In men, circumcision surgery is a common invasive procedure that aims at removing the foreskin of the penis. This refers to the loose, excess skin that covers the tip or the head of the penis. The tip of the penis usually refers to the "glans," which remains exposed. The foreskin attaches to the shaft of the penis. As it is with other surgical procedures, adult circumcision may leave a scar. Often, the chances of scars depend on the technique that you choose for the surgery. This determines the formation of the scars and the type of scarring that may occur.
Just know that scarring is least possible to occur when the procedure takes place at the time of infancy. In older children and adults, there's always a risk of scarring. At such times, you should seek the help of adult circumcision surgery experts. The surgeon or the expert will be able to guide you well about the different circumcision techniques available and inform you about the risks of scarring post each procedure.
This post should guide you on the techniques available as well, as how the scarring may appear. Learn what you can do to prevent or minimize the appearance of the scars.
Scars Appear Depending on the Procedure
You need to understand that the scarring depends on the technique. If patients choose a direct excision of the foreskin of the penis, this would leave a scar where the skin cuts. Removal of a longer portion of the foreskin and suturing along the shaft would also lead to scarring. Usually, it will leave the scarring in the shaft's middle. Removal of less skin could cause scarring closer to the glans.
Opting for the dorsal slit method may leave scars around the incision. However, since the foreskin removal doesn't take place completely, the scar would be smaller when you compare it to the other circumcision procedures. Others like clamp removal or an occlusion could leave scars directly under the head of the penis.
Know that the aim of the adult circumcision at Circumcision Center is the removal of the skin that reveals the glans while hiding the scar under the glans. This also goes by as the shield method. You must understand that it is important to consult your child's pediatrician or doctor about the scar and its appearance post the surgery. You should also discuss how each technique would vary. A good surgeon should be able to show you some before and after photos of the procedures in the past. This is important because it will help you visualize how the scarring would appear on you.
The Adult Circumcision Techniques
Adults, as well as older children, would receive one of these four types of circumcisions. Each one has its own procedural options but fall into these categories.
The Dorsal slit Technique
As mentioned above, the dorsal slit technique involves making smaller cuts or incisions in the foreskin of the penis. The clamp and the shield methods require dorsal slit for clamp or the shield to fit into the right place. For several cosmetic reasons, surgeons perform the dorsal slit. They do so without the removal of the foreskin entirely.
Shield Technique
Another type is the use of the Mogen clamp device for the removal of the foreskin. During this surgery, the doctor will place a protective cap over the head of the penis. This should also slide a plastic ring, or suspension suture under the penis head to reduce the flow of blood. The surgeon will then use a scalpel to cut the top section of the foreskin. They further suture the area around the penis to reduce the possible chances of heavy bleeding. They close the area to allow the skin to heal.
Excision Method
The sleeve resection technique is a common type. For this procedure, surgeons pull the loose foreskin over penis head. Using a scalpel, surgeons make circular incisions into the foreskin. While making the incisions, they may use a clamp to hold the excess loose skin. They remove the foreskin, stitch the remaining smaller part into the shaft, and let it heal.
Plastic Clamp
This involves the placement of a plastic clamp on the foreskin of the penis that surgeons remove. They leave the clamp on for at least a week. During this time, the clamp cuts off the flow of the blood into the foreskin. This will cause the skin to die. Eventually, the unwanted skin will fall away within a week or two after turning black. The remaining skin then reattaches to the shaft.
Just know that any surgical procedure has the tendency to produce scars at the point where the skin cuts. Scarring from circumcision is quite normal. It should appear pink and thickened tissue. It would sit higher compared to the surrounding tissue.
Over a few years, the bright color of the scar will fade away. The scar will fade and shrink away as well. For adult circumcision, choose the right experts! Ask them any questions you have in mind, and clear all your doubts as soon as possible.