A scrotal lift, also known as a scrotoplasty, is an aesthetic treatment that aims to improve the appearance of the scrotum by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue. This treatment is performed on patients who are unhappy with a sagging or drooping scrotum, which can be distressing for both cosmetic and functional reasons. A testicular lift can increase self-confidence and improve the well-being of the men affected.
Considerations
A scrotoplasty may be advisable for you if one or more of the following conditions are present:
- You feel impaired by excess skin (skin fold) or a sagging scrotum.
- The scrotum protrudes beyond the glans of the penis when standing.
- The penis appears too small due to the hanging scrotum.
- The testicles have an uneven height (asymmetry).
- The excess scrotal skin or skin fold causes functional complaints (mechanical irritation during sport, cycling or in tight-fitting clothing).
- The appearance of the scrotum causes discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
- You suffer emotionally from the shape of the testicles and feel inhibited in relation to your partner or in other situations (swimming, sport, etc.).
A testicular lift can be considered for men at different stages of life. It is particularly suitable if the scrotum is severely sagging and has a drooping shape due to ageing, genetic factors or after weight loss. The excess skin can manifest itself in the form of an increased fold between the penis and scrotum as well as in a low position or asymmetry of the testicles.
Important prerequisites for the treatment are good general health and realistic expectations regarding the result.Although a testicular lift does not lengthen the penis, the removal of excess scrotal skin at the transition to the penis can in some cases give the visual impression of a penis enlargement.
To determine whether a testicular lift is appropriate in your case, we recommend that you seek advice from PD Dr Oliver Scheufler, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at the AARE KLINIK.
Consultation
Planning a testicular lift begins with a detailed consultation at the AARE KLINIK. Your wishes, expectations and medical history will be discussed and the condition of your scrotum will be examined to assess whether a lift is possible and appropriate. If necessary, additional measures such as liposuction or a skin tightening on the mons pubis can be considered if there is excess skin or fatty tissue there that affects the appearance of the genital area. The risks of the operation and the procedure are also explained in detail so that an informed decision can be made.
Procedure
Depending on the individual anatomy, a distinction can be made between two forms of testicular lift.
1) If there is an excessively pronounced skin fold between the underside of the penis and the scrotum (penoscrotal skin fold), this is treated by removing the excess skin and performing a skin flap plasty (Z-plasty) at the transition from the penis to the scrotum.
2) If the testicles are sagging or asymmetrical, the scrotum can be lifted and symmetrically shaped by tightening the skin on the underside of the testicles or at the transition to the perineum.
Which technique promises the best result in your case is therefore decided individually depending on the anatomical situation and your personal wishes.
Risks
Scrotoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons on the male genitalia. If correctly indicated and performed, serious complications such as infections, wound healing disorders or circulatory disorders of the scrotal skin are rare. In individual cases, however, they may require longer follow-up treatment or repeat surgery. You will therefore be informed about all risks and possible complications during your consultation.
Minor complications, which usually heal without consequences, include bruising (haematomas) and swelling. However, severe haematomas sometimes have to be surgically removed in order not to jeopardise further wound healing. Sensory disturbances of the scrotal skin occasionally occur, but are usually only temporary.
The risk of serious complications, such as circulatory disorders of the scrotum and wound healing disorders along the suture, is increased in smokers or patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
In individual cases, a repeat operation may be advisable in order to treat complications such as extensive haematoma or wound healing disorders.
General risks of the surgical procedure are
- Haematoma (bruise), bleeding and swelling
- Wound healing disorder or infection
- Suture dehiscence (softening of the sutures)
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Numbness (temporary or permanent)l in the surgical area
- Circulatory disorder of the scrotal skin
- Scars
- Slight asymmetry
- Corrective surgery
- Thrombosis, possibly embolism
Overall, a testicular lift in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon is a safe procedure with few complications and a high level of patient satisfaction. You can help to minimise certain risks by following the behavioural advice we recommend before and after the operation.
Preparation
It is advisable for smokers to stop smoking 2 weeks before and after the operation, as smoking can impair wound healing. Certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some vitamin preparations and homeopathic remedies, should be discontinued, preferably 2 weeks before the operation. We will give you precise instructions on possible medications and preparations that you should take or discontinue before the operation.
Scrotoplasties can be performed on an outpatient basis under local or twilight anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia at the AARE KLINIK. If the procedure is performed under sedation (analgosedation) or general anaesthesia, you should come to the operation on an empty stomach (no eating or drinking before the anaesthetic) and ensure that you can be collected after the operation and cared for at home for the next 24 hours. Inpatient treatment in a private hospital may be advisable for certain pre-existing conditions or combination procedures. This is the case, for example, if a testicular lift is combined with other extensive procedures such as major liposuction or lifting.
