The most frequently asked question of me in the clinic is “How long will it take me to recover?” The straightforward reply is that the majority of men recover from adult circumcision within 4 to 6 weeks; the swelling and bruising generally disappear after 2 to 3 weeks, many of my patients are back at their desks a few days later, and sexual activity can be resumed when the wound has completely healed after 4 to 6 weeks.
Since I opened the London Circumcision Center in 2005, I have found that men recover more easily when they know what to expect, and in this guide I explain each stage, tell you what is normal, and indicate when you should contact me. All adult circumcisions carried out at LCC include four weeks of free aftercare as well as 24-hour telephone support, which means you will never be on your own.
Adult circumcision recovery at a glance
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
| First 24 hours | Bandage stays for 3 days, numbness wears off and mild discomfort. |
| Days 2 to 3 | Peak swelling and bruising; no bandage soaked off in the shower |
| Week 1 | Discomfort easing; glans feels sensitive; most men back at desk work |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Swelling and bruising settle; stitches dissolve; glue has flaked off |
| Weeks 3 to 5 | Staplers come away if used ; gentle exercise can restart once healed |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Wound fully healed for most men; sex can usually resume, wear condons for fist a few days |
| Months 2 to 3 | Scar softens and matures; use a condom until it is no longer sensitive |
Please keep in mind that everyone has their own pace of healing. Smoking, diabetes and some medicines can slow healing, and the specific instructions I give you on the day are very important and always come first.
The first 24 hours
It is suggested to take paracetamol or ibuprofen before the numbness disappears, follow the dosage instructions written on packet. You must not take aspirin or any other blood-thinning medications unless they have been prescribed to you, as these medications can increase the risk of bleeding.
I always ask patients bring a pair of tight-fitting briefs with them when they leave the clinic, because supportive underpants keep the dressing in place and will help minimize movement, which will help you be more comfortable and improve wound healing.
Days 2 to 3: The First Bandage
Swelling and bruising usually peak around now. I reassure every patient that this is a normal reaction to the anaesthetic and the surgery, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
Leave the first bandage on for 2 to 3 days. Only change it earlier if it becomes soaked with urine, and replace it with a dry one. When it is time to remove it, soak it off in the shower after 3 days .
Dried blood will often be stuck to it and when you take it off you may be damaging the healing skin.
Then a light dressing or gauze pad will prevent the wound from rubbing against your underwear. If I have prescribed an ointment cream for you, a thin layer will prevent the new dressing from sticking.
Week 1: Settling Down
The head of the penis (glans) is now exposed and can feel very sensitive against clothing. In my experience, this improves steadily over the following weeks as the skin adapts.
It is usual to take a shower after three days, but do not put antiseptics in the water or apply antiseptic creams since they irritate the new skin and may delay the healing process. Do not have baths or go swimming until the wound has recovered after two weeks.
Some of my patients go back to work the next day, even though their concentration is weak for the first few days. Most people prefer to take about a week off. If your job requires heavy lifting or long periods of sitting without breaks, I advise you to plan on 1 or 2 weeks.
Weeks 2 to 3: Stitches, Glue and Swelling
By this stage most of the swelling and bruising has gone down. A little firmness or swelling just below the scar line can take a few more weeks to settle completely, and this is quite normal.
What happens next depends on how I closed your wound:
- Dissolvable stitches fall out on their own in about 2 to 3 weeks. Please do not pull them.
- Surgical glue flakes off by itself within about 10 days. Do not peel it; you may carefully trim a loose piece.
- Staplers usually come away within 3 to 5 weeks. Call me if they are still in place after 3 weeks.
I will always tell you which method I have used for you. You can read more about the options on our Adult Circumcision, Stapler Circumcision and Khan Technique pages.
Erections During Recovery
Many men are concerned about getting erections, especially at night; these occurrences are entirely normal and may pull on the healing wound. Although they are unlikely to cause any harm, they can be uncomfortable and lead to you being woken up.
I recommend emptying your bladder before bed and again if you wake up during the night. It is also helpful to sleep on your side with your knees gently bent rather than on your back. You should use an ice pack on the head of the penis when it is erect.
Exercise and Sport
My patients are advised to stay away from the gym, sports, cycling, and swimming for at least two to three weeks, until the wound has completely healed; however, gentle walking is fine from the first few days, as it helps you feel more like yourself.
Sex and Masturbation After Circumcision
Wait until the wound is fully healed before having any sexual activity which involves the penis; in most men this period lasts about 4 to 6 weeks.
When you’ve recovered, I suggest that you use a condom during any penetrative sex until the scar is no longer sensitive; this process may take two to three months. The new scar will not be damaged by using condom. If you’re unsure whether you have healed enough, send me a photo or give me a call, and I’ll guide you.
Travelling after circumcision
I advise avoiding flights for 24 to 48 hours. For flights longer than 4 hours, wait at least 48 hours. Wear supportive underwear and keep painkillers in your hand luggage.
When to contact me
The vast majority of recoveries are straightforward. However, please call me or message us on WhatsApp straight away if you notice:
- Bleeding that soaks through the dressing or does not stop with firm pressure
- Swelling that keeps increasing rather than settling
- Pus, spreading redness or worsening pain
- A fever
- The wound opening up
- Difficulty passing urine
If bleeding begins, press gently with a clean, dry bandage for 10 minutes, while calling for help. My team and I are available 24 hours a day on +44 7527 314081.
Like any surgery, there are some risks associated with circumcision: bleeding, infection and loss of sensation. With all patients I talk about these prior to surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How long does adult circumcision take to heal?
In 4-6 weeks, most of my patients are completely recovered. The swelling and bruising should clear up within 2 to 3 weeks, and the scar will gradually fade in the next 2 to 3 months.
How painful is recovery?
Most men describe discomfort rather than severe pain, mainly in the first few days. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually enough.
When can I go back to work?
You can return the next day, but many of my patients take a week off. I suggest 1 to 2 weeks for heavy lifting or physically demanding jobs.
When can I shower?
You can shower once the first bandage is due off after 2 to 3 days, using the shower to soak it free. Avoid baths and swimming until you have healed.
Is swelling normal after circumcision?
Yes. Swelling and bruising are expected and peak around days 2 to 3. Please contact me if swelling keeps increasing or is very painful.
When can I have sex after circumcision?
Usually after 4 to 6 weeks, once the wound is completely healed. I recommend using a condom until the scar is no longer sensitive.
Specialist adult circumcision in London and Cambridge
I founded London Circumcision Centre in 2005, and today my team and I see patients at our clinics in South Woodford, Leyton and Cambridge. Every adult procedure includes local anaesthetic, prescriptions, four weeks of free aftercare and 24-hour post-operative support.
If you are considering circumcision, or you have a question about your recovery, I am happy to help. Call +44 7527 314081, message us on WhatsApp, or book online.