What is a tight frenulum (frenulum breve) and how does it affect men?
Frenulum breve is a condition where the penile frenulum is tight. The frenulum is the piece of tissue connecting the glans penis to the foreskin and shaft on the underside of the penis. If the frenulum is short and tight, it can cause pain or discomfort during retraction, erections or sexual intercourse. If excessive trauma is applied, it can result in tearing and injury/bleeding to the frenulum
Is a tight frenulum the same as phimosis?
No. Phimosis is when the foreskin is tight. Frenulum Breve is when the frenulum is tight/short. They can happen together in the same person, but are different conditions.
What are the treatment options for frenulum breve?
If the frenulum is not excessively tight or fibrosed, stretching exercises with topical steroids may help improve the condition. If the frenulum is too tight, or has failed conservative therapy, surgery can be done. A frenuloplasty involves the release of the tight frenulum, and a frenectomy involves the excision and removal of the frenulum.
Is frenuloplasty a surgical or non-surgical procedure?
A frenuloplasty and a frenectomy are both considered surgical procedures. They can be done under local anesthesia.
How soon can I return to normal activities after treatment?
You can return to light activities in 1-2 days, most activities in 1-2 weeks. For activities which involve the frenulum (masturbation or sexual intercourse), the wound has to be fully healed which may take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
What are the risks of not treating frenulum breve?
There may be persistent pain during erections and sexual activity. If there is excessive trauma/stretching to the frenulum, it may tear and bleed. Recurrent tears over time may result in more and more scarring, worsening the frenulum breve.
Is frenuloplasty a painful procedure?
During the procedure, local anesthetic is used, and there is little to no pain. During the healing process there may be mild discomfort. This can be managed with oral painkillers.
How long does a frenuloplasty procedure take?
It usually takes about 15 mins.
What is the typical healing time after frenuloplasty?
It can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for the wound to be fully healed.
Are there any long-term side effects from the procedure?
Most men heal without any issues. In the short term, we are concerned about pain, bleeding and infection. Longer term, there may be some scarring, as with any surgical procedure. Sometimes, a further release may be necessary if there was insufficient release initially. The frenulum may also become less sensitive.
How effective is frenuloplasty, and will the problem come back?
It is highly effective for most men. The problem may return if there is a fibrosing cause of the foreskin and frenulum, or the initial surgery may have not released the frenulum enough.
What aftercare support do you provide post-surgery?
Post surgery, we will review you regularly and deal with any complications which may arise. There will be medications for you to take and instructions for you to follow. Avoid vigorous activities as advised.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Harold Ma, and Dr. Chester Lan.