Scrotal Lift: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How it works
How long healing takes
How long results last
Fast facts
A scrotal lift, or scrotoplasty, is a surgical procedure that helps remove loose and hanging skin and create a scrotal shape that’s more “tucked up,” explains Dr. Barry Epley, a plastic surgeon in Carmel, Indiana.Â
The procedure contours the skin that encases the testicles. “It’s done by removing scrotal skin between the testicles, to produce an overall smaller scrotal sac size,” explains Dr. Epley. It’s usually performed by a plastic surgeon, though some urologists also offer it.Â
“A scrotal lift is something a lot of men don’t want to talk about, but they’d really like to have one and don’t even realize the option exists,” says Riverside, California, plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Hardesty.
Some men are born with a scrotum that hangs low, but the procedure is most commonly done after significant weight loss leaves lax skin. The scrotum can also stretch out due to aging and gravity.Â
Some medical conditions can also increase testicle size and weight, causing the scrotum to stretch. Conditions like varicocele (swelling caused by enlarged veins within the testicles) and hydrocele (swelling caused by fluid around the testicle) should be addressed before you consider scrotal-reduction surgery. Even when scrotal laxity doesn’t cause symptoms, it can be a source of embarrassment or be a nuisance.Â
Men with scrotum enlargement often have a penoscrotal web, which can be corrected at the same time. “It’s like a turkey neck between the underside of the penis and the scrotum,” explains Dr. Gary Alter, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California.Â
This junction between the penis and scrotum can be congenital or caused by a circumcision that removes too much skin.Â
The penoscrotal web can make the penis appear short on its undersurface. Removing this tissue where the scrotum attaches to the shaft can make the penis appear bigger.
RealSelf Tip: The procedure is usually considered cosmetic surgery, but if you have documentation of pain and discomfort, it may be covered by insurance. Your surgeon can help you obtain presurgical authorization from your insurance company.
Pros
- A scrotal lift can permanently improve the proportions of your scrotum.Â
- It can also make it more comfortable to exercise or wear shorts.Â
- The procedure can be combined with a web release.Â
Cons
- Not a lot of surgeons perform the procedure, though it’s becoming more popular. You’ll have to look around to find someone who’s experienced in doing it.
- While scars are well-concealed and barely visible, they are permanent.Â
- Like any surgery, a scrotal lift has some risks. Sperm viability is one of the possible complications, though it’s not considered a major concern. Choosing an experienced surgeon will help ensure that your operation goes smoothly.
A scrotal lift is usually performed in the office, under local anesthesia, or in a surgical center, under general anesthesia. It takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of skin laxity and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.Â
First, an incision is made along the midline between the two halves of the scrotal sac, then the excess tissue is excised. Care is taken not to injure the testicles or their blood supply. The incision is closed with multiple layers of fine absorbable stitches that dissolve on their own within two to three weeks.
In some cases, the underlying muscles may also be tightened, for a natural, symmetrical appearance.Â
If you’re also having a web-release procedure, the triangle of skin that connects the penis and scrotum will be removed.
There’s minimal post-op pain that lasts for three to five days. Icing the area and wearing a jockstrap to provide support can help minimize discomfort and speed healing. Patients usually return to work and daily activities after a week.
The incision heals within 10–14 days. The permanent but well-concealed scars will fade over time.Â
Exercise and sex are usually on hold for six to eight weeks, though gentle masturbation is OK.
“The results are very natural. You’ll see the improvement soon after surgery, and it will continue to improve for the next six weeks before you can see the final result,” says Dr. Amir Nakhdjevani, a plastic surgeon in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England.
“The results are permanent,” says Dr. Epley. “The only issue is how well the scar heals and whether it creates any long-term sensitivity.”
Updated June 13, 2023