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.
