Circumcision is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Turkey from religious, cultural, and medical perspectives. However, despite its prevalence in society, questions such as “When should circumcision be performed?”, “Is infant circumcision better, or should it be done during childhood?”, “Is adult circumcision difficult?”, and “Is laser circumcision safe?” come up very frequently. In fact, many families complicate the process due to misguided advice from neighbors, information found online, or incorrect guidance from older family members.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol—a surgeon well-versed in all modern techniques of urology and a physician who has performed thousands of circumcisions over the years—I will explain in detail in this article the optimal time for circumcision, the risks associated with each age group, how adult circumcision is performed, and the precautions to take before and after the procedure.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for families, adult men, and anyone seeking scientific and practical information about circumcision.

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Circumcision is the surgical removal of the tissue known as the prepuce (foreskin), which covers the tip of the penis. This tissue serves different functions in various age groups, but many medical problems also originate in this area.

Circumcision procedure:

•Making hygiene easier

•Reduced risk of infection

•Prevention of problems such as phimosis (tight foreskin)

•Aesthetic and functional comfort

•Some improvements in sexual well-being

provides important benefits such as...

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I hear this question many times a day at the outpatient clinic. Actually, the answer is based on a few fundamental scientific principles that vary depending on age.

Medically speaking, it is the ideal time. Why?

•There is a lower risk of bleeding.

•Tissue healing is fastest during this period.

• Surgical trauma is minimal.

•The procedure is easy because the baby isn't moving.

•It can be performed under local anesthesia.

•The risk of infection is low.

•The most aesthetically pleasing healing occurs during this period.

For this reason, many modern medical centers around the world consider neonatal circumcision to be the “gold standard.”

In my practice as well, the first 40 days are the ideal period.

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This period is also suitable, but it is not as ideal as the newborn period. The baby is now more active, and its crying reflexes are more pronounced.

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I wouldn't really recommend this period, especially for psychological reasons.

Why?

•The child is now beginning to understand the concept of “bodily integrity.”

•He may remember the circumcision as a traumatic experience.

•It can be confused with toilet training.

•Any procedure performed in the urogenital area can cause anxiety in a child.

However, if there is a medical necessity (such as phimosis or frequent infections), it is, of course, performed using the proper technique.

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During this period, the child is more aware.

It's easy to persuade someone through conversation.

Cooperation has increased.

I generally achieve very successful and trouble-free results with children ages 7 and older.

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Adult circumcision has become much more common in recent years, both for medical and cosmetic reasons.

In particular:

•Phimosis

•Recurrent fungal infections

•Hygiene issues

•Pain during sexual activity

•Aesthetic concerns

•Some patients with premature ejaculation

•Preoperative preparation for penile curvature surgery

•Urinary tract infections

For reasons such as these, circumcision is performed very frequently in adult men.

In the following sections, I will explain adult circumcision in full detail.

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Many people view circumcision as merely a traditional practice. However, modern medicine has proven that circumcision has many scientific health benefits.

✔ 1. Improved Hygiene

Smegma that has accumulated under the foreskin is removed.

Fungal and bacterial growth is reduced.

✔ 2. Reduced risk of urinary tract infections

Especially in babies.

✔ 3. Phimosis and paraphimosis are completely prevented

✔ 4. Pain during sexual intercourse decreases

✔ 5. The risk of penile cancer decreases

This has been stated by the World Health Organization.

✔ 6. Reduces the risk of cervical cancer in the partner

It has been scientifically proven to reduce HPV transmission.

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In some cases, circumcision is medically necessary:

•Phimosis (if the foreskin does not retract at all)

•Paraphimosis

•Balanitis / recurrent fungal infections

•Recurrent urinary tract infection

•Smegma buildup

•Recurring pain

•Poor hygiene

•Before Peyronie's disease surgery

Circumcision is strongly recommended for these patients, regardless of age.

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Today, there are many techniques for circumcision.

