A frenulum breve, or short frenulum, is a condition in which the frenulum of the penis is too short and thus prevents the foreskin from retracting smoothly over the head of the penis. The frenulum is the band of tissue under the glans that connects to the foreskin. A short frenulum can cause problems during intercourse, such as pain and premature ejaculation.
Fortunately, the frenulum ccan be lengthened through a simple surgical procedure, performed under local anesthesia. There are several ways to describe this operation, including frenectomy, frenuloplasty or simply as a lengthening of the penile frenulum.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy involves cutting the frenulum with an electric scalpel. In some cases, an excision is also made at the edges of the frenulum. This is done to produce a more esthetic outcome and avoid an unwanted protrusion on the glans and foreskin.
Dissolvable stitches are sometimes needed when the frenulum is large or when bleeding occurs.
Dissolvable stitches are sometimes needed when the frenulum is large or when bleeding occurs.
What is the link between a short frenulum and premature ejaculation?
A short frenulum may be a possible cause for premature ejaculation; a lenghtening of the frenulum that is mechanically too short, can therefore improve this condition, especially if the patient enrolls himself in a global therapeutic approach as well.
What does a frenectomy procedure involve?
The appointment begins with a consultation and physical examination at our office. If our urologists determine that a lengthening of the penile frenulum is the most appropriate procedure, they proceed with the operation in a minor surgery room.
The operation is performed by an experienced urologist, who’s assisted by a urology nurse. After the procedure, the patient must stay in the waiting room for 15 minutes before leaving the clinic.
The operation is performed by an experienced urologist, who’s assisted by a urology nurse. After the procedure, the patient must stay in the waiting room for 15 minutes before leaving the clinic.
What type of anesthetic during a frenectomy?
This procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia. The frenulum is anesthetized using a very small needle, allowing the surgery to proceed with minimal discomfort for the patient. Prior to administering the local anesthetic, an anesthetic cream is applied to the base of the glans.
What are the risks and possible complications of a frenectomy?
The most common complications are bleeding, bruising, swelling and residual scar tissue. Other rarer complications include chronic pain and a narrowing of the external urinary orifice.
Are stitches used in a frenectomy?
Stitches generally aren’t needed if the frenulum is thin but may be required if the frenulum is larger. However, our urologists’ surgery technique ensures that the stitches are rarely visible.
They use a surgical glue to obtain the most esthetic scar, without stitch marks.
Contact us to learn more about frenectomy procedures or to schedule a consultation at a urology clinic in Greater Montreal, on the South Shore, on the North Shore or in Quebec City.
They use a surgical glue to obtain the most esthetic scar, without stitch marks.
Contact us to learn more about frenectomy procedures or to schedule a consultation at a urology clinic in Greater Montreal, on the South Shore, on the North Shore or in Quebec City.