Circumcision is performed for several reasons, including;

• a tight foreskin (phimosis) that will not retract

•  recurrent infections (balanitis), 

• skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans)

This information sheet explains what to expect from the procedure and, in particular, the recovery period that follows it.

What is circumcision?

• The foreskin (prepuce) is surgically removed, exposing the glans (head of the penis) permanently.

• The edges of the remaining skin are closed with dissolvable sutures.

• It is performed as a day-case procedure, usually under general anaesthetic, and takes around 30–45 minutes.

Why it may be recommended

• A tight foreskin that will not retract and is causing pain, ballooning, or difficulty with hygiene or intercourse.

• Recurrent balanitis (inflammation or infection of the foreskin and glans).

• Scarring skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus

The day of surgery

• You will usually go home the same day, once you have recovered from the anaesthetic and passed urine.

• Arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive for 24 hoursafter a general anaesthetic.

• A light dressing is applied at the end of the operation; some mild ooze of blood or serous fluid onto the dressing in the first 24–48 hours is normal.

Post-operative care — the first two weeks

Good aftercare in the first two weeks makes the biggest difference to how smoothly you recover. The tissue is delicate while it heals, and rushing back to normal activity is the most common cause of complications such as bleeding, swelling, and wound breakdown (dehiscence).

• Rest is essential for the first 48–72 hours. Plan to be off work and largely sedentary — sitting or lying with your legs up reduces swelling and the risk of the wound bleeding or opening.

• Avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, running, cycling, or gym work for at least 2–3 weeks — sudden movement or straining raises pressure in the area and can disrupt the healing wound edge.

• Avoid all sexual activity, including intercourse and masturbation, for a full 6 weeks, and only resume once you have been reviewed and are comfortable to do so.

• Wear supportive, snug (not tight) underwear day and night for the first couple of weeks — this splints the penis, limits movement of the healing tissue, and reduces swelling.

• Loose, comfortable clothing is more comfortable than tight trousers or jeans in the first week.

• Some swelling and bruising of the shaft and remaining skin is expected and can look alarming — it typically peaks around day 3–5 and settles over 1–2 weeks.

• Keep the area clean and dry. Showering is fine from the day after surgery; pat the area dry rather than rubbing. Avoid baths, swimming, and spa pools until fully healed (around 3–4 weeks).

• Simple pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories are usually sufficient. Take these regularly for the first few days rather than waiting for pain to build up.

• Most men can return to desk-based work after 5–7 days, once swelling and discomfort have settled enough to sit comfortably; physical jobs need 2–3 weeks off.

• Contact us or seek urgent care if you notice heavy or persistent bleeding, spreading redness, fever, increasing pain, or the wound coming apart.

Changes in glans sensation and skin

Because the glans is no longer covered and protected by the foreskin, it goes through a period of adaptation after circumcision. This is a normal and expected part of healing, not a complication, but it's worth understanding in advance.

• Heightened sensitivity: with the foreskin no longer shielding it, the glans is initially very sensitive to touch, friction from clothing, and temperature. This is usually most noticeable in the first few weeks.

• Gradual keratinisation: the surface of the glans thickens and toughens over the following months as it adapts to direct exposure, similar to how any exposed mucosal skin changes when it is no longer kept moist and covered. This is the main driver of the change in sensation over time.

• Sensation change is a spectrum, not a fixed outcome: some men notice little change beyond the initial sensitivity; others notice a more lasting reduction in glans sensitivity once the skin has toughened. This varies between individuals and cannot be reliably predicted beforehand.

• Colour and texture change: the glans often appears a slightly different colour (frequently a little darker or duller) once permanently exposed, and the skin can appear smoother or slightly drier — moisturising with a plain, unscented cream can help with dryness once the wound has fully healed.

• Timeline: initial hypersensitivity typically eases over 4–8 weeks; skin toughening and colour changes continue more gradually over 3–12 months as the tissue settles into its new appearance and texture.

• If sensation changes are significant or are affecting you, this is a reasonable thing to discuss at your follow-up appointment.

Risks and complications

• As with any surgery: bleeding, infection, and swelling.

• Wound breakdown (dehiscence), most often related to an early erection or resuming activity too soon — this is why the rest period above matters.

• Asymmetry or excess/insufficient skin removal, occasionally needing revision.

• Change in glans sensation, as described above.

• Your surgeon will discuss the risks relevant to you in more detail before the procedure.

Questions?

If you have any questions about circumcision or your recovery, please don't hesitate to contact the team at Bay Urology.

This information sheet is general in nature and does not replace individual advice from your urologist.