What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is a routine surgical procedure that removes the foreskin, leaving the glans permanently uncovered. In adults it is usually carried out because the foreskin is causing ongoing problems, rather than as a routine measure, although some men choose it for personal, religious or cultural reasons.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you stay awake and feel no pain, and it is done as a day case. There is no general anaesthetic and no overnight stay. Your surgeon removes the foreskin and closes the skin edge using one of three modern methods: medical glue, the ZSR stapler or dissolvable stitches. Most men are treated within days of their consultation, often on the same day.
Reasons for adult circumcision
Adult circumcision is recommended when the foreskin causes persistent symptoms, when simpler treatments have not worked, or when it is the most reliable long-term solution. The main reasons fall into three groups.
Medical reasons are the most common:
- Phimosis — a tight foreskin that will not retract over the glans, causing discomfort, painful erections, splitting or difficulty cleaning. See our phimosis treatment page.
- Recurrent balanitis or balanoposthitis — repeated inflammation or infection of the foreskin and glans.
- BXO (balanitis xerotica obliterans / lichen sclerosus) — a scarring skin condition that tightens and damages the foreskin, common in men with diabetes. Circumcision is often the most effective treatment; see BXO and cracked foreskin.
- A tight or short frenulum that tears or causes pain, which may be treated by circumcision or frenuloplasty.
- Recurrent splitting, scarring or paraphimosis (a retracted foreskin that cannot be returned).
Personal and hygiene reasons include easier cleaning, relief from recurring irritation, and personal preference. Religious and cultural reasons are also fully supported, and treatment is carried out discreetly and to full medical standards.
If you are unsure whether circumcision is right for you, your surgeon will give honest, impartial advice at the consultation, including whether a foreskin-sparing option such as preputioplasty might suit you instead.
Circumcision techniques
We offer every modern technique in one place and recommend the one best suited to your anatomy, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Glue (sutureless) — medical-grade tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) seals the skin edges with no stitches to remove, giving neat healing and minimal scarring. It is the most popular modern method.
- ZSR stapler — the single-use CircCurer device removes the foreskin and seals the edge in one step, with low bleeding and a short procedure time. See ZSR stapler circumcision.
- Dissolvable stitches — a traditional approach in which the stitches absorb over two to four weeks. We still use this for some revision cases and certain anatomies.
You can compare the circumcision methods (glue, ZSR and stitches) in our dedicated guide. A partial circumcision, which removes only some of the foreskin, is also available for suitable cases.
What happens during the procedure
- Assessment and consent. Your surgeon examines you, confirms the diagnosis, recommends a technique and answers your questions. You receive a fixed written quote. See how to prepare for your procedure.
- Local anaesthetic. The area is fully numbed, so you stay awake and feel no pain.
- Removal and closure. The foreskin is removed and the skin edge is closed with glue, the ZSR stapler or dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Dressing and discharge. A light dressing is applied and you go home the same day, with written aftercare instructions and a 24/7 telephone number.
Recovery timeline
Adult circumcision recovery takes around four to six weeks for full healing, in line with NHS guidance, though most men manage it comfortably and return to everyday life much sooner. As a week-by-week guide:
- Days 1–2 — expect some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort, which over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen control well. Rest, stay well hydrated, and avoid driving for the first 24 hours.
- Week 1 — the swelling begins to settle. Wear snug, supportive underwear to keep the area comfortable, and avoid strenuous activity. Most men take about a week off work, though desk-based work may be possible sooner. The light dressing is usually removed after about four days.
- Weeks 2–6 — the wound heals fully and any dissolvable stitches absorb on their own, typically within two to three weeks. With the glue technique there are no stitches to remove. The glans may feel more sensitive for the first couple of weeks, which settles as it adapts. Avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks, and wait until your surgeon confirms healing, usually around four to six weeks, before sexual activity.
You will have a 24/7 support line throughout recovery. Read the full aftercare guide for detailed advice on cleaning, dressings and what to expect.
Risks and safety
Adult circumcision is a very safe, routine procedure, and most men recover without any problems.
As with any surgery there are small risks, including minor bleeding, infection and scarring. In experienced hands the overall complication rate is low, at around 3.8% according to the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).
Every procedure at our clinic is carried out by a GMC-registered consultant urologist, using sterile single-use instruments, in a CQC-registered theatre. Your surgeon explains each risk in full at your consultation. You can also read more about whether circumcision is painful.
How much does adult circumcision cost?
Adult circumcision starts from £700 with the glue technique. The ZSR stapler is £780, circumcision with BXO is £760, and revision circumcision is £975.
All-inclusive packages — covering the consultation, procedure, follow-up and six weeks of aftercare — start from £950 (Silver) and £1,100 (Gold, which includes BXO treatment and a biopsy).
A face-to-face consultation is £250, or it is included in a package. Your exact price is confirmed in writing beforehand.
See the full adult circumcision cost guide and our pricing page, or read about NHS vs private circumcision if you are weighing up your options.
Why choose our clinic
- The UK’s first dedicated adult circumcision clinic — adults-only and consultant-led, with deep, specific experience rather than occasional cases.
- Consultant urologists — our surgeons are GMC-registered and practise at leading NHS hospitals including St Thomas’, King’s and Cambridge University Hospital.
- 30+ years and 8,000+ procedures, rated 4.9 out of 5 across more than 600 verified reviews.
- Every modern technique in one place, in CQC-registered theatres rated ‘Good’, under local anaesthetic, often on the same day.
Where we are
We treat adult patients at three private clinics: South Woodford and Leyton in East London, and Cambridge. In-person and video consultations are available, with same-day procedures for suitable cases.
See all clinic locations and contact details.
Frequently asked questions
What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the skin covering the head of the penis. It is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case and takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Is adult circumcision painful?
The procedure itself is pain-free, because the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. Most men have only mild soreness for a few days afterwards, controlled with simple pain relief.
Is it done under local or general anaesthetic?
Local anaesthetic. You stay awake and comfortable, there is no general anaesthetic and no overnight stay, and you go home the same day.
How long does the procedure take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the technique and your anatomy.
How long is the recovery?
Full healing takes around four to six weeks, in line with NHS guidance. Swelling and bruising settle within the first week or two, most men take about a week off work, any dissolvable stitches absorb within two to three weeks, and sexual activity resumes at around four to six weeks.
What are the risks?
Adult circumcision is very safe. The main risks are minor bleeding, infection and scarring, all of which are uncommon in experienced hands. Your surgeon explains each at your consultation.
How much does it cost?
From £700 with glue, with all-inclusive packages from £950. See our pricing page.
Is there an age limit?
There is no upper age limit. We treat adult men of all ages, including those in their 70s and beyond, provided you are in reasonable health.