Adult Circumcision

Adult circumcision is most often considered when the foreskin is causing ongoing problems such as tightness, repeated inflammation, discomfort, scarring, or difficulty with hygiene. It may also be chosen for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.

Treatment should be based on the underlying problem, your anatomy, and a clear discussion of recovery, risks, and expected outcome.

What Is Adult Circumcision?

Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin, which is the retractable skin covering the head of the penis. Once the foreskin has been removed, the glans remains permanently exposed.

In adults, circumcision is usually performed because the foreskin is causing symptoms or ongoing problems rather than as a routine procedure. Common reasons include a tight foreskin, repeated inflammation or infection, scarring conditions such as BXO (lichen sclerosus), pain during erections, or ongoing discomfort affecting daily life. Some men also choose circumcision for personal preference, religious practice, or cultural reasons.

Adult circumcision is usually carried out as a day-case procedure, meaning you return home the same day.

Common Reasons for Adult Circumcision

Adult circumcision may be recommended when the foreskin is causing persistent symptoms, when simpler treatments have not worked, or when circumcision is the most reliable long-term option.

Phimosis

Phimosis means the foreskin is too tight to retract comfortably over the glans. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty cleaning, painful erections, splitting of the skin, or difficulty during sex.

Recurrent Balanitis or Balanoposthitis

Repeated inflammation or infection affecting the foreskin and glans can cause soreness, redness, irritation, and ongoing discomfort. In some men, circumcision provides a more definitive long-term solution.

BXO / Lichen Sclerosus

BXO is a chronic scarring condition that can affect the foreskin and sometimes the glans. It may cause whitening, cracking, tightening, splitting, and progressive phimosis. Circumcision is often recommended when the foreskin tissue is scarred or repeatedly inflamed.

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis happens when the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot be returned to its normal position. Once the acute episode has been treated, circumcision may be advised to help reduce the risk of it happening again.

Frenulum Problems

Some men have a short or tight frenulum that causes pain, tearing, or bleeding during erections or intercourse. In some cases, frenuloplasty may be enough, whilst in others circumcision may still be the better option.

Personal, Religious, or Cultural Reasons

Some men choose adult circumcision for personal, religious, or cultural reasons. A consultation is still important so that suitability, healing, risks, and realistic outcomes can be discussed properly.

If there are suspicious changes to the foreskin, ongoing cracking, or abnormal lesions, a proper clinical assessment is important before treatment.

Are There Alternatives to Circumcision?

Yes. Full circumcision is not always the only option.

Depending on the underlying problem, alternatives may include:

Preputioplasty

A foreskin-preserving procedure used in selected cases of mild to moderate phimosis. It widens the tight opening without removing the foreskin completely.

Frenuloplasty

A procedure used to lengthen a short frenulum and reduce pain, tearing, or bleeding. It may be performed on its own or alongside circumcision in selected cases.

Topical Treatment

For some patients with a tight foreskin or early inflammatory change, creams or ointments may help. These are more suitable in selected cases and may not provide a lasting solution if symptoms keep returning.

Partial Circumcision

Partial circumcision removes only part of the foreskin. This may be appropriate in some cases, although it can carry a higher risk of future tightness if scarring develops.

Circumcision is often considered when non-surgical or foreskin-preserving treatments have not worked, or when the underlying condition is unlikely to improve without removing the diseased or scarred foreskin.

Your Consultation and Assessment

Every patient has a consultation and pre-operative assessment before surgery.

This helps us understand:

• your symptoms
• the reason for treatment
• any previous treatment you have had
• your anatomy
• whether circumcision is the right procedure
• which approach is most suitable
• what result is realistic and safe

We also discuss:

• whether local anaesthetic is suitable
• the expected recovery period
• possible risks and complications
• time away from work, exercise, and sex
• any concerns about appearance or aftercare

We may ask about:

• bleeding problems or family history of bleeding disorders
• blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication
• allergies to medicines
• urinary symptoms
• diabetes
• previous surgery
• heart conditions or implanted devices
• other relevant medical history

If you take medication that affects bleeding risk, do not stop it without medical advice. Any change should be discussed as part of your assessment.

