Post-Circumcision Concerns: Managing Swelling and Scarring

Q: Post-Circumcision Concerns: Managing Swelling and Scarring

Hello, sir： According to what you mentioned, it has been two years since your circumcision surgery. <br>The primary goal of the surgery is to allow the glans to be easily exposed for proper cleaning and to reduce the risk of infection. <br>The aesthetic aspect of achieving symmet

Can it be done?

Hello Dr.
Lin, I had a circumcision nearly two years ago, but during the surgery and follow-up visits with different doctors, the dressing was applied too tightly, resulting in severe edema on the left side of my penis.
Although the right side has returned to normal, the left side still shows signs of edema even when not erect.
[Should I describe it as tissue or edema?] [It doesn't hurt when I squeeze it; it just feels like a lump of tissue there.] During this time, I have tried using elastic bandages and soaking in warm water, but the appearance of my penis is affected, and I would like to know what treatments are available.
Additionally, how can I reduce the scarring from the circumcision? Are there any recommended scar creams available on the market that I can apply? Even though it has been two years, the scar is still very prominent.
Thank you, Dr.
Lin.

Mr. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/12/11

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology

Hello, sir: According to what you mentioned, it has been two years since your circumcision surgery.
The primary goal of the surgery is to allow the glans to be easily exposed for proper cleaning and to reduce the risk of infection.
The aesthetic aspect of achieving symmetry is secondary.
Each individual's body responds differently; some people may experience hypertrophic scarring, which current medical techniques cannot completely prevent.
However, some individuals may prefer the appearance of uneven scars post-surgery, as this can enhance the pleasure of their sexual partners.
The situation you described seems to fall within an acceptable range, and I do not recommend any further corrective surgery.
Lastly, I wish you peace and happiness~~

Reply Date: 2008/12/11

More Info

Post-circumcision concerns, particularly regarding swelling and scarring, can be quite common and may require careful management. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing persistent swelling on one side of the penis, which has not resolved even two years after the procedure. This condition can be frustrating and concerning, especially if it affects your confidence or quality of life.

Understanding the Swelling
The swelling you are experiencing could be due to a few factors. It is possible that the initial tight bandaging during the surgery led to localized edema (swelling) that did not completely resolve. This can sometimes happen if there was trauma to the tissue or if the lymphatic drainage was temporarily impaired. The fact that you do not experience pain when pressing on the swollen area is a good sign, indicating that it may not be an acute inflammatory process.

However, it is essential to differentiate between true edema and excess tissue that may have developed as a result of the initial swelling. The term "meat" you used could refer to either excess skin or subcutaneous tissue that has not returned to its normal state.

Management Strategies
1. Consultation with a Specialist: The first step is to consult with a urologist or a specialist in male genital surgery. They can perform a physical examination to determine the nature of the swelling and whether it is indeed edema or excess tissue.
2. Compression Therapy: You mentioned trying elastic bandages. While these can help reduce swelling, they should be used with caution to avoid constriction. A healthcare provider can guide you on appropriate compression techniques.

3. Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to the area may help improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, potentially reducing swelling over time.

4. Surgical Options: If the swelling is due to excess tissue or if it is not improving with conservative measures, surgical intervention may be considered. This could involve a minor procedure to remove excess tissue or correct any anatomical issues.

Scar Management
Regarding the scarring from the circumcision, there are several options available:
1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter scar creams containing ingredients like silicone, vitamin E, or onion extract (such as Mederma) can be beneficial. Silicone sheets or gels are particularly effective for flattening and softening scars.

2. Massage Therapy: Gentle massage of the scar tissue can help break down collagen fibers and improve the appearance of scars. This should be done with a suitable moisturizer or scar cream to avoid irritation.

3. Laser Therapy: For more significant scarring, dermatological procedures such as laser therapy can be effective. These treatments can help reduce the appearance of scars by promoting collagen remodeling.

4. Consultation with a Dermatologist: A dermatologist can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on the specific characteristics of your scar.

Conclusion
While it is understandable to be concerned about the appearance and condition of your genital area post-circumcision, there are various management strategies available. It is crucial to seek professional medical advice to assess your situation accurately and determine the best course of action. With appropriate treatment, both the swelling and scarring can be effectively managed, allowing you to regain confidence in your appearance.

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