Your Scrotum Looks as Good as New!

"Damn, that's one great-looking scrotum."

You're probably not very likely to hear your partner utter those words. The scrotum doesn't get a whole lot of attention, besides maybe as the butt of juvenile jokes. But some guys are self-conscious about their sack, and if it hangs low, it might even be the source of discomfort.

But fear not, scrotal sufferers: The medical community has your back (or sack?). With operations such as a scrotoplasty, scrotal lift or scrotal rejuvenation, you can spend a little coin to make your coin purse look that much more appealing.

What are the options?

In the world of scrotal cosmetic procedures, men and transgender men typically undergo one of three options. Though the procedures are closely related, each has a specific goal in mind. Here's a glance at each:

Scrotal lift

A scrotal lift is the male equivalent of vaginal rejuvenation surgery. During the aging process, the scrotal skin can lose its elasticity, causing it to droop farther south. In some cases, men may have a genetic predisposition to a looser scrotum. In both instances, a low-hanging scrotum can cause major discomfort, such as accidentally sitting on the scrotum, chafing, embarrassment and the inability to wear tighter-fitting clothing. Since psychological factors often contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED), it's not a stretch to say that a lack of self-confidence because of your stretched-out scrotum might lead to troubles in the bedroom.

During a scrotal lift, the surgeon makes an incision below the shaft of the penis at the top of the scrotum and removes a small bit of skin. The doctor then stitches the skin to the shaft of the penis, effectively filling the void and tightening the scrotal skin. If it sounds painful, don't worry. It's typically done under a local anesthetic, and you likely won't feel a thing, though you may be able to opt for a general anesthetic in a hospital environment.

Scrotoplasty

A scrotoplasty is a procedure used to repair cosmetic issues or trauma to the scrotum or to create a new scrotum for transgender men. It's also used on small children to correct a penoscrotal web, a condition where the skin of the scrotum attaches itself further up the shaft of the penis toward the glans.

Like a scrotal lift, a scrotoplasty can also tighten loose skin and repair any birth defects associated with the scrotum.

Scrotal rejuvenation

Scrotal rejuvenation is also the tightening of skin for a better cosmetic appearance, but it's not necessarily a surgical procedure. While it can mimic a scrotal lift or scrotoplasty, scrotal rejuvenation can also be done with Botox injections (sometimes called "scrotox") followed by a laser-based tightening of the skin.

Positive outcomes of scrotal procedures

Although there's little evidence to support that a majority of men care about the appearance of their balls, these scrotal procedures provide other benefits. By undergoing one of them, men can:

• Avoid having to lift their scrotum to wipe when on the toilet or having their scrotum touch the water of a public toilet
• Prevent testicular pain during exercise, such as running or cycling
• Avoid pinching their scrotums in tight-fitting clothing
• Potentially stop itching as a result of the testicles rubbing against clothing
• Increase self-confidence and mental well-being, particularly transmen who undergo procedures as part of gender-affirming surgery

Potential side effects of scrotal procedures

Like any other type of surgery, these procedures aren't risk-free. The most common side effect of scrotal procedures is scarring or keloid scarring (raised tissue near the site of the incision). While this won't cause any health problems, it may negate the benefits of having cosmetic-based surgery.

Other possible side effects or complications of scrotal surgeries include:

• Prolonged bleeding of the area (a few weeks to a month)
• Infection
• An asymmetrical appearance to the scrotum

Talk with your doctor beforehand to address any concerns you may have and to see if you're a good candidate for a scrotal procedure.

With or without an operation, don't be a sad sack

Everyone has an opinion on cosmetic surgery, but luckily, your body is yours and you can do whatever you want with it. Whether you choose to embrace the natural sag of your sack or look forward to a scrotal lift that might also lift your spirits, the ball is in your court.