Frenulum Removal or Preservation During Circumcision: What’s Right for You?

One of the more nuanced decisions we make during cosmetic circumcision is whether or not to preserve the frenulum—the small, V-shaped band of tissue located on the underside of the glans, just beneath the head of the penis.

It’s a small detail. But like many small details in cosmetic urology, it carries both aesthetic and functional implications.

What Is the Frenulum?

The frenulum is a sensitive, elastic band of tissue that connects the underside of the glans to the foreskin. During a traditional circumcision, much of the foreskin is removed—but often, a small residual segment of the frenulum remains on the glans, just below the coronal margin.

Some patients are unaware of this until it’s pointed out. Others come in specifically to ask about keeping or removing it during their procedure.

Should It Stay or Go?

The decision is ultimately about you, your aesthetic goals, your values, and how you define a satisfying outcome.

Reasons to Preserve the Frenulum:

• Sensory Preference: Some men believe that retaining the frenulum helps preserve sexual sensation post-circumcision.
• Aesthetic Preference: In certain anatomies, the preserved frenulum can look harmonious—adding a natural contour to the ventral side of the glans.

Reasons to Excise the Frenulum:

• Sleek, Minimalist Look:
  From a purely aesthetic standpoint, many men prefer the appearance of a flat, continuous skin transition across the underside of the penis.
• Avoiding the “French Tickler” Look:
  Some patients dislike the look of a small, isolated patch of frenular tissue without the broader anatomical context of the full foreskin.
  It can appear as a residual appendage, sometimes described informally as a “French tickler,” that feels inconsistent with an otherwise refined result.

The Miami Men’s Approach: Personalized Craftsmanship

Like every other aspect of our circumcision philosophy, frenulum management isn’t a checkbox. It’s a decision made in conversation with the patient, guided by:

• Their aesthetic goals
• Their sensitivity priorities
• And the natural contours of their anatomy