You are here: Surgical Treatments for Men » Circumcision
Circumcision
Circumcision is a simple operation to remove the foreskin from the penis. There are 2 types of circumcision. One is a full circumcision and the other is a preputioplasty which involves making small slits in the foreskin which help it stretch.
Who is it suitable for?
Although more common for babies and young boys, it can be undertaken by men of all ages for one of the following reasons:
- Medical reasons such as if the foreskin is too tight or difficult to pull back. This condition is known as phimosis.
- If the foreskin is tight and there's a risk that it will get stuck. This is called paraphimosis and usually requires urgent attention.
- For cosmetic, religious or social reasons such as non-therapeutic or ritual circumcision.
What can I expect?
Circumcision takes under an hour to perform under local anaesthetic. The surgeon will trim the foreskin then close the edges with either dissolvable stitches or special glue, or a combination of both. The penis may then be wrapped in a paraffin-based dressing to prevent rubbing. The dressing will be removed after 24-48 hours at the clinic.
The procedure will usually take place as a day case - as soon as you've passed urine, you will be able to go home.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Discomfort, Swelling and Bruising
You can expect some discomfort but you will be given some painkillers and arnica can help reduce the swelling and bruising.
Bleeding
You may experience some bleeding but applying pressure to the area will stop this.
Infection
Mild infections are common after this procedure but are easily treated with antibiotics.
Recovery
We will give you sensible advice about looking after yourself and arrange a date for a follow up appointment to check your progress. You will need to have someone to take you home and arrange to stay with you for the first 24 hours. The local anaesthetic will keep the discomfort away for 8 hours but you will need to take some pain relief after this. Keep the penis clean and dry for 48 hours and then take a warm bath or shower. Do not use scented soaps or bath products as they may cause irritation and you should let your penis dry naturally and wear loose trousers until it's fully healed.
Passing urine can hurt for a few days but Vaseline can help with this as well as stopping your penis from sticking to your clothes. Your stitches will dissolve in 7-10 days and it's normal to get a little bleeding until they dissolve.
You need to refrain from sex until it's fully healed or you could cause damage. Full recovery takes around 6 weeks.
Success Rate
This operation has a high success rate when it's undertaken for medical reasons and for cosmetic non therapeutic reasons. Circumcision is more hygienic and gives added confidence, and in most instances can increase sensitivity.
Possible Risks and Side-effects
Discomfort, Swelling and Bruising
You can expect some discomfort. Taking over-the-counter painkillers can alleviate the discomfort. Taking Arnica tablets can help reduce the swelling and bruising.
Bleeding
You may experience some bleeding but applying pressure to the area will stop this.
Infection
Mild infections are common after this procedure but are easily treated with antibiotics.
Recovery
We will give you advice about looking after yourself and arrange a date for a follow-up appointment to check your progress. You will need to have someone to take you home and arrange to stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure. The local anaesthetic will keep the discomfort away for 8 hours but you will need to take some pain relief after this. Keep the penis clean and dry for 48 hours and then take a warm bath or shower. Do not use scented soaps or bath products as they may cause irritation. You should let your penis dry naturally and wear loose trousers until the wound is fully healed.
Passing urine can hurt for a few days but Vaseline can help with this as well as stopping your penis from sticking to your clothes. Your stitches will dissolve in 7-10 days; it's normal to get a little bleeding until they dissolve.
You need to refrain from sex until it's fully healed or you could cause damage. Full recovery takes around 6 weeks.
Success Rate
This operation has a high success rate when it's undertaken either for medical reasons or for cosmetic non-therapeutic reasons. Circumcision is more hygienic and gives added confidence, and in most instances can increase sensitivity.
Impartial and informative cosmetic surgery consultation
As every person has individual requirements, it is vitally important to discuss your goals and expectations before making a decision. We want you to be fully and properly prepared and we'll answer all your questions and concerns.
Our cosmetic surgery consultations are held at our Brighton clinic. They're totally confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for friendly, helpful advice or to book a consultation: Call on 01273 604444, email us or fill in our contact form.
Our commitment to you
Everyone has individual needs. You're unique and we'll treat you that way. At A New You, we know it's vital to discuss your goals and expectations carefully with experts before making a decision. We understand this could be the most important decision you've ever made, and can be life-changing. We're respectful and discreet at all times, and we provide top-quality advice and service in our conveniently located Brighton clinic, for both cosmetic surgery and our extensive range of cosmetic treatments.
Whatever you want, we promise you'll be fully prepared and properly informed. We'll answer all your questions and concerns so that you can make an informed decision, and after your treatment you will receive excellent after-care. You can trust us to be your local, first-choice cosmetic surgery and treatment partner.
