This guideline for Adult Circumcision will help you care for yourself after your procedure under local anaesthesia.
Please note that this is general advice.
Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
Right After Adult Circumcision
It is normal for your penis to be swollen and bruised. This is from the anaesthetic and the procedure itself. The swelling and bruising should begin to subside within 2-3 weeks.
What to Wear
- Supportive underwear (like tight briefs) is better than loose boxers for the first few days.
- This holds everything in place, reduces movement, and helps with comfort and healing.
About the Bandage
- A tight bandage will be applied after surgery to protect the wound and reduce swelling.
- Leave this first bandage on for 2-3 days. Please do not remove it early unless it gets soaked with urine. If the bandage gets wet, please replace it with a dry bandage.
- When it is time to remove it, it will likely be stuck on with dried blood. Soak the dressing off in the shower. Do not pull it off dry, as this can damage the healing skin.
- After the first bandage is off, you can use a new one. Applying a thin layer of Fusidic Acid cream (or any ointment your doctor recommends) before re-bandaging can prevent it from sticking. Only use this cream if your surgeon advised you to.
- If you do not want to use a full bandage, a simple gauze pad can protect the stitches from rubbing on your underwear.
How to Help it Heal
- Do NOT use antiseptic creams or add antiseptics to your showering. These can irritate new skin and slow healing.
- If you notice signs of infection (increased redness, pus, worsening pain, or fever), contact a surgeon immediately.
- Taking Vitamin C for 10 days may help promote healing.
Managing Pain
- Everyone feels pain differently. Most people experience discomfort rather than severe pain in the first few days.
- You can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
- Do NOT take Aspirin or any other blood-thinning medicine, as it can increase bleeding.
Stitches and Glue, Staplers
- If you have stitches, they are usually dissolvable. They will fall out on their own in about 2-3 weeks. Do not pull them.
- If your wound was closed with glue, it will flake off on its own within about 10 days. If a piece is hanging loose, you can carefully trim it. Do not peel the glue off.
- Staplers usually come off within 3-5 weeks. Please call us after 3 weeks if staplers are still present
Travelling
- You can travel home by car 1-2 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid long journeys for 24 hours.
- Do not fly for 24-48 hours. For flights longer than 4 hours, wait at least 48 hours.
Dealing with Erections
- Erections, especially at night, can pull on the healing wound and be uncomfortable.
- To help reduce them, urinate right before you go to sleep and if you wake up during the night.
- Try sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent, rather than on your back.
Sex and Masturbation
- You must wait for complete healing before any sexual activity that involves the penis. This usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
- If you need relief before then, focus on stimulating other areas (like the shaft of the penis, nipples, or prostate) and avoid the head (glans) and scar line.
- Once you are cleared for sex, use a condom for penetrative sex until the scar is fully healed and not sensitive. This can take 2-3 months. The condom protects the scar from friction.
Time Off Work/School
- You can return to work or school the next day, but you may find it hard to concentrate for the first few days. Many people prefer to take a week off.
- If your job involves heavy lifting or long periods of sitting without breaks, 1-2 weeks off is a good idea.
- Avoid sports, gym workouts, cycling, and swimming for at least 2-3 weeks until you are fully healed.
Contact Us In Case Of Any Concerns
- Significant bleeding
- Excessive swelling
- pus discharge,
- Fever
- disruption of the wound
Risks And Possible Complications
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible complications include bleeding or infection, urinary retention, bruising or swelling of the penis, excessive or insufficient foreskin removal, adhesions between the penile skin and glans, permanent altered or reduced sensation of the glans, poor cosmetic outcome, erectile dysfunction, psychological distress, the need for repeat circumcision, and, very rarely, serious bleeding or infection requiring hospital admission.
Important Note: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions and contact them with any questions or concerns.
If you have any problems or concerns, please call your surgeon directly.