How do I look after a circumcision treated with skin glue?

Skin glue is a special medical adhesive gel that is applied to the circumcision wound edges. It can be used on its own or with stitches. It takes only 3-5 minutes to dry and set, forming a thin layer over the wound. It forms a waterproof coating over your circumcision wound. Glue circumcision is the best method. 

How does skin glue work on circumcision wounds?

The inner and outer foreskin have edges that can be easily joined together with medical liquid glue using a special technique. 

Will glue get separated during the erection of the penis? 

No, glue is strong enough to stay on the skin during your erection in our unique technique of glue circumcision.

Why is the skin glue used in circumcision?

This will give a waterproof seal, less pain, less risk of infection, and better results than stitches. 

Can glue be used to redo or revise circumcision?

Yes, redoing or revision circumcision with glue gives the best outcome of the previous scar. Glue revision circumcision is the best method.

How long does glue stay on the circumcision wound?

The glue usually comes off itself within 5-15 days 

Will I feel pain after glue circumcision?
For the first few days, you may feel pain and use simple pain relief medication. Take simple over-the-counter painkillers for a few days. Glue circumcision is less painful than circumcision with stitches only. The head of the penis (glans) remains very sensitive after circumcision; you can apply a small amount of Vaseline or olive oil only to the glans penis. Sensitivity may last many weeks or months.

How do I care for a circumcision treated with skin glue?

Please follow the aftercare advice from Dr Khan

• Wash your hand before you touch/change the bandage 

• Only wear tight underwear with the head of the penis upwards toward the belly button. 

• Avoid soiling the bandage with urine

• Do not touch the glue for four days 

• Keep the circumcision wound dry for the first four days

• Keep the bandage for four days and take showers after four days. Afterwards, change the bandage daily for seven days after applying Fucidin cream only on the stitches

• No bath for 15 days to prevent soaking the wound

• Wrap the circumcision wound with cling film if you would like to take a shower for four days. 

• If the circumcision site gets wet, pat it dry. Don't rub the glue site, and do not apply cream or an antiseptic solution to it.

• If the wound edges join together securely and the glue is still in place after 15 days, you can remove it in the shower.

• Apply bio-oil on the wound for 2-3 months after four weeks to decrease the scarring.

What are things to avoid during the healing of the circumcision with glue?

• Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the glue; doing so may loosen the film before the wound fully recovers.

• Do not soak or scrub your wound for 15 days.

• Do not swim until the adhesive film (glue) has fallen off naturally

• Do not apply liquid, ointment medications, or any other product to the wound while the glue is in place. It could loosen the glue film before the wound is fully healed

• Do not do any heavy lifting, gym or exercise for two weeks

• Do not do any sexual activities for 4-6 weeks

How long will swelling or bruising settle down? 

The shaft of the penis will have swelling for 4-6 weeks, and bruising of the glans and shaft of the penis will settle within four weeks. 

How long frenulum is will heal? 

If you have frenuloplasty with glue circumcision, we put a few stitches covered by glue at the frenulum, which will take longer (about four weeks) to heal. Apply Fucidin cream after changing the bandage. The frenulum area will heal later than the circumcision site.

When should I get help from the Doctor?

Most circumcision wounds are sealed with skin glue and heal normally with excellent results. You should get medical help from our specialist doctors if: 

• Your wound gaps open or start to bleed

• You think your wound may be infected

What are the symptoms of wound infection?

• The circumcision wound looks redder or swollen

• The pain in the wound gets worse after three days

• Discharge of pus or blood comes from the circumcision wound

• You have a fever of 38C (100.4F) or more 

• Wound edges get separated by bleeding

Please get in touch with our doctors for medical advice if you have any questions.

Written by a patient at Leyton Clinic, London, February 2020

“I got circumcised by Dr Khan using the glue method and I can only praise both the surgeon and the technique. He was extremely friendly and approachable. I had a long list of question before the procedure which he happily answered over the phone. Booking an appointment was very easy and hassle-free. On the day of the operation, Dr Khan asked me about all my wishes and preferences and gave me personalised suggestions. The operation itself was virtually completely painless. I kept talking to Dr Khan and his lovely nursing assistant throughout the procedure. Having followed his post-operative care plan to the letter, my recovery was very quick and uneventful. I only needed to take simple over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen) for 2 days. The pain was completely gone after that. The swelling settled in about a week. As I'm writing this review, I am only 4 weeks post-op and it feels like I have been circumcised forever. The glue method achieved an excellent cosmetic result. I cannot recommend Dr Khan highly enough.”

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