What is circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that consists of removing the foreskin, the skin sheath covering the glans of the penis. It is one of the oldest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. Circumcision can be performed for medical, cultural, or religious reasons.
In adults as in children, the medical indications for circumcision are most often linked to a phimosis (an excessively narrow foreskin that does not allow the glans to be uncovered), to repeated infections of the foreskin and the glans (balanitis), or to lesions of the foreskin (lichen sclerosis).
Indications for circumcision
The most frequent medical indications for circumcision are:
- Phimosis: tightening of the foreskin opening prevents the uncovering of the glans. It can be congenital or acquired (following infection or inflammation).
- Recurrent balanitis: repeated infections of the glans and foreskin causing discomfort and pain.
- Frenulum breve: a frenulum that is too short, painful during erection or intercourse, often associated with circumcision when surgery is indicated.
- Lichen sclerosis: chronic dermatological pathology of the foreskin requiring surgical removal of the affected tissue.
Circumcision is also performed for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, in compliance with the regulatory framework in force.
How is circumcision performed in Paris?
Circumcision is performed in an ambulatory setting, under local, locoregional or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s age and preference. The procedure lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
The surgeon makes a circular incision around the foreskin, removes the excess skin, then sutures the two skin edges with absorbable threads, which therefore do not need to be removed. A protective dressing is applied at the end of the procedure.
The patient returns home the same day, with prescriptions for analgesic medications and care instructions.
Post-operative follow-up
Healing usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks. Local care is simple: cleaning with mild soap and water, and application of a healing cream prescribed by the surgeon. Sexual intercourse is contraindicated for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
A post-operative consultation is scheduled approximately one month after the procedure to verify proper healing.
Risks and complications
Circumcision is a safe procedure, but as with any surgical act, complications can occur, although rarely:
- Bleeding or post-operative hematoma.
- Local infection.
- Discomfort or temporary pain.
- Aesthetic dissatisfaction (rare with experienced surgeons).
Dr. Adam Vardi performs circumcisions in Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine in compliance with current standards of urological surgery, ensuring rigorous follow-up and personalized support for each patient.