Is There Scarring After Adult Circumcision?

Every medical procedure has potential risks and complications. Between scarring and allergic reactions, no surgery is risk-free. And adult circumcisions are no exception. Due to the delicate nature of the procedure, however, you might be more worried than excited.

But we’ve got you covered.

Many males who are considering going under the knife for adult circumcision are afraid of permanent scarring. Given that it’s our field of expertise, we’re here to allay your fears and discuss your options for avoiding and repairing scarring after adult circumcision.

How Surgeons Avoid Circumcision Complications

During the procedure itself, good doctors perform additional steps to ensure better recovery and avoid permanent effects, such as scarring. These protective measures include both tools and new techniques.

The three prominent means doctors use to enhance patient recovery include the shield and clamp method, the excision technique, and the dorsal slit procedure. These three approaches allow a safer and easier circumcision operation to avoid complications.

Shield and clamp

Surgeons may use a tool called a Mogen clamp or a Gomco shield clamp to protect the penis and give better leverage to access the foreskin.

  1. The surgeon applies a protective shield around the penis.
  2. The clamp goes around the foreskin to stop the supply of blood to the area.
  3. The surgeon uses a scalpel to cut the excess skin.

Alternatively, the surgeon might leave the clamp on for one week for the foreskin to fall off on its own.

Excision

Excision is the act of directly cutting off the excess skin. The steps go like so:

  1. The doctor folds the foreskin over the penis.
  2. The doctor removes the excess skin with a scalpel.
  3. You get stitches to close the wounds afterward.

Dorsal slit

The dorsal slit is the term that refers to a small incision in the foreskin to access and remove the foreskin. It’s a circumcision technique that can be summarized into three steps:

  1. The doctor makes a vertical cut starting from the base of the penis.
  2. The doctor removes the foreskin following a straightforward process allowed by the dorsal slit.
  3. The doctor closes the wound and applies dissolvable sutures to close the skin.

If you’re curious about ,the difference between sleeve resection and dorsal slit in circumcision or other circumcision techniques, ask your doctor.

What Should You Do for Post-Surgery Care?

Now, scarring is normal following circumcision, but the extent of the scar depends on the circumcision methods used and how well you care for your penis post-surgery. Post-surgery care is simple to do at home. Here’s what you need to look out for to avoid complications and ensure a smooth healing process:

  • Avoid friction: Avoid touching your penis outside your hygiene routine. Friction can aggravate surgical wounds causing irritation and extending recovery time.
  • Keep the area clean: Ensure you wash appropriately to avoid complications from dirt and bacteria coming in contact with post-op wounds.
  • Wear loose underwear: Avoid wearing underwear, or wear loose-fitting ones after your circumcision. Loose-fitting clothes are necessary to protect open wounds from exposure to ambient irritants and to avoid friction.

Additionally, you can use products to help the healing process. Some over-the-counter products that are generally recommended for caring for your penis at home post-circumcision include:

  • Lightening cream: Cosmetic lightening creams can alleviate blemishes introduced by undergoing an adult circumcision.
  • Scar oils: Certain essential oils can stimulate skin cells to encourage recovery. Apply oils to your skin after fully recovering from the procedure to help avoid scarring. Some essential oils that can reduce scarring include helichrysum, frankincense, and geranium.
  • Vitamin E: Topical vitamin E creams act as anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring measures. Apply to the surgery site to stimulate recovery.

You can avoid complications and permanent scars by doing your part and ensuring you look after the surgery site. Still, we highly advise that you talk to your doctor before applying any products in the area.

Types of Circumcision Scars

Moreover, scarring isn’t identical for all patients. Each patient has different circumstances depending on how the surgery was performed. Some of the more common symptoms include the following.

  • Extra Tissue: Circumcision cuts can cause your skin to harden over time. If the scar tissue doesn’t disappear during recovery, you may see excess skin growth (e.g., bumps on the ridge or rim of the penis).
  • Stitch Scars: Complications can arise due to improper stitching. If your stitches tear during your recovery, the scarring might occur.
  • Keloids: A keloid is an area with thick, raised scar tissue. If you experience keloid growth after circumcision, additional surgery is required to remove this type of scar.
  • Discoloration: Discoloration can occur in the incision sight. However, over time, the color change will even out, and the penis will recover its natural tone.

What About Circumcision Repair?

If against all odds, you encounter scarring after proper post-op care, you still have the option to remove any blemishing. Thanks to cosmetic surgery, there are options for alleviating scarring from circumcision.

Circumcision repair is a cosmetic surgery that addresses blemishes or scarring to the penis following circumcision. Some complications commonly address with circumcision repair include:

  • Excess Foreskin: The extra foreskin left on the penis by the physician can end up interfering with the head or glans and lead to inflammation or infection.
  • Extensive Scarring: Excess scarring can lead to complications like bowing or profuse curvature.
  • Adhesions: Fibrous tissues can appear on the rim of the penis and cause pain and discomfort when the penis is erect.
  • Frenulum Breve: Improper operation of the frenulum restricts the foreskin from retracting adequately, causing pain and irritation while erect.

Circumcision repair is typically needed following poor circumcision technique and can be avoided by having the operation done by a licensed and experienced physician.

Avoid Permanent Damage from Circumcision

Like all medical procedures, circumcisions come with their share of risks. Still, any negative, permanent effects can be avoided by a talented surgeon, proper circumcision techniques and technology, and appropriate patient care.

And even if postoperative complications arise after taking precautionary measures, there’s always reparative surgery to reduce the complication. We can help you with that as well.

Are you looking for more advice and help to make an informed decision? Schedule a free phone consultation with us today to learn more about adult circumcision options. ,Contact us today!

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