How do I look after a circumcision treated with skin glue?

Skin glue is a special medical adhesive gel that applies to the circumcision wound edges. It can be used on its own or with stitches. It takes only 3-5 minutes to dry to set and form a thin layer over the wound. It forms a protecting waterproof coating over your circumcision wound. Glue circumcision is the best way of circumcision. 

How does skin glue work at circumcision wounds?

The inner and outer foreskin has edges that can be easily joined together by medical liquid glue by a special technique. 

Will glue get separated during the erection of the penis? 

No, glue is strong enough to stay on the skin during your erection in our special technique of glue circumcision.

Why is the skin glue used in circumcision?

This will give a waterproof seal, less pain, less risk of infection and better results as compared to stitches 

Can glue use in redo or revisions circumcision?

Yes, redo or revision circumcision with glue gives the best outcome of the previous scar. Glue revision circumcision is the best method

How long does glue stay on the circumcision wound?

The glue usually comes off itself within 5-15 days 

Will I feel pain after glue circumcision?
For the first few days, you may feel pain and use simple pain relief medication. Take simple over-the-counter painkillers for a few days. Glue circumcision is less painful the circumcision with stitches only. The head of the penis (glans) remains very sensitive after circumcision, you can apply a small amount of Vaseline or olive oil only to the glans penis. Sensitivity may last many weeks or months.

How do I care for a circumcision treated with skin glue?

Please follow the aftercare advice from Dr Khan

• Wash your hand before you touch/change the bandage 
• Only wear tight underwear with the head of the penis upwards toward the belly button. 
• Avoid soiling the bandage with urine
• Do not touch the glue for 4 days 
• Keep the circumcision wound dry for the first 4 days
• Keep the bandage for 4 days and take showers after 4 days. Afterwards, change the bandage daily for 7 days after applying Fucidin cream only on the stitches
• No bath for 15 days to prevent soaking the wound
• Wrap the circumcision wound with cling film if you like to take a shower before 4 days. 
• Pat the circumcision site dry if the wound gets wet – don’t rub the glue site and do not apply any cream and antiseptic solution to the glue
• If wound edges join together securely and the glue is still in place after 15 days, you can remove the glue in the shower.
• Apply bio-oil on the wound after 4 weeks for 2-3 months to decrease the scarring

What are things to avoid during the healing of the circumcision with glue?

• Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the glue; doing so may loosen the film before the wound is fully healed
• Do not soak or scrub your wound for 15 days.
• Do not swim until the adhesive film (glue) has fallen off naturally
• Do not apply liquid or ointment medications or any other product to the wound while the glue is in place. It could loosen the glue film before the wound is fully healed
• Do not do any heavy lifting, gym or exercise for 2 weeks
• Do not do any sexual activities for 4-6 weeks

How long swelling or bruising will settle down? 

The shaft of the penis will have swelling for 4-6 weeks and bruising of the glans and shaft of the penis will settle with 4 weeks. 

How long frenulum is will heal? 

If you have frenuloplasty with glue circumcision, we put a few stitches covered by glue at the frenulum which will take longer (about 4 weeks) to heal. Apply Fucidin cream after changing the bandage. The frenulum area will heal later than circumcision site.

When should I get help from Doctor?

Most circumcision wounds are sealed with skin glue heal normally with excellent results. You should get medical help from our specialist doctors if: 

• Your wound gaps open or starts to bleed
• You think your wound may be infected

What are the symptoms of wound infection?

• The circumcision wound look redder or swollen
• The pain in the wound gets worse after 3 days
• Discharge of pus or blood comes from the circumcision wound
• You have a fever of 38C (100.4F) or more 
• Wound edges get separated with bleeding

Please contact our doctors for medical advice if you have any questions.

Written by a patient at Leyton Clinic, London, February 2020

“I got circumcised by Dr Khan using the glue method and I can only praise both the surgeon and the technique. He was extremely friendly and approachable. I had a long list of question before the procedure which he happily answered over the phone. Booking an appointment was very easy and hassle-free. On the day of the operation, Dr Khan asked me about all my wishes and preferences and gave me personalised suggestions. The operation itself was virtually completely painless. I kept talking to Dr Khan and his lovely nursing assistant throughout the procedure. Having followed his post-operative care plan to the letter, my recovery was very quick and uneventful. I only needed to take simple over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol and ibuprofen) for 2 days. The pain was completely gone after that. The swelling settled in about a week. As I’m writing this review, I am only 4 weeks post-op and it feels like I have been circumcised forever. The glue method achieved an excellent cosmetic result. I cannot recommend Dr Khan highly enough.”

BOOK NOW