Post-Circumcision Changes: Common Concerns and Answers

Q: Post-Circumcision Changes: Common Concerns and Answers

Student Chen： Hello, after a circumcision, it is common to experience localized swelling for about 1-2 months, which typically subsides over time. <br>In your case, since the swelling has not resolved after 4 months, it may be due to poor circulation. <br>You might consider using

Questions After Circumcision

Dr.
Hsu, I would like to ask you about my condition.
It has been four months since I had a circumcision (I had phimosis), but the area between my glans and the shaft seems swollen and red, almost like a scarf wrapped around it.
Although I don't feel any discomfort, I can't help but think it looks different from men who haven't had a circumcision.
Will this swelling go away, or is this a common occurrence after circumcision? Also, after the circumcision, is the original skin stitched to the shaft of the penis? It seems like men who haven't been circumcised can move their skin back and forth, while those who have been circumcised have exposed glans with the skin stitched to the shaft, which doesn't allow for that movement.
Could you please explain this to me? Thank you!

Chen Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Student Chen: Hello, after a circumcision, it is common to experience localized swelling for about 1-2 months, which typically subsides over time.
In your case, since the swelling has not resolved after 4 months, it may be due to poor circulation.
You might consider using a warm towel for local heat therapy to improve blood circulation in the area, which should be effective.
After the circumcision, the foreskin is shortened, making it appear as if it is adhered to the penis, which can indeed make movement more difficult.
If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to ask, and we can discuss it further.
Sincerely, Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/11/07

More Info

After circumcision, it is common for patients to experience various changes in the appearance and sensation of the penis, particularly around the glans (the head of the penis) and the shaft. Your concerns about the swelling and redness around the area where the foreskin was removed are valid and not uncommon.
Firstly, the swelling and redness you describe, often referred to as "post-circumcision edema," can occur as part of the healing process. This is especially true for patients who had a condition like phimosis (tight foreskin) prior to the procedure. The skin and tissues in that area may take time to adjust after the circumcision, and it is not unusual for some residual swelling to persist for several months post-operation.
In most cases, this swelling should gradually subside as the tissues heal. The timeline for complete healing can vary from person to person, but it is generally expected that any noticeable swelling or redness should diminish significantly within a few months. If the swelling persists beyond this period or if you notice any signs of infection (such as increased redness, warmth, discharge, or pain), it would be advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your question about the appearance of the circumcised penis compared to an uncircumcised one, it is important to note that circumcision alters the anatomy. After circumcision, the glans is exposed, and the skin that was previously covering it is removed. The remaining skin is then sutured to the shaft of the penis. This can create a different appearance, and it is normal for the circumcised penis to look different from an uncircumcised one.
The sensation of movement you mentioned, where the skin can slide back and forth over the glans in uncircumcised males, is indeed altered in circumcised males. After circumcision, the skin is typically fixed to the shaft, which limits this movement. This is a normal outcome of the procedure, and while some men may miss the mobility of the foreskin, many adapt to the change over time.

In summary, the swelling and redness you are experiencing should gradually resolve as your body continues to heal. If you have concerns about the appearance or if any discomfort arises, it is always best to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide reassurance and check for any complications that may need to be addressed. Remember, every individual's healing process is unique, and it is essential to monitor your recovery and seek help if needed.

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