Consultations are available in person in London and Cambridge. Video consultations are also available if you would prefer to discuss suitability, risks, and expected outcomes before attending.

How Adult Circumcision Is Performed

Adult circumcision is usually performed as a day-case procedure, which means you return home the same day.

Anaesthetic

For suitable adults, circumcision is commonly carried out under local anaesthetic. This means you remain awake, but the area is numbed so that the procedure itself should not be painful.

The anaesthetic is usually given around the base and shaft of the penis. This provides pain relief during the procedure and for a period afterwards.

What Happens on the Day

The usual pathway includes:

• arrival and confirmation of your medical history
• review of consent and the planned procedure
• local anaesthetic administration
• time for the anaesthetic to take full effect
• removal of the foreskin using the agreed method
• closure using dissolvable stitches, medical skin glue, or both, depending on the case
• dressing or glue-specific aftercare advice
• discharge once you are comfortable and safe to leave

The procedure itself often takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the technique and complexity.

Technique

The exact technique depends on your anatomy, the reason for treatment, and the condition of the foreskin.

Where appropriate, treatment may involve:

• dissolvable stitches
• medical skin glue
• stapler techniques in suitable candidates
• conventional surgical methods such as sleeve, freehand, or forceps-guided approaches

The important point is not choosing a technique in isolation. It is choosing the safest and most appropriate approach for your symptoms, anatomy, and expected outcome.

Recovery and Aftercare

You go home the same day after the procedure.

Mild discomfort in the first few days is normal and is usually managed with simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless you have been advised otherwise. Swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and temporary sensitivity are common early in recovery, and most healing usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks.

First 24 Hours

It is normal to notice soreness, swelling, mild bruising, and a small amount of spotting on the dressing. Rest is important during this stage.

Do:

• rest and take things slowly
• take pain relief as advised
• keep the dressing or wound area as instructed
• drink fluids and try to pass urine normally

Don’t:

• do strenuous activity
• disturb the dressing or glue unless advised
• apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless instructed

Days 2 to 7

This is often the stage when swelling, bruising, tenderness, and sensitivity are most noticeable. The glans may feel more exposed than usual, and erections can feel uncomfortable whilst the wound is still healing. Minor crusting or a small amount of clear or straw-coloured fluid can also be normal.

Do:

• keep the area clean using the advice given to you
• wear supportive but comfortable underwear if that feels better
• walk gently if comfortable
• check the wound daily

Don’t:

• scrub the wound
• soak in baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs unless advised
• peel off glue
• force yourself back to normal activity too quickly

Week 2

By this stage, the wound is often settling, although some swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity can still remain. If stitches have been used, they may still be present. Some patients feel much better by this point, but healing is not yet complete.

Do:

• continue gentle hygiene
• return to light routine if comfortable
• monitor for increasing redness, discharge, or worsening pain

Don’t:

• assume the wound is fully healed just because it looks better
• restart heavy gym work, cycling, or sex too early

Weeks 3 to 4

A lot of the visible healing is usually complete by this stage, but the tissue may still be settling. Some sensitivity changes and firmness around the scar can still be normal.

Do:

• increase activity gradually if comfortable
• continue to protect the area from unnecessary friction

Don’t:

• rush back into strenuous exercise if the area is still sore or swollen
• resume sex or masturbation before healing is sufficiently advanced

Weeks 4 to 6

Most healing is usually complete by this stage, although final softness, scar settling, and sensitivity adjustment can continue beyond this.

Do:

• return gradually to full activity once healing is complete
• ask for review if you are worried about scar appearance, swelling, or discomfort

Don’t:

• compare your healing too closely with someone else’s
• ignore persistent swelling, wound separation, or ongoing pain

What Is Normal During Healing?

During recovery, it is common to notice:

• mild spotting or minor bleeding
• swelling and bruising
• crusting as the wound heals
• a small amount of clear or straw-coloured fluid
• increased sensitivity of the glans
• temporary discomfort with erections

These changes usually improve gradually over the first 1 to 2 weeks, although full healing often takes around 4 to 6 weeks.

