What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the medical term for the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in males worldwide.
Why do people circumsize?
The procedure may be performed for a variety of reasons including:
Circumcision is also associated with a reduced risk of penile cancer, although this condition is rare in both circumcised and uncircumcised men.
When is Circumcision Performed?
Circumcision can be performed at different ages depending on the needs of the patient.
Many boys undergo circumcision during infancy or childhood at the request of parents due to cultural, religious or family traditions.
In some cases, circumcision may be recommended for medical reasons such as:
Adults may also choose circumcision later in life for medical or personal reasons.
What Happens During the Circumcision Procedure?
The circumcision procedure begins with a consultation where the doctor explains the treatment and answers any questions.
In infants and newborns, a local anaesthetic is usually applied to minimise discomfort. In some cases, a topical anaesthetic cream may also be used.
Depending on the patient’s age and the technique used, the procedure may involve:
a surgical removal of the foreskin
specialised devices such as circumcision rings
dissolvable sutures to close the wound
After the procedure, an antimicrobial dressing or ointment is applied to support healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Patients are normally monitored briefly after the procedure before returning home.
Possible Risks or Complications
Circumcision is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced medical professionals.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks that patients should be aware of.
Possible complications may include:
These complications occur in a small percentage of cases, typically around 1–5%.
In rare cases, additional treatment may be required to address complications such as persistent bleeding or narrowing of the urethral opening.
When to Seek Medical Advice
After circumcision, it is important to monitor the healing process.
Patients or parents should contact their doctor if they notice:
Most patients recover without complications when proper aftercare instructions are followed.
Book a Circumcision Consultation with VCC
Victoria Circumcision Clinic provides professional circumcision procedures for patients of all ages through our clinics in Victoria and Tasmania.
We focus on providing safe procedures, clear communication and attentive patient care throughout the treatment process.
Our medical team offers:
Circumcision: Procedure, Benefits and What to Expect
Circumcision is a common medical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin from the penis. At Victoria Circumcision Clinic, we provide professional circumcision procedures for infants, children and adults through our clinics in Melbourne and Tasmania, with a strong focus on safety, comfort and patient care.
