Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the head of the penis. The procedure may be performed for medical reasons, such as phimosis (tight foreskin), recurrent infections, scarring conditions, difficulty with hygiene, or for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.

At our clinic, adult circumcision is usually performed under local anaesthetic, allowing the procedure to be completed comfortably without the need for a general anaesthetic. Sedation may be discussed in selected cases.

Circumcision Techniques

Several established techniques may be used, depending on your anatomy and clinical requirements.

Gomco Clamp (most commonly used in our clinic) A specialised surgical clamp is used to protect the head of the penis while the foreskin is removed. The clamp helps control bleeding during the procedure and allows precise removal of the foreskin. This technique is suitable for many adult patients and is commonly used in our practice.

Surgical Circumcision (Traditional Excision) A conventional surgical technique in which the foreskin is carefully excised and the skin edges are closed using dissolvable sutures. This approach may be preferred in patients with significant scarring, phimosis, anatomical variations, or where a customised cosmetic result is desired.

Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate technique during your consultation.

Typical Procedure

Pre-procedure assessment and informed consent.
Administration of local anaesthetic to numb the penis.
Circumcision using the selected technique.
Careful control of bleeding and wound closure where required.
Application of a dressing.
Observation before discharge home.

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

Typical Recovery

Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common during the first few days.
Most patients can return to office-based work within 1–3 days.
Strenuous exercise, cycling, gym activities, and heavy lifting should generally be avoided for approximately 2–4 weeks.
Sexual intercourse and masturbation should be avoided for approximately 4–6 weeks, or until complete healing has occurred.
Dissolvable sutures, if used, typically dissolve over several weeks.
Most patients experience substantial healing within 2–4 weeks, with continued scar maturation over several months.

Potential Benefits

Resolution of a tight foreskin (phimosis)
Reduced risk of recurrent foreskin infections and inflammation
Improved hygiene
Relief of discomfort during sexual activity
Easier management of some foreskin-related skin conditions
Permanent solution to many foreskin problems

Important Information

As with any surgical procedure, adult circumcision carries potential risks, including:

Bleeding
Infection
Swelling and bruising
Temporary changes in sensation
Delayed wound healing
Scar formation
Cosmetic dissatisfaction
Persistent discomfort during healing
Need for further treatment or revision surgery (uncommon)

While complications are uncommon, no surgical procedure can guarantee a specific cosmetic or functional outcome.

Consultation and Assessment

A consultation is required before the procedure to assess suitability, discuss the available techniques, explain the benefits and risks, review any medical conditions or medications, and develop an individualized treatment plan. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and make a fully informed decision before proceeding.