Why Treat Penoscrotal Webbing?

Penoscrotal webbing is a condition that can make the penis look buried or trapped. It is essentially a turkey neck of the penis to the scrotum. An uncircumcised man may be born with it, but usually, the cause is an overly aggressive circumcision on the underside of the penis. This results in the skin of the scrotum being attached too far up the penile shaft, giving the webbed appearance.

Although this condition has no recorded health effects, it can lead to emotional, physical, and mental complications during adulthood.

Why Do Men Choose to Address Penoscrotal Webbing?

Depending on the extent of the penoscrotal webbing, the patient’s unique anatomy, and sexual activities, this condition can lead to an unpleasant appearance or functional setbacks that might bother some men.

These functional problems might include:

• Difficulty engaging in penetrative sex
• Difficulty wearing a condom or keeping it on
• Unhappiness with the physical appearance of the penis
• Continuous skin irritation
• Increased physical or emotional discomfort during coitus

The condition often makes the penis appear shorter than it is.

What Are the Treatment Options for Penoscrotal Webbing?

Penoscrotal webbing will remain unless surgically treated. There are no creams or medications that can help improve or prevent penoscrotal webbing.

The only way to get rid of this condition is by surgically excising the web or turkey-neck.

Dr. Alter gives the patient an erection with medication, then marks an elliptical skin excision along the midline of the underside of the penis. The erect penis allows an accurate excision and prevents over-removal of skin as the amount of skin removed can be tailored around the erection. The incision line is also hidden in the normal fusion line of the penis (raphe). A small zig-zag is made at the junction of the scrotum and penis, which prevents a recurrent web from forming due to scar contraction.

In addition, Dr. Alter places dissolvable sutures under the skin, which helps to make a less noticeable scar. Others often remove a web with a VY advancement flap, which leaves more scarring and often an unsightly dog-ear.

Patients with a web may also have an enlarged scrotum, so removal of the web and excess scrotal skin can be done as a combined procedure.

What Are the Causes of Penoscrotal Webbing?

Penoscrotal webbing can be a congenital condition in which the scrotum is attached abnormally high on the underside of the penile shaft. More commonly, it is acquired through too much skin removal from the underside of the penis during circumcision.

However, irrespective of the cause, surgery is required to correct the condition.

Is Penoscrotal Webbing Normal?

Penoscrotal webbing is not uncommon but should not be considered normal.

How Much Does Penoscrotal Webbing Cost?

A penoscrotal web (sometimes referred to as scrotal webbing) surgery is very successful and safe if performed accurately by a skilled surgeon. It is done in an operating room and is usually done under general anesthesia. It can cost up to $8,000 to repair.

Is Penoscrotal Webbing Correction Covered by Insurance?

Since having excess penoscrotal skin is not a life-threatening condition and is not considered a medical condition by most insurance companies, it is usually not covered by health insurances.

Where Do I Find Reliable Penoscrotal Webbing Surgeons?

Dr. Alter has performed hundreds of penoscrotal web corrections and has published his technique in plastic surgery textbooks.. Call us today at (310) 275-5566 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Alter.