Adult Circumcision

Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common in the first few days. These are usually well managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised.

You will receive detailed aftercare instructions. This typically includes keeping the area clean and dry, applying a protective ointment such as petroleum jelly, and avoiding any pulling or pressure on the healing tissue.

You may shower after 24 hours, allowing water to run gently over the area. Avoid soaking in baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs until the wound has healed significantly.

Sexual activity—including masturbation—should be avoided for at least 6 weeks, or until the clinician confirms it is safe to resume.

Contact the clinic promptly if you experience:

• Increasing or severe pain
• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Fever, pus, foul odour, or worsening redness
• Difficulty passing urine

No. Please do not shave or trim the genital area, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. The clinical team will prepare the area as needed.

Most regular medications can be continued. If you take blood thinners (such as aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel), inform the clinic in advance so the clinician can advise you safely.

Usually not. Because the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, most people can travel home independently. However, you are welcome to bring someone if you prefer support or feel anxious.

Loose-fitting underwear and trousers are recommended to minimise friction and pressure on the area after the procedure.

Adult circumcision is a minor surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from the penis. It may be carried out for medical reasons—such as a tight foreskin (phimosis), recurrent infections, or tearing—or for personal or cultural preference.

Not always. Some men choose circumcision to resolve issues like phimosis, recurrent balanitis, or discomfort during sex. During your consultation, the clinician will assess your symptoms and confirm whether circumcision is the most appropriate option.

The procedure typically takes around 45 minutes, though this may vary slightly depending on your anatomy and the technique used.

Yes. Circumcision is performed under local anaesthetic, so you remain awake but the area is fully numb. You should not feel sharp pain.

Most people return to normal daily activities within 2–3 weeks, but complete healing—including readiness for sexual activity—normally takes around 6 weeks or longer, depending on individual healing.

Most people return to desk-based work within 2–3 days. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that cause friction for at least 2 weeks, depending on comfort and healing progress.

Night-time erections are normal. They may cause brief tightness or discomfort, but this is usually harmless. If erections cause the wound to open or bleed, contact the clinic.

Yes. Increased sensitivity is expected once the glans is exposed. This gradually settles over several weeks as the skin adapts.

You may drive once you feel comfortable, can move freely, and are not taking medication that impairs alertness. For most people, this is 1–2 days after the procedure.

Light exercise such as walking is fine after a few days. Avoid running, cycling, weight training, and high-intensity workouts for 2–3 weeks, depending on comfort and healing.

Swimming should be avoided until the wound has healed and stitches have dissolved — usually 4 weeks or longer.

Short flights are usually fine after a few days if you feel comfortable. Long flights should be discussed with the clinician, especially if swelling is still significant or if you have medical conditions that increase clot risk.

Yes. Dissolvable stitches typically loosen or fall out between 7–21 days. Do not pull at them.

A missing stitch is usually not a problem. If you notice gapping, active bleeding, or increasing pain, contact the clinic.

Yes, a thin circular scar is normal. It gradually softens and fades over several months. Final cosmetic appearance can continue improving for 3–12 months.

Redness, firmness, or slight unevenness is normal in the early stages of healing. These typically settle as the scar matures.

Yes. Mild numbness, tingling, or altered sensation can occur as nerves heal. This usually improves over several weeks.

Most men report no long-term change in sexual function, and many experience an improvement if they previously had pain, tightness, or recurrent infections.

No. Circumcision does not interfere with fertility or hormone function.

Diabetes can slow wound healing and increase infection risk. It is important that your blood sugar is well-controlled before and after the procedure. Inform the clinician during your consultation.

Keloids are uncommon in circumcision. If you have a known history, inform the clinician so your healing can be monitored.

Appearance changes a lot in the first few weeks. Swelling, bruising, and unevenness are normal. If you have concerns at any stage, you can send a photo or arrange a follow-up review.

Small spots on the dressing are normal for the first 24–48 hours. Active or persistent bleeding is not and should be reported.

You may feel a brief sting when the anaesthetic is injected, but this settles quickly. Once numb, you should not feel sharp pain—only pressure or movement.

The clinician removes the foreskin and reshapes the remaining tissue to ensure a clean, functional result. Dissolvable stitches are used, so there is no need for stitch removal later.

Bleeding is controlled throughout the procedure using precise surgical instruments and techniques. Only a small amount of oozing is expected afterwards.

You will usually be monitored for 20–30 minutes to ensure you feel well and there is no immediate bleeding before you are safely discharged.