Post-Circumcision Concerns: Healing and Appearance Changes

Q: Post-Circumcision Concerns: Healing and Appearance Changes

Hello： 1. <br>Doctor, if I want to treat my scar, is it too late? --> No, it's not too late, but sometimes the severity of scars can vary depending on individual skin types. <br>2. <br>After surgery, if there is swelling that lasts about two months, will it lead to deformity in a

Post-operative issues after circumcision?

Doctor, I had surgery about 10 months ago, and I recently noticed that the sutured area has a very noticeable line.
Initially, I thought it was normal to have a scar from the surgery, so I didn't think much of it.
However, during erections, the inner part seems to be thickened, and it looks like there's an extra layer, but it's not edema; it appears to be like a layer of skin covering it.
Is this normal after a circumcision? I showed it to the surgeon, and he said it looks beautiful and smooth.
I had the procedure done with a circumcision device.
However, I've become overly concerned after seeing that many others don't seem to have such thickening, and at most, they only have color differences.
So I have a few questions:
1.
Doctor, if I want to treat the scar, is it too late?
2.
After the surgery, there was swelling for about a week, and it took around 2 months to resolve.
Could this cause any deformity in appearance? For example, could tension on the skin lead to wrinkling like after liposuction? I'm very worried that if it's not normal, I might just have to accept it as it is.

Xiao Fu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/08

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1.
Doctor, if I want to treat my scar, is it too late? --> No, it's not too late, but sometimes the severity of scars can vary depending on individual skin types.
2.
After surgery, if there is swelling that lasts about two months, will it lead to deformity in appearance? For example, will the skin become wrinkled like after liposuction due to tension? --> Post-surgery circulation needs time to gradually recover, and swelling is common in the distal areas for a while.
However, it will gradually subside.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/05/08

More Info

Post-circumcision concerns regarding healing and appearance changes are common among patients, especially when they notice differences in the surgical site long after the procedure. It’s important to understand that healing after circumcision can vary significantly from person to person, and several factors can influence the final appearance of the circumcised area.

1. Healing Process: After circumcision, the healing process typically takes several weeks to months. Initially, swelling (edema) is common, and it can take time for the tissues to settle into their final state. The appearance of the surgical site can change during this time, and it is not unusual for patients to notice variations in skin texture, color, or thickness.

2. Scarring and Thickening: The presence of a noticeable line or scar at the incision site is expected. Scars can appear raised or thickened, especially if the healing process involved tension on the skin. This thickening may feel like an additional layer of skin, which can be concerning. However, if your surgeon has assessed the site and deemed it "beautiful and smooth," it is likely that what you are observing is a normal part of the healing process.

3. Timing for Scar Treatment: If you are considering treatments for scarring, it is generally not too late to seek options even 10 months post-surgery. Various treatments, including silicone gel sheets, topical treatments, or even laser therapy, can help improve the appearance of scars. Consulting with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon specializing in scar management can provide you with tailored options based on your specific situation.

4. Concerns About Swelling and Deformity: Post-operative swelling can indeed affect the appearance of the area temporarily. However, if the swelling has resolved and you are still noticing significant changes, it is advisable to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether the appearance is within the normal range or if any interventions are necessary.
5. Psychological Impact: It’s also important to acknowledge the psychological aspect of post-surgical appearance. Many individuals may compare their healing process to others, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Each person’s body responds differently to surgery, and variations in healing are normal.
6. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with your surgeon or urologist is crucial. They can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you may have. If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion can provide peace of mind.

In summary, while it is normal to have concerns about the appearance of the surgical site post-circumcision, it is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your observations and feelings. They can provide reassurance, evaluate your healing, and suggest appropriate treatments if necessary. Remember, healing is a process, and patience is key.

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