Deciding to have an adult circumcision is a big decision, whether it’s for a personal reason or for health reasons. So, what happens after circumcision?

In this guide, Mykare Health discusses how long the healing process takes after an adult circumcision. Moreover, we will also cover what you can expect and some tips for a more relaxed recovery process.

The healing process after circumcision is a common experience. Wondering what it could be like?

Let’s get started in understanding circumcision healing in adults.

What Is Circumcision?

To begin with, here’s a little recap of what circumcision is. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the head of your penis. It has cultural, religious and medical significance all over the world.

In some religious traditions, circumcision is a holy ritual performed in infancy or childhood. In the medical field, circumcision can be performed for hygiene reasons, to prevent infections or to treat certain medical conditions.

The choice to undergo circumcision is very personal and influenced by culture, religion and individual beliefs.

Importance Of Healing After Circumcision

There are many reasons why understanding the healing process in adults is important, including physical healing, psychological healing, and the success of circumcision.

Here are some key aspects that emphasise the importance of understanding the healing journey.

Health & Recovery

Preventing complications: Understanding the healing process allows you to recognize early signs of complications, so you can get medical help as soon as possible. This reduces the risk of infection or other issues later in the healing process.

Best healing practices: Knowing the right post-op care and hygiene will help you to heal as best as possible, reducing the chances of discomfort and recovery delays.

Pain management and comfort

Timely pain relief: Being aware of the pain you are likely to experience after surgery allows you to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your pain effectively.

Emotional well-being: Being aware of what to expect during your recovery period can help reduce your anxiety and stress levels, which can have a negative impact on your emotional well-being.

Post-operative care: Knowing the healing stages helps you stick to the instructions given by your healthcare provider. This is important to avoid complications and ensure a comfortable recovery.

Avoiding risky behaviours: Knowing the healing timeline helps you avoid activities that may impede your recovery, such as strenuous exercise or neglecting your hygiene.

Managing expectations: Knowing the approximate healing process allows you to set realistic expectations, thus avoiding unnecessary worry and frustration.

Understanding variability: Knowing that healing time varies from person to person allows you to appreciate the uniqueness of your own recovery journey, thus avoiding undue stress from deviations from an average time frame.

Communicating with healthcare providers: Having a good understanding of your healing process empowers you to communicate effectively with your healthcare providers. Sharing your concerns, asking questions and seeking guidance is an essential part of a successful healing process.

Timely intervention: If you decide to have circumcision for medical reasons, you will be more likely to seek early medical attention, thus preventing complications from getting worse.

Maintenance of long-term benefits: If you choose to have circumcision, it is important to understand the healing process in order to maintain the long-term benefits of your circumcision. This may include reducing the risk of certain infections, or other health benefits related to circumcision.

How Long Does It Take For Healing?

Conventional Circumcision (4-6 weeks)

• Conventional circumcision is a surgical procedure that is performed through one of three methods: the dorsal slit, forceps-guided, or sleeve resection.

• Generally, a circumcision of any age is expected to heal within one week.

• However, open circumcision procedures are complicated and involve a lot of incisions, wounds, and stitches that cause pain and inflammation and require more time for full recovery.

• Since the risk of infection is higher in open circumcision, it is important to change the dressing frequently and avoid exposure to the potential risks of infection.

• Also, conventional techniques of circumcision involve a high chance of postoperative bleeding which can delay full healing.

• Open circumcision is more painful and prolongs the recovery period due to the increased number of complications.

• It is recommended that the patient abstain from sex for a minimum of 4 weeks after open circumcision.

• Common complications after open circumcision include: bleeding, infection, anaesthetic side effects, pain, foreskin cut too short or too long, irritation on tip of penis, and meatitis (inflammation at the opening of penis).

Laser Circumcision (2-3 Days)

• Laser circumcision removes the foreskin using laser energy.

• It provides a wide range of indications due to its high precision, which reduces the operating time and complications associated with bleeding.

• Compared to conventional circumcision, the healing process after laser circumcision takes 2-3 days, and complete healing can be achieved within 2 weeks.

• The laser beam helps to create a dry field and quickly causes the wound to heal and remodel itself.

• Compared to the conventional circumcision methods, laser circumcision is more effective because it is performed like a daycare procedure, where the patient can go home the same day.

ZSR Or Stapler Circumcision (1-2 weeks)

• ZSR circumcision is a circumcision technique that uses surgical staplers to cut the skin edge and seal it with a surgical stainer instead of a scalpel or suture.

• Stapler circumcision surgery takes the foreskin out of the upper part of the penis, and it does not change the length or the girth.

• A stapler circumcision procedure is painless and results in minimal blood loss. It also results in a faster recovery.

• Stapler circumcision causes less pain post-surgery.

• The stapler cuts the foreskin completely.

• Stapler circumcision has a shorter healing time.

• The method uses necrosis to remove the foreskin, resulting in a relatively ischaemic edge that takes more time to rebuild the local blood flow for wound healing post-ring removal.

• Stapler circumcision has fewer wounds, while the method of shang ring circumcision has more wounds, as there is less suturing around the wound.

• Splitting is more common in the ring circumcision method, and usually develops when a spontaneous erection occurs. Complete recovery post-stapler circumcision typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Factors That Influence Healing Time

Here’s what you must know.

• Individual variation, general health issues, and the presence of underlying medical conditions can affect healing time.

• Following post-operative care guidelines, avoiding difficult activities and good hygiene can help you with a smoother and possibly faster recovery.

• So, the healing time would be different for different people according to these factors. If you can follow all these post operative care, you may heal faster than the person who doesn’t do it properly.

• While the initial postoperative period typically involves managing pain and following care instructions carefully, the overall healing process for adult circumcision can take several months.

• It is important to remember that patience, following medical advice, and communicating with your healthcare provider is the key to a successful recovery.

The bottom line is that adult circumcision healing takes time and it depends on each individual. The first couple of days can be painful, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

The swelling and bruising will reduce over the next couple of weeks and you will be able to resume normal activities. Full healing may take several months, depending on factors such as age and general health.

Moreover, if you have any concerns during your healing process, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Communicating with your healthcare provider throughout your recovery journey is key to resolving any issues and ensuring the best possible healing outcome.

Read More About Circumcision treatment.