Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. This procedure can be performed on males of all ages. In male adults, circumcision is typically used to treat medical issues such as phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to retract past the head of the penis. Phimosis is generally caused by chronic inflammation of the foreskin or an infection in the foreskin. This occurs frequently among diabetic men.
Circumcision may also be used to treat penile lichen sclerosus, a disorder in which the foreskin becomes thick and hard and develops a whitish colour.
Circumcision is also used to treat certain sexual problems, such as a hypersensitive glans or chronic pain from untreated skin problems. Lastly, men may get circumcised for personal, religious or cosmetic reasons.
Why should you choose Cliniques Marois for your circumcision?
Our urologists are experienced surgeons and are qualified to perform distinct types of circumcision techniques based on your anatomy and the complexity of any underlying conditions. Moreover, they place particular importance on the cosmetic outcome of the surgery. They use circumcision techniques that deliver a more esthetically pleasing result than the standard method (closure with interrupted sutures). Most patients also desire a satisfying esthetic result.
After the circumcision, patients are given detailed post-operative instructions and are provided with follow-up care from a nurse.
What are the 2 types of circumcisions?
Complete circumcision
A complete circumcision is when the glans is left exposed, and no foreskin remains.
Partial circumcision
A partial circumcision is when some foreskin and preputial mucosa remains on the penis to protect the glans. While partial circumcision is always an option, it should be noted that, compared to a complete circumcision, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and balanitis. Both types of adult circumcision are beneficial for hygiene.
What are the different circumcision styles?
The patient can choose between these options:
Tight or loose
A circumcision can be tight or loose. The amount of foreskin removed during the procedure determines how tight the skin covering the penis will be when flaccid and erect.
In a loose circumcision, less foreskin is removed. As a result, the skin on the penis remains somewhat loose when flaccid and erect.
In a tight circumcision, more foreskin is removed. Therefore, the skin on the penis is tight when flaccid and erect.
High or low
Whether a circumcision is high or low depends on how much of the preputial mucosa is removed and, therefore, how close the circumcision line is to the glans. In a high circumcision, the circumcision line is closer to the glans. In a low circumcision, it’s further from the glans.
These different techniques can be combined.
For example, in a high and tight circumcision, the skin on the penis will be tighter when flaccid, and the circumcision line will be near the glans. With this method, the patient may feel a small amount of discomfort when their penis is erect.
In a low and tight circumcision, the skin on the penis is tight when flaccid and the circumcision line is much further from the glans.
In a high and loose circumcision, the foreskin is completely pulled back past the glans, and a smaller part of the mucous membrane remains. There isn’t any tension when the penis is flaccid or erect.
In a low and loose circumcision, the circumcision line is further down the shaft, and the mucous membrane is intact. There isn’t any tension when the penis is flaccid or erect. This is a partial circumcision.
Which type of circumcision is best?
It’s up to the patient to carefully reflect on their decision and discuss the available options at their initial appointment. If the patient doesn’t have a preference or is unsure, our urologists recommend a circumcision that’s midway between high and low and loose and tight.
If the foreskin is affected by a severe medical condition, circumcision options may be limited. Our urologists can provide their expert medical opinion during the first appointment.
What can a patient expect during a circumcision?
Various instruments may be used to ensure the excision is perfectly circular. Bleeding is stopped using electrocauterization, and the frenulum of the glans is generally cut.
The incision can be closed with surgical glue. This is considered the most esthetically pleasing option. Unlike skin sutures, it produces no secondary scarring. However, this surgical wound closure technique is only possible when the edges of the skin can be perfectly aligned.
Once the circumcision is complete, a circular compression bandage will be applied to the area. Polysporin is generously applied to the area to ensure the bandage doesn’t stick to the surgical wound.
How is the anesthetic administered?
First, an anesthetic cream is applied to the penis and, if possible, the glans as well. Next, an anesthetic is administered through an injector that distributes the anesthetic liquid through the skin under high pressure. The patient will feel a pinching sensation, like being snapped by an elastic band. Several injections of this kind are given around the base of the penis. This anesthetic dramatically reduces the discomfort of receiving the local anesthetic.
Next, the local anesthetic is administered using a technique called a dorsal penile nerve block. This involves injecting a combination of anesthetics under the skin around the base of the penis. The surgeon will then wait about 12 minutes before proceeding with the circumcision. After this time, the dorsal penile nerve block will be optimally effective.
In response to numerous patient requests, we now offer the possibility of same-day consultation and adult circumcision. This allows patients who have travelled for the circumcision to save time and money. Same-day circumcisions are performed under local anesthesia. If you want to receive general anesthetic, same-day consultation and circumcision aren’t possible. Over 90% of our patients opt for a circumcision under local anesthesia. If you’re concerned about the cost of the procedure, you can rest assured it’s the best value for a high-quality circumcision performed by an experienced urological surgeon.
What if I choose not to go ahead with the circumcision?
Contact us for more information or to schedule an adult circumcision at a private clinic in Laval, on the South Shore or in Quebec City.