Aftercare of the circumcision, preputioplasty or frenuloplasty, your penis will be swollen and look very bruised. This is an average effect of the injected anaesthetic and the handling it receives during the operation. These will gradually reduce over 1-4 weeks.
If you usually wear boxers, you may find that they give insufficient support immediately post-operative. You may wish to consider some briefs that will hold your penis in position and thus reduce the frictional stimulation it would otherwise receive if allowed to swing freely.
The doctor will bandage only the immediate area of the wound. This bandage will typically be wound tightly around the penis. It serves two purposes: to protect the wound and to contain and reduce the swelling. Removal of the initial bandage is a compromise between maintaining the compression for as long as possible to minimise swelling as fast as possible and changing the dressing on the wound before it sticks too much to the healing skin. 2 to 3 days after the operation is generally regarded as the most suitable time to change the dressing. The bandage will most likely be well-caked in blood (particularly the inner layers) and must be soaked off in the shower to avoid tearing the healing wound. A thin coating of an ointment, e.g. Vaseline or Fucidin, before applying the bandage will reduce the possibility of blood, making it stick to the skin. Use Fucidin cream according to Dr Khan's advice. If you choose not to use a bandage, a gauze pad may be helpful to prevent the stitches from catching in your underwear.
Do not apply any antiseptic cream to your penis, nor add any antiseptic to bathwater. Whilst they help kill germs, most are corrosive to the new skin and slow down healing. In rare cases where an infection develops, see a doctor as soon as possible. You can take Vitamin C and E regularly for ten days, promoting healing. After two weeks, you can apply bio-oil to the wound for a few weeks.
Everyone reacts differently concerning pain. For most people, the wound will not be excruciating, but discomfort is expected during the first few days. If you choose to take painkilling tablets, then follow the instructions precisely. Do not take more than the recommended maximum dose. If you have a favourite painkiller brand and the doctor has prescribed something else, ask about the effects of 'mixing and matching. Do not take Aspirin or any blood-thinning medicine after your doctor's (GP) advice since these thin the blood and have an anti-clotting action that can increase bleeding from a wound after the procedure.
The stitches (sutures in medical terminology) need to remain in place long enough for the cut edges to knit together but not so long as to allow the skin around them to fully heal. This usually means they should remain for between 2 and 3 weeks. These soluble (or self-dissolving) stitches will fall off spontaneously. The glue usually comes off within ten days. If there is any loose glue, you can cut this flexible part of the glue but do not peel off the rest of the glue from the wound.
You can travel home safely within 1-2 hours after circumcision or any other foreskin procedure. Avoid long journeys for 24 hours. Do not fly for 24-48 hours. Take a flight after 48 hours if your flight is more than 4 hours.
To reduce the effect of nocturnal erections by pulling on the stitches or glue during the first few days after the circumcision or any procedure on the penis, empty your bladder before retiring and a few times during the night. Do not lie on your back but on your side. It may be helpful to draw your knees up a bit into a more foetal position.
Do not be overeager to have sex until the wound has healed, typically taking 4-6 weeks. If you need relief during the healing process, try techniques that stimulate places other than the glans and scar line. These can include squeezing the shaft alone, massaging the nipples or prostate massage. To avoid excessive friction on the healing scar line, you may wish to consider using a condom. A condom should always be used for penetrative sex (even with a regular partner) until the scar line is completely healed and settled down, which may take two to three months to achieve.
There is no absolute need to take time off school or work after circumcision, but you may find it very hard to concentrate on work for the first few days and so may find it helpful to take a week off. A week (or even two) off work is desirable if you do heavy lifting or if your job keeps you seated and unable to move freely for long periods. Do not schedule a circumcision immediately before major examinations if you wish to pass them, as you cannot get up and walk around to relieve any pressure on your penis. You should naturally avoid fast-moving or contact sports, cycling and swimming until your circumcision has fully healed for at least 2-3 weeks.
Note: The content on our information page is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from Dr Khan regarding any medical questions or conditions developed before or after circumcision, frenuloplasty or preputioplasty.