weeks. It is important to roll down the foreskin twice a day to prevent
any sticking. It is unusual to have any significant issues. It will be slightly tender and it is best not
to have sex for a month.
Some men may get a bit of swelling in the area. There is a small blood vessel in the area, therefore it is
possible to get some bleeding afterwards (about 5%). In some cases, frenuloplasty may not be curative and
may require circumcision. Prolonged tenderness is rare (1/50) as is being unsatisfied with the cosmetic
outcome.