Scrotoplasty procedures are used to repair or create a scrotum and are becoming increasingly popular.
Be it for cosmetic or medical reasons, men are worried that their surgery will result in long periods of recovery in hospitals or clinics across the UK.
But is this true? Do you need to stay in the hospital after your scrotoplasty?
Read our helpful guide on what to expect from scrotoplasty surgery recovery to ensure you are prepared and can get organised before your procedure day.
Scrotoplasty surgery: What to expect on surgery day
On your procedure day, you will be expected to arrive 2-3 hours before your surgery time, to allow for check-in and to give anaesthetists time to administer your general anaesthetic.
Your surgery will last for around 1 hour and thanks to your anaesthetic, you will not feel any of it. Your expert urologist will use dissolvable stitches, so you don’t need to return to have your stitches out- they will simply fall away or dissolve once the wound is healed.
After the surgery, you will be moved to Recovery where you will come to from the anaesthetic and be checked on frequently by medical staff.
Scrotoplasty surgery: Recovery on surgery day
After you come around from the anaesthetic on surgery day, you will be observed to ensure you are well and will be given something to eat and drink.
This ensures patients are not reacting badly to the anaesthetic and do not injure themselves or the procedure site while they are groggy.
If all is well and you can eat and drink without issue, you will be discharged and sent home that day with antibiotics and suitable pain relief.
As with all procedures completed under general anaesthetic, you will need someone to pick you up from the hospital afterwards as it is not safe for you to drive. If your friends or family cannot pick you up, specialist transport can be arranged that will take you to and from the hospital.
It is important you rest for the rest of the day and wear any underwear that is comfortable, be that boxers or briefs. We recommend having a selection to try on so you can find the most comfortable option.
Scrotoplasty surgery: Recovery on the days after surgery day
For the first week following your surgery, you are likely to experience swelling and bruising. Using ice, painkillers, and resting can help with discomfort and swelling at this time but be aware that some swelling and tenderness may remain for around six weeks.
Due to the discomfort, you will need to take around one week off work, but it could be more if you have a strenuous job that requires heavy lifting. Your urologist will be happy to advise based on your individual circumstances if you are unsure.
Throughout your recovery, you will need to avoid the following for around 6-8 weeks, to allow the procedure site to heal.
- Strenuous or sexual activity, including exercise and masturbation, as friction can strain the scrotum and cause wounds to reopen.
- Bathing, and sitting in hot tubs or pools, which can affect the success of your stitches.
- Drinking alcohol and smoking, as they can slow healing and increase inflammation.
It is also very important that you take the full course of antibiotics, even if you do not notice signs of infection, keep on top of pain medication, and attend any check-ups with your urologists to ensure everything is healing well.
The final results of your surgery will be noticeable in around 8-12 weeks after your procedure and scarring should be minimal unless advised otherwise.
Be informed before your scrotoplasty surgery
No matter which clinic or professional you use for scrotoplasty surgery, researching and keeping yourself informed of what to expect can ensure that you are doing all you can to make it a success.
Being prepared gives your body the best chance to heal and may cut down on recovery time.
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