At my clinic, I choose a specific technique based on the patient's age and medical needs.

🔵 1. Traditional Surgical Circumcision

It is done with a scalpel and scissors.

It's the gold standard.

🔵 2. Laser Circumcision

Bleeding is minimal with laser cutting.

Tissue healing is faster.

🔵 3. Circumcision with a Cautery

Bleeding control is high.

🔵 4. Seamless and Seamed Techniques

It is selected based on tissue tension.

Every method has its advantages, but the most important thing is for the procedure to be performed by an experienced urologist.

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In the past, adult circumcision was a difficult procedure for both the patient and the doctor.

However, thanks to modern techniques, it has become quite comfortable.

In my own practice, I place particular emphasis on the following topics regarding adult circumcisions:

✔ 1. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia

Measures are taken to ensure that the patient feels nothing.

✔ 2. The processing time is 10–15 minutes

✔ 3. We use modern devices that reduce the risk of bleeding

✔ 4. The stitches dissolve on their own

✔ 5. The patient is discharged the same day

✔ 6. Post-procedure pain is minimal

✔ 7. The aesthetic result is much more important

Adults are particularly sensitive when it comes to their appearance.

✔ 8. Daily life returns to normal within 3–5 days

✔ 9. You should generally wait 4–6 weeks before having sex

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•The aesthetic appearance improves

•Sensitivity during sexual intercourse can be managed

•Fungal infections and inflammatory flare-ups decrease

•Odor and hygiene problems are a thing of the past

•Phimosis and pain are completely resolved

•Self-confidence increases

Some adult patients report that their spouses have also provided positive feedback following circumcision.

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I offer the following recommendations to my patients before surgery:

•If you are taking blood thinners, stop taking them 3–5 days in advance

•Take a bath

•No need to shave the area (it is prepared in the operating room)

•Breakfast is available

•Any history of allergies should be reported

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Post-circumcision care is very important.

✔ Change the dressing 1–2 times a day

✔ No shower for 48 hours

✔ Avoid tight-fitting clothes

✔ Understanding that slight retractions are normal during an erection

✔ Information that red-to-purple color changes are normal

✔ Use of antibiotic cream

✔ No exercise for 1 week

✔ No sexual intercourse for 4–6 weeks

From an aesthetic standpoint, the final shape usually takes about 3 months to develop.

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As with any surgical procedure, there may be rare complications associated with circumcision:

•Bleeding

•Infection

•Suture separation

•Asymmetry

•Removal of excess skin

•Minimal skin removal

•Burning sensation when urinating

•Slow recovery

However, with modern techniques and sterile conditions, these complications are extremely rare.

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Prices vary depending on the following factors:

•Age

•Technique used

•Whether sedation is necessary

•Comorbidities

•The surgeon's experience

•Clinical setting

My principle is that the procedure should be safe, painless, and aesthetically pleasing, regardless of the cost.

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1. “Is laser circumcision better?”

The technique used varies depending on the case. Laser treatment is particularly effective at reducing the risk of bleeding.

2. “Is newborn circumcision safe?”

Yes. Scientifically speaking, it is the safest time.

3. “What is the best age for a boy to be circumcised?”

My recommendation: 0–2 months or ages 7 and up.

4. “Is adult circumcision painful?”

No. It is completely painless with local anesthesia.

5. “When will the stitches come out?”

It dissolves on its own, and significant relief is felt within 2–3 weeks.

6. “Does circumcision affect one’s sex life?”

It generally has positive effects in terms of hygiene and comfort.

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Circumcision is a procedure that may seem simple but actually requires strict adherence to surgical principles.

My approach to circumcision is based on three principles:

✔ 1. A sterile and safe environment

✔ 2. A hassle-free, comfortable process

✔ 3. Aesthetically flawless results

I always tell families and adults:

“Circumcision is more than just a tradition; when performed correctly, it is a surgical procedure that provides lifelong comfort.”