Work, Exercise, Driving, and Sex

Recovery varies depending on the procedure, the technique used, and the type of work you do.

Typical guidance is:

• office work: often around 2 to 3 days
• manual work: often around 1 to 2 weeks
• gym, heavy lifting, cycling, swimming, and contact sport: usually avoided for around 2 to 3 weeks
• sex and masturbation: usually avoided for around 4 weeks or until healing is complete

Many patients can drive after local anaesthetic if they feel well enough. If you feel light-headed, have taken sedative medication, or have had a more complex procedure, it is sensible to arrange a lift.

Dressings, Stitches, and Glue

A light dressing may be applied to protect the wound.

If absorbable stitches are used, they usually dissolve naturally over the following weeks.

If medical skin glue is used, it forms a protective layer over the wound and falls away naturally as healing progresses. Dressing, glue, and stitch care depends on the technique used, and you will be given specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.

Hygiene and Wound Care

Good hygiene supports healing.

Follow the aftercare instructions given for your specific technique. This may include:

• showering only when advised
• avoiding scrubbing the wound
• gently rinsing after passing urine if needed
• patting the area dry carefully
• avoiding creams or ointments unless specifically advised

Erections During Healing

Erections can cause temporary discomfort in the early stages of healing because they stretch the healing skin. This usually settles as recovery progresses. Some men find it helpful to empty their bladder before bed to reduce night-time discomfort.

Expected Result

After circumcision, the glans remains permanently exposed. During the first few weeks, the penis may look different because of swelling, bruising, or firmness around the healing scar. The final settled appearance usually takes longer than the initial healing period, and sensitivity often changes as the area adapts.

Risks and Possible Complications

Adult circumcision is commonly performed and is generally safe when carried out by experienced surgeons. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications can occur.

Expected or Usually Temporary

• swelling
• bruising
• mild bleeding or spotting
• temporary sensitivity changes
• local discomfort

Less Common

• infection requiring treatment
• bleeding requiring review
• slower healing, especially if there is active inflammation or scarring

Uncommon or Rare

• urinary retention
• significant bruising
• excess or insufficient foreskin removal
• adhesions, skin bridges, or scarring concerns
• the need for further treatment or revision surgery
• buried penis
• serious bleeding or infection requiring hospital treatment
• distress related to recovery or cosmetic outcome

When to Seek Help Urgently

Contact us promptly if you experience:

• excessive bleeding or bleeding that does not settle
• increasing redness, swelling, or worsening pain after several days
• fever or feeling unwell
• foul-smelling or pus-like discharge
• difficulty passing urine
• inability to pass urine
• pain that is not controlled with the recommended pain relief

Cost of Adult Circumcision in London

We provide clear and transparent pricing for adult circumcision and related foreskin procedures.

Current Prices

• Adult Circumcision: from £650
• Frenuloplasty with circumcision: from £700
• Circumcision with stapler: £780
• Video Consultation: £150

Other procedures, including preputioplasty, circumcision revision, BXO treatment, and penoscrotal web repair, are priced after assessment and confirmed during consultation.

What Our Fees Cover

• consultation and pre-operative assessment for the same procedure
• the procedure itself
• local anaesthetic
• pain relief advice
• written post-operative instructions
• telephone aftercare support during the first four weeks

There are no hidden charges. Costs are explained before treatment.

Why Choose London Circumcision Centre?

Choosing the right clinic matters for safety, comfort, and outcome.

Patients choose us because we offer:

• consultant-led care
• experienced surgeons with substantial procedural experience
• treatment for straightforward and complex foreskin conditions
• CQC-regulated clinics
• local anaesthetic for suitable adults
• a range of modern surgical techniques
• clear aftercare instructions
• follow-up support after treatment

Book an Adult Circumcision Consultation

If you are experiencing tight foreskin, recurrent inflammation, scarring, or ongoing discomfort, the first step is a proper assessment.

We provide consultant-led adult circumcision in London and Cambridge, with clear advice on suitability, treatment options, recovery, and cost.