Frenuloplasty (of the penis) is a minor procedure to treat a tight penile frenulum (often called frenulum breve). The frenulum (sometimes called the “banjo string”) is a small band of tissue on the underside of the glans (head of the penis), just below the urethral opening (wee hole), attaching the glans to the foreskin.
If the frenulum is too short or tight, it can cause pain, tearing, bleeding, or pulling/bending during erections and sex. Frenuloplasty aims to lengthen or release the frenulum while preserving the foreskin where appropriate.
Medical disclaimer: This information is general guidance and does not replace a clinical assessment. If you have urgent symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.
Who This Is For
Frenuloplasty may be suitable if:
- Your foreskin retracts, but the frenulum feels tight or painful
- You have recurrent small tears or bleeding at the frenulum
- The penis pulls downward during erection due to frenulum tightness
- You want to keep your foreskin, and circumcision is not otherwise needed
It is less suitable if the main problem is a tight/scarred foreskin (phimosis) or if we suspect a scarring skin condition affecting the foreskin (for example, BXO/lichen sclerosus), where circumcision may be the more reliable option.
When It is Recommended
We may recommend frenuloplasty when symptoms are persistent and clearly linked to frenulum tightness, such as:
- Pain at the underside of the glans during erections or intercourse
- Repeated tearing/bleeding
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin due to the frenulum pull
- Local irritation or inflammation that keeps recurring because of micro-tears
In mild cases, observation can be reasonable if symptoms are occasional and not worsening.
Alternatives
Depending on your examination findings and goals, alternatives may include:
- Observation (no procedure) for mild symptoms
- Treating inflammation/infection first if the area is acutely sore or inflamed (we may delay surgery until the skin is calm)
- Circumcision if symptoms do not improve after frenuloplasty, or if there is significant foreskin scarring/phimosis
Techniques And Options We Offer
The standard frenuloplasty technique involves:
- dividing the tight frenulum across and re-stitching it lengthwise to lengthen it
- in selected cases, recommending frenulectomy (removing the frenulum) if lengthening is unlikely to be sufficient
We explain what is most suitable for your anatomy during consultation.
Anaesthesia And Comfort
Frenuloplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic, so you remain awake, but the area is numbed. Most straightforward cases are suitable under local anaesthesia.
What Happens On The Day
Consultation and consent
We confirm:
- The frenulum is the main cause of symptoms (not phimosis or scarring disease)
- Whether you are likely to benefit from frenuloplasty alone or whether circumcision should be considered
- What outcome is realistic, and what recovery involves
The procedure (typical steps)
- Local anaesthetic is given
- We release/lengthen the frenulum using a planned incision
- The area is closed with dissolvable stitches (and we may use medical glue depending on the plan)
- A light dressing may be applied
- You go home the same day with written aftercare advice
Recovery And Healing Timeline
Most men recover without major disruption, but the timeline depends on healing and how easily the area is irritated.
What is common:
- first few days: mild discomfort, swelling or bruising; stinging after passing urine can happen
- 1–2 weeks: the wound edge settles; dissolvable stitches may still be present
- several weeks: scar maturation continues, and tenderness gradually improves
We advise avoiding sex and masturbation until healing is secure, and we individualise advice based on how the wound is healing.
Risks And Complications
Possible risks include:
- bruising, swelling, and temporary tenderness
- minor bleeding
- infection (usually mild, but needs prompt treatment if it develops)
- wound separation if the area is stressed too early
- persistent symptoms if the main problem is actually phimosis/scarring (in which case circumcision may still be needed)
- tightening due to scar formation if the foreskin is not managed as advised during healing
Aftercare And Follow-Up
Your aftercare will be tailored to whether glue was used and how your skin looks on the day, but typically we advise:
Do
- Keep the area clean and dry as instructed
- Rinse gently after urination if needed and pat dry
- Wear supportive underwear to reduce pulling
- Use simple pain relief if needed (for example, paracetamol/ibuprofen if suitable for you)
Don’t
- Don’t forcibly retract the foreskin in the first few days if it is painful
- Don’t soak in baths or swim until the wound is dry and healing well
- Don’t restart sex/masturbation until we have advised it is safe for your healing stage
When To Seek Urgent Help
Seek urgent medical advice if you have any of the following after frenuloplasty:
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or bleeding that soaks dressings repeatedly
- Increasing redness, heat, swelling, or worsening pain after the first couple of days (especially if it is spreading)
- Pus-like discharge, unpleasant smell, or a wound that looks increasingly inflamed
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Difficulty passing urine, inability to pass urine, or severe burning that is worsening
- Wound separation (the cut looks as though it has opened) or sudden worsening pain after a pull/tear
If you are worried at any point, it is safer to seek advice promptly.
Booking A Consultation
If you think a tight frenulum is affecting comfort, sex, or foreskin movement, we recommend an assessment so we can:
- Confirm whether frenuloplasty is the right procedure (or whether circumcision is more appropriate)
- Explain the expected outcome and recovery
- Provide a clear aftercare plan and follow-up if needed
If you’d like to discuss frenuloplasty, please contact the London Circumcision Centre to book a consultation.