Surgical Procedures - Plastic Surgery For Men

MALE CIRCUMCISION

The purpose of male circumcision is to surgically remove the foreskin for cosmetic, hygienic or aesthetic reasons. In some men, the foreskin might be too long or uncomfortably tight or might be a cause of soreness or infection due to the build up of bacteria. The foreskin can sometimes become tight and uncomfortable when having an erection. In some cases circumcisions are carried out for religious or cultural reasons.

Right For you?

Whatever your reason for considering circumcision, before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and dicuss them with your surgeon. The most suitable patients are physically healthy, emotionally stable men who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish.

Some Risk

Circumcision is a safe and straight-forward operation and complications are very rare. But as with any operation there are risks. They include: excessive bleeding, poor anaesthetics results, scarring and infection. These are usually treatable at the time and have excellent prognoses. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of any risks. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation.

Planning

Your surgeon will initially evaluate your health and recommend which surgical techniques are best for you based on your age and condition of the area to be treated. Discuss your expectations fully and frankly with your surgeon. He will be equally frank with you, describing your choices and the risks and limitations of each. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke and if you are taking any medication, vitamins or other drugs. Your surgeon will also explain the type of anaesthesia to be used, the facility where the surgery will be performed and the cost involved.

Preparation

Our staff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Anasthesia

The Hurlingham Clinic and Spa offers a modern, patient-friendly approach to anaesthesia TIVA - Total Intravenous Anaesthesia. TIVA, is a newer anaesthetic technique which has risen in profile within the last 5-8 years. It has been made possible with the advent of a new generation of intravenous medications with unique properties. TIVA patients sleep soundly during the entire operation, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiousness. They wake up quickly and comfortably with no memory of their procedure. Many patients prefer this type of anaesthetic to traditional general anaesthetics since they feel comfortable, wake quickly, have less nausea, experience none of the 'hang-over' effect of a full general anaesthetic, and therefore can be discharged earlier. TIVA is safe, effective, extremely well tolerated and is the anaesthetic of choice of Hurlingham Clinic surgeons and most of their patients.

Alternatively, for some patients, they and their surgeons may decide that a full general anaesthetic is still the best choice. Discuss your options for anaesthesia during your consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

What Happens?

The excess penile skin usually covering the glans of the penis (the head) is known as the foreskin. In male circumcision this is surgically removed. The incision and the resulting scar will be located under the edge of the glans, where it is very difficult to see. When tightness is a patient's only complaint, an operation which widens the foreskin and still preserves it, can sometimes be used to alleviate the symptoms.

After Surgery

You will feel tired and sore for a few days but should be up and around in 24 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by prescription medication given to you before your discharge. In the first week after surgery, the area is likely to be swollen, bruised and uncomfortable, and urinating may be uncomfortable. An ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) can be used to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the swelling. Personal hygiene is extremely important for rapid healing and twice-daily showering is essential. Loose underwear should be worn for the first two weeks.

Recovery

Most patients can return to work within a few days. Follow your surgeon's advice on when to begin exercises and other normal activities. By two weeks after surgery, the penis should no longer be sore. Scars will be thickened for first couple of months but should not be too uncomfortable.

Happy?

Many men find the results of circumcision surgery to be very satisfactory. There will be an altered sensation to the head of the penis because it is no longer protected by foreskin, but this is temporary and most people get used to it very quickly. In most cases the outcome of the surgery gives patients more confidence and comfort and the vast majority of men consider a wise choice for themselves and their partners.