Scrotal Reduction

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like further information on scrotal reduction surgery. I am 57 years old and my testicles are loosening with age. I have never had high and tight testicles but would like to. I have no idea how much testicle size influences the sack or is the sack responsible for keep them up. I saw the scrotoplasty photograph on your site and would be interested in looking like the photo.

A: Like breast mounds in females, the overlying scrotal skin envelope (sac) of the testicles is responsible for their shape and degree of sag. The more scrotal skin that exists, the lower and more loose the scrotum will hang. In the long-term the size of the testicles probably does have some influence on the amount of scrotal skin that develops. But testicular size can not be changed and their influence is a very long-term effect.

A scrotal reduction or scrotal lift (scrotoplasty) involves the removal of a central strip of scrotal skin done through the natural raphe that exists between the two scrotal halfs. Many scrotums actually have a midline raphe that creates a bit of a vertical cleft through the bottom of the scrotum, making a perfect place to place a fine line scar. This is an operation that is performed as an outpatient under anesthesia. Dissolveable sutures are used with an overlying glue as a topical dressing. One may resume showering the very next day and normal underwear may be used.