You might be aware of circumcision. Currently, there are several circumcision options available for you to choose from according to your needs.

Laser circumcision is one of the most preferred methods now. Wondering what exactly is laser circumcision, its cost, and how it's done?

Mykare Health is here to answer all your doubts and give you a comprehensive understanding of laser circumcision.

Traditional to Laser Circumcision

Before going into the details of laser circumcision, you might want to know about traditional circumcision. It was the only circumcision method practiced for ages by many cultures.

Traditional circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is done for medical, cultural, and religious reasons. It is from the 19th century that circumcision was given a public health approach.

Circumcision, apart from cultural and religious beliefs, is also believed to have certain benefits for males.

With the evolution of medicine and technology, new methods for circumcision were introduced. Laser circumcision was introduced as an alternative to traditional methods.

Laser circumcision is one of the most preferred methods by people now, and it is especially beneficial to adult males.

Understanding Laser Circumcision

Laser circumcision is the usage of laser energy to perform a painless, and less complicated surgery.

How the procedure is done

After a proper evaluation, the surgeon will decide whether you are fit to undergo circumcision. The surgeon will give you local anesthesia before the procedure.

The surgeons use medical laser equipment that has concentrated beams of light. It is pointed to the genital area and cuts through the tissue, removing the foreskin.

The surgeons can control the laser incisions and it offers a high level of accuracy.

Laser circumcision is done in a way that you experience little to no thermal damage in the genital area’s tissue.

Compared to traditional circumcision, laser circumcision causes no pain or discomfort. You will only need a shorter recovery time, 2 to 3 days, when compared to traditional procedures.

Types of lasers used:

Want to know what kind of lasers are used in this procedure?

CO2 (carbon dioxide), Nd: YAG (neodymium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet), holmium, and diode lasers are the main types of lasers used for this method.

CO2 Laser: CO2 lasers are effective when it comes to soft tissue operations, to cut through the tissues. CO2 lasers will take less operative time during the surgery. It will not cause any irritation and provides a better cosmetic appearance after the procedure.

Nd: YAG Laser: These lasers are used for procedures involving both soft and hard tissues. It is used for deeper tissue penetration and has more wavelength. Nd: YAG lasers also do not cause any post surgery issues.

Holmium Laser: Holmium lasers are used in urology procedures. They can cut through soft tissues and make them appropriate for precise incisions. The thermal damage is also low with the use of holmium lasers.

Diode Lasers: Diode lasers are also used for soft tissue procedures, making them suitable for circumcision. It is easy to use and carry and is used for several medical surgeries.

Benefits of Laser Circumcision

Before going for Laser Circumcision, you must be aware of the benefits it brings to your table.

• Low pain and discomfort: Mostly, laser circumcision causes no pain during or after the procedure. The laser technology can also help in reducing bleeding. It is a comfortable method for you.

• Short recovery period: Laser circumcision offers faster recovery and healing. Laser usage helps in sealing the blood vessels and helps in clotting faster. It will lead to your quick recovery.

• Accuracy: The use of laser technology will help in accurate or precise incisions. This procedure gives surgeons full control over the equipment. It provides a more targeted approach.

• Low risk of infection: There is a minimal risk of getting infection after laser circumcision. Since the incisions are accurate and wounds are minimal, there is a low fear of risks.

• Customisation: The surgeons can customise laser procedures according to your individual needs and preferences. Each patient may need different laser technology based on their anatomical considerations.

• Prevention from penile cancer and other diseases: There is a reduced risk of penile cancer if you get laser circumcision. Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases can also be prevented.

Who Can Get Laser Circumcision?

There is no age limit for undergoing circumcision. Infants and children can get laser circumcision at an early age. Circumcising at an early age is beneficial as pain will be less and healing will be faster.

Adolescents can undergo laser circumcision for religious, cultural, or other medical reasons. Laser circumcision can be beneficial for this age group as well.

Adults can also choose to have laser circumcision. It can be for various reasons including religious or cultural practices. Sometimes, it can be due to medical purposes, and personal preferences.

Certain medical conditions could be resolved through laser circumcision. It includes:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Laser circumcision will help in reducing the risk of getting any urinary tract infections.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Circumcision can also help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases in males.

Phimosis: Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is very tight. Laser circumcision can resolve this issue with minimal pain and risk.

Balanitis: Balanitis is a condition where inflammation occurs on the foreskin. Laser circumcision can also resolve this issue.

The Procedure: What to Expect?

Pre-surgery

You must visit an expert surgeon before the procedure. You will have to go through a thorough examination to make sure you are fit for the surgery or not.

The surgeon will explain the steps of the procedure in detail. If you have any questions or doubts, they will clear it. The surgeon will also explain the possible risks and benefits of laser circumcision.

There are several options from which you can decide the apt one. The surgeon will also suggest suitable procedure types according to your conditions.

During surgery

On the day of the procedure, the surgeon will first give anesthesia to numb your genital area. They will give you local, spinal, or general anesthesia based on your needs.

The procedure will only take about 20 minutes and you will get discharged 3 to 6 hours after the surgery.

The procedure is usually fast, but in some cases, the time taken to complete the surgery can vary.

Post-surgery

The recovery period for laser circumcision is shorter than other methods. But, postoperative care is important. You should follow the instructions suggested by your surgeon until you are completely recovered.

Refrain from sexual activities and exercises until recovery. Even though laser circumcision is safer, there may be chances of bleeding, pain, or discomfort after the procedure.

Give extra care to the genital area and maintain proper hygiene. Follow your medications if any, and consult your surgeon if severe pain or discomfort occurs.

Laser Circumcision v/s Traditional Methods

Compared to traditional methods, laser circumcision takes a shorter time for the surgery and recovery. In laser circumcision, there is less irritation on the wound. Moreover, it provides a cosmetic appearance to the penis, which is not the case for traditional methods.

Due to these reasons, the majority of the people who underwent laser circumcision had a positive experience.

Coming to the cost of laser circumcision, it can be high compared to traditional methods’ cost. Since laser methods use advanced technology, it can influence the cost. The hospitals or clinics you choose, the expertise of the surgeon, and other factors can add to the higher cost of laser circumcision.

Safety and Risks of Laser Circumcision

Laser circumcision is a safer option for its benefits. As discussed before, it is precise and controlled, it only causes less bleeding and less infection.

Along with these, some risks and complications are also associated with laser circumcision.

Minimal bleeding or oozing can happen after the procedure. Mild swelling, pain and discomfort can also occur for some people. In some cases, other complications can happen such as delay in healing the surgical wound, infections, or scarring.

If you face any further complications or have any other queries about laser circumcision, don’t hesitate to consult your surgeon.

Read More About Cost of circumcision surgery