CIRCUMCISION VS. FRENULOPLASTY: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

The Difference
A circumcision is an operation that removes the foreskin. The foreskin is the sleeve of tissue that covers the head of the penis. The usual reason for doing this is for scarring of the foreskin that makes it uncomfortable or painful to retract. It may be so tight in some men that it cannot be retracted at all.

A frenuloplasty is a procedure that changes the penile frenulum usually to alleviate restriction.

Frenuloplasty
Small folds or bands of tissue, called frenulums, are located in some areas of the body to help control the movement of another part of the body. A good example of a frenulum is the stretchy band of tissue that tethers your tongue to the bottom of your mouth.

Frenuloplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed when a frenulum is too restricting. The two most common forms of frenuloplasty performed are called penile frenuloplasty, which is done in males when the frenulum is too short, and same instance with oral frenuloplasty, which is performed when the frenulum that attaches your tongue to the bottom of your mouth is too restricting.

In penile conditions, the frenulum connects the part of the penis called the prepuce to the area called the glans. When erection occurs, a frenulum that is too tight causes the penis to bend unnaturally, and causes pain when having sex or with an erection..

Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis. It is an ancient practice that has its origin in religious rites. Today, many parents have their sons circumcised for religious or other reasons.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 79% of American men report that they are circumcised.

The dorsal slit is often preferred when treating phimosis or paraphimosis. In this procedure, a slit is made from the opening of the foreskin to a point a few centimeters in, and then a circle is cut around the glans.

The guided forceps is the simplest technique. In this procedure, the foreskin is pulled forward over the glans with a pair of forceps, and the foreskin is then snipped, using the edge of the forceps as a guide.

Sleeve resection is more complicated, but often preferred when there is a risk for excessive bleeding. In this procedure, two parallel cuts are made along the shaft of the penis, resulting in a thin band or sleeve of detached foreskin. When this is removed, the top and bottom portions of the foreskin are attached with dissolving sutures.

A circumcision and frenuloplasty is usually a day procedure which means that an overnight stay is not required.

Preparation for your procedure:
We will provide you with instructions regarding all aspects of preparing for your operation.
• Pre-operative testing (medical clearance to proceed with surgery)
• Details of admission to hospital.
• Information regarding fasting and medications.

What to expect afterwards
In recovery, staff will make sure you are comfortable.  Pain relief will be offered and given if required, and you will be offered something to eat and drink. There will be a light dressing over the penis. Once you are awake, comfortable and have passed urine then you are able to go home.

Please take things quietly for the first 24 hours after surgery. The dressing can be removed the following day. This can be done in-office. You can wash gently the wound area as soon as the dressing has been removed. Soap and tap water are entirely adequate.. You can shower or take a bath as often as you want. Don’t scrub the wound, pat the wound/s dry with a towel.