Day of surgery
The testicle lift is performed on an outpatient basis at the AARE CLINIC or, if not, as an inpatient in a private hospital.
During the operation you will be given various medications to make you feel comfortable. As a rule, a testicular lift is performed under local or twilight anaesthesia (analgosedation).
If the operation is performed under local anaesthesia, you will be allowed to go home immediately after the procedure. After an operation under analgosedation, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will continue to be monitored until you are fully awake and able to stand up. You will then be accompanied home.
After outpatient anaesthesia, you should be taken home by someone who will look after you continuously for the first 24 hours. This person will receive all the necessary instructions from us for your aftercare as well as rules of behaviour in the event of complications or unexpected events.
If you are operated on as an inpatient in hospital, you will be transferred from the recovery room to the ward, where you will stay until the next day. You should get up regularly on the day of the operation to minimise the risk of thrombosis. The pain after a testicular lift is usually minor and can be treated well with mild painkillers with a decongestant effect, which you can continue to take at home for the first few days. It is important to elevate the testicles with a cushion (testicle bench) when sleeping to counteract post-operative swelling.
After surgery
It is important to know that the recovery time after each operation varies individually. In the first few days after the testicle lift, you should take it easy physically, rest the scrotum on a cushion (testicle bench) and cool the genital region slightly if necessary. To prevent the risk of thrombosis, you should walk short distances regularly, even if you still experience discomfort when walking at first. Only take the painkillers prescribed to you and do not take any medication containing aspirin or other anticoagulants.
In the first few days after the procedure, you may experience swelling with a feeling of tightness and slight soreness in the testicle region. You should therefore take the painkillers prescribed for you. The scrotal skin often feels numb at first. This is usually only temporary. However, it can take weeks to months, and in some cases even longer, for the sensation to normalise. Slight swelling and bruising of the scrotum usually disappears within 2-3 weeks. As a rule, you will be able to resume most of your daily activities approx. 1-2 weeks after the operation.
You will be able to shower normally again after just a few days. However, you should refrain from taking full baths and excessive heat (e.g. sauna) for several weeks until all swelling has subsided. Most skin sutures dissolve by themselves and do not need to be removed. Non-dissolvable sutures are removed after 1-2 weeks.
Activities that require prolonged sitting may still be uncomfortable at first, but are usually possible again after a few days. However, you should avoid physically strenuous and sporting activities for a total of 4-6 weeks. Sexual intercourse should also be avoided for 6 weeks.
After the operation, you will be examined in the practice at regular intervals and the healing progress will be assessed until the final surgical result is achieved.
Outcome
Swelling and bruising may persist for some time after the operation. The healing process is gradual and it takes several months before the final results of the operation can be assessed. The result of the tightening may be slightly delayed due to post-operative swelling, but over time the scrotum will appear firmer and more aesthetic. Scars may initially be red and swollen or appear darker in colour. Minor superficial wound healing disorders on the scrotal skin occasionally occur, but usually heal spontaneously and without consequences with careful wound care. Scars are usually barely visible in the genital area over time.
A testicular lift serves to improve the shape and function of the genitals. It can increase your own well-being and self-esteem and make certain activities and the wearing of certain clothing easier. For men who suffer from a small penis, scrotoplasty can give the visual impression of a penis enlargement, even if the operation does not actually lengthen the penis. Sexual sensation, on the other hand, is not affected by a testicular lift.
Costs
The cost of a scrotoplasty starts at CHF 4,000.
A scrotoplasty is generally an aesthetic procedure that is not covered by health insurance. An exception is a significant enlargement of the scrotum due to pathological processes with predominantly functional complaints, such as chronic infections, pain or a mechanical obstruction. The costs of a medically indicated scrotoplasty are covered by the health insurance company in individual cases after prior cost approval. The decision as to whether a scrotoplasty is recognised and paid for by the health insurance company as a mandatory benefit is the responsibility of the health insurance company on a case-by-case basis following the recommendation of the medical examiner.
In the case of aesthetic indications, the treatment costs must be borne by the patient. The costs for an aesthetically indicated scrotoplasty are variable and depend above all on the complexity of the operation and the centre where the operation is performed (AARE CLINIC or hospital). An exact cost estimate can therefore only be provided after a personal consultation.composed of:
- Surgery fee (incl. preliminary consultation and aftercare)
- Anaesthesia fee, if applicable
- Technical service (AARE KLINK/hospital)
- Medication
- Diagnostics (laboratory, ECG, etc.), if applicable
Meet PD Dr. med. Oliver Scheufler
PD Dr. Oliver Scheufler, board certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and author of this website, is pleased to be at your service for a personal consultation. Besides his main occupation at the AARE KLINIK, Dr. Scheufler is also scientifically active and lectures at the University of Basel. He also was a visiting professor at Duke University (USA). Please do not hesitate to contact him if you wish a professional consultation!