Post-Circumcision Concerns: Pain and Bruising After Surgery

Q: Post-Circumcision Concerns: Pain and Bruising After Surgery

YY： Hello, the circumcision and correction surgery involves a larger area than just the external wound; in other words, the internal wounds are significantly larger than the external ones. <br>Therefore, swelling may occur in other areas. <br>If there is still bruising after such

Questions after one month post-circumcision surgery?

Hello, I underwent a circumcision and penile curvature correction surgery at the beginning of May, and it has now been a month since the procedure.
The doctor informed me before the surgery about potential side effects, as the correction was performed directly with sutures, which may cause discomfort during erections.
This condition is expected to last for about a month.
However, I have noticed from previous questions and answers that my surgeon seems to be quite aggressive with the circumcision (I heard something about measuring with a ruler, though I didn't see it myself...
haha), and there was no excess skin left.
Fortunately, there are no abnormal conditions during erections, except for pain at the correction site.
My main concern is that the normal glans area was not affected by the surgery.
Three days post-operation, I returned for a follow-up and asked the doctor why my glans felt numb and painful.
He said it was normal and likened it to a condition described in traditional Chinese medicine, where blood flow is obstructed, and it would gradually improve.
I found some information online stating that post-operative swelling or bruising is normal and should resolve in about two to three weeks.
My question is, since the surgical site seems unrelated to the glans, I do not have any swelling, but I do have some bruising and discoloration, which I find quite strange.
Why is there bruising? Currently, one month post-surgery, there is bruising at the base of the glans near the wound (which has healed and scabbed over; previously, the suture area where the doctor did not cut the thread had some pus, but that has resolved).
Additionally, there is persistent bruising near the tip of the glans close to the urethral opening, especially at the base of the glans (the triangular area near the two lower corners of the glans) which causes unexplained pain when it lightly touches my underwear.
However, when I apply pressure with my hand, there is little sensation (it feels somewhat numb).
Therefore, I am still wrapping it in gauze (covering the bruised area, not the wound) to avoid contact with my underwear.
Will this bruising naturally resolve? Is it normal to feel numbness when applying pressure to the glans? Although it has been a month and the pain is not as severe as immediately post-surgery (initially, it was not the wound that hurt, but rather the bruising on the glans), I still feel a tingling sensation and worry that it might persist.
Should I perform additional massage to help the bruising dissipate or apply heat, or will the bruising gradually resolve on its own? Thank you!
P.S.
My surgery was performed by Dr.
Zhu at Taichung Hospital, who is quite nice, but his clinic is very busy.
Moreover, Taichung is a two-hour drive from my home, which is a bit far, so I hope to resolve this issue on my own if possible.
Thank you again!

YY, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/11

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

YY: Hello, the circumcision and correction surgery involves a larger area than just the external wound; in other words, the internal wounds are significantly larger than the external ones.
Therefore, swelling may occur in other areas.
If there is still bruising after such a long time, I recommend local heat application to improve it.
You can use a warm towel for 5-10 minutes each time, at least 4-6 times a day.
As for massage, I do not recommend it.
The tingling sensation in the glans is normal and will gradually recover, as surgery can affect the nerves to some extent, leading to minor damage.
This should improve over a few months.
However, the hard lump from the curvature correction may not disappear and may always be palpable, but it should not be painful over time.
I hope this simple response is helpful.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2006/06/11

More Info

Post-circumcision concerns, particularly regarding pain and bruising, are common and can be distressing for patients. After undergoing a circumcision and penile curvature correction, it is important to understand the healing process and what symptoms may be expected.

Firstly, it is normal to experience some degree of pain and discomfort following any surgical procedure, including circumcision. The pain you are feeling, especially in the area of the glans (the head of the penis), can be attributed to several factors. The surgical manipulation, including the correction of curvature, may have caused some trauma to the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation and pain. Additionally, the sensation of numbness or tingling (often described as "麻麻的") can occur as the nerves in the area heal and adjust after surgery.

Bruising and swelling are also common post-operative symptoms. The presence of bruising (瘀血) is typically due to small blood vessels being damaged during the surgical procedure, which can result in blood pooling under the skin. This can happen even in areas that were not directly operated on, as the body's response to surgery can affect surrounding tissues. The bruising should gradually resolve over time, usually within a few weeks, as the body reabsorbs the blood and the inflammation subsides.

Regarding your specific concerns about the bruising near the glans and the discomfort when the area comes into contact with clothing, it is advisable to continue protecting the area with a dressing as you have been doing. This can help minimize irritation and allow the tissues to heal properly. It is also important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent any potential infections, especially since you mentioned a previous issue with the suture site.

As for the question of whether the bruising will resolve on its own, in most cases, it will. The body has a remarkable ability to heal, and bruising typically fades as the underlying blood is reabsorbed. However, if the bruising persists beyond a few weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by increasing pain, it would be prudent to consult your surgeon or a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In terms of management, gentle massage around the area can sometimes help improve circulation and promote healing, but it should be done cautiously to avoid causing further pain. Heat application can also be beneficial; however, it is essential to ensure that the area is not too sensitive to touch before applying heat. If you choose to use heat, a warm compress for short periods can help alleviate discomfort.

Lastly, if you continue to experience significant discomfort or if the symptoms do not improve, it is crucial to follow up with your surgeon. They can provide a thorough examination and determine if any additional interventions are necessary. Given the distance to your surgeon, consider reaching out for a telehealth consultation if that option is available, as it may save you time and travel.

In summary, while some pain, bruising, and unusual sensations are normal after circumcision and penile surgery, monitoring your symptoms and maintaining communication with your healthcare provider is essential for a smooth recovery. Your proactive approach to managing your symptoms is commendable, and with time, you should see improvement.

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