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A frenectomy is the removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. A frenulum can occur in several places on the human body.
Oral Frenectomy
There are several different frenulums in the mouth and they can attach to the inside of the lip, inside of the cheek or to the bottom of the tongue. When any of these frenulums are much shorter than normal, they can limit the movement of the tissues they attach to.
The removal of the lingual frenulum under the tongue is called a lingual frenectomy and can help a tongue tied patient. Immediately after this minor oral surgery, the tongue can often dramatically extend out of the mouth which it could not do before. This can help improve speech and promote proper tooth arch development in growing children.
The labial frenulum often attaches to the center of the upper lip and between the upper two front teeth. This can cause a large gap and gum recession by pulling the gums off of the bone. A labial frenectomy removes the labial frenulum. Orthodontic patients often have this procedure done to assist with closing a front tooth gap. When a denture patient's lips move, the frenulum pulls and loosens the denture which can be quite upsetting. This surgery is often done to help dentures fit better
Frenectomy of the penis
A frenectomy can be performed to remove the frenulum from the penis. This procedure is sometimes accompanied by circumcision, which removes the foreskin. In the United States, most newborn males undergo circumcision, often with a frenectomy as well.
There is some disagreement on the appropriateness of this surgery. Many consider the frenulum to be the most sensual and sensitive part of the penis, and suggest that its removal may lower sexual sensitivity.
See also
"Frenectomy"