Partial Circumcision – Everything You Need to Know

Last updated 1/24/2023

After a partial circumcision procedure, a portion of the foreskin is remains. It may completely or partially cover the penis (glans).

In the event of a buried or concealed penis, full circumcision may create the impression of partial circumcision while the penis is in a flaccid condition. Although partial circumcision can be performed on a tiny percentage of people, there are certain long-term problems.

What is a Partial Circumcision vs Full Circumcision?

A partial circumcision refers to a circumcision with ‘too much’ foreskin or redundant foreskin. A full circumcision refers to foreskin that was sufficiently cut off to adequately expose the head of the penis. The residual foreskin partially or completely encloses the penis in the event of partial circumcision (glans).

Like any procedure, a partial circumcision can have complications, the same ones that a full one can. In order to fully understand what the difference is, you must first understand the circumcision revision procedure.

What is Circumcision Revision?

A surgical technique called circumcision revision aims to correct unfavorable effects from a man’s initial circumcision. A partial circumcision is also referred to as an incomplete circumcision or half circumcision.

It’s usually treated using a surgery procedure known as circumcision revision. The look of the penis is impacted when too little foreskin is removed after the first circumcision.

Most circumcisions are performed successfully and without incident, however many men claim that circumcision has left psychological effects that will stick with them. However, if the partial circumcision performed at birth, it should be evaluated and dealt with if you or your child grows concerns about foreskin after circumcision. If left untreated, the condition may worsen into a medical condition. The extra foreskin left on the head of the penis may reduce the advantages circumcision brings, while taking away the advantages of being uncut. The worst of both worlds.

Surgical Procedure

Injections are used to administer local anesthesia, which is used to relieve discomfort during partial circumcision or circumcision revision procedure. When a portion of the outer foreskin is removed, the mucosa, the inside component of the foreskin, is also removed.

A few stitches are used to attach the outer foreskin to the inner mucosal skin which the local anesthetic also assists with. Glue will provide a waterproof barrier and reduce the risk of infection in the wound.

However, every doctor may have different procedures and age certainly plays a role. An adult patient and child certainly have different procedures, and complications for that matter.

Does a Neonatal Circumcision Revision prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

One of the most common reasons for pediatric surgery in the US is revision circumcision on the head of the penis of a child for the avoidance of UTIs and ‘hygienic reasons’. Some men push back on this, and claim their penis size was negatively affected by circumcision and are now forced to use penis pumps like Bathmate Hydromax to cope with erectile dysfunction.

Whether the claims of the procedures are true is up for debate, as we have many men who have shared their mixed results. However one thing is for certain, a circumcision revision might be the right choice for men and boys who had an accidental partial circumcision.

Advantages of Partial Circumcision

The foreskin is useful during regular sexual activity for sensitivity. The exposed head of the penis also develops into typical keratinized skin with sensitivity reduction. A medical study on post-circumcision sexual function has produced a range of findings.

The portion of the foreskin retained during partial circumcision (prepuce). Many adult men in our community actually go out of their way for foreskin restoration, a technique used to maintain the foreskin.

Disadvantages of Partial Circumcision

The British Association of Urological Surgeons does not advocate partial circumcision because to scarring and recurring phimosis. In the foreskin, scarring might recur, and men might not find the aesthetic effects objectionable.

The actual advantages of partial circumcision over complete circumcision are unknown. For adults with tight foreskin or BXO or for males who want circumcision for personal or sanitary reasons, there is no medical research that has been published to compare partial circumcision to full circumcision. Children who experienced a phimosis recurrence of up to 5.5% have been treated using this method. 1 and 2 references

Risks of Circumcision Revision

The risks of partial circumcision include bleeding, infection, persistent swelling, phimosis (tight foreskin on the head of the penis), and substantial scarring. If scarring causes tight foreskin to form, the circumcision must be revised. The architecture of the penis and foreskin in some adults precludes them from having this surgery.

Too Much or Not Enough Foreskin Removed

In rare circumstances revision circumcision complications can include a problem that occurs when insufficient or excess foreskin is removed during the original circumcision. Additionally, it is seen as the result of incomplete circumcision. The foreskin will still cover the glans while the penis is flaccid, giving the impression that the organ is uncircumcised.

This violates the intended goal of circumcision revision for families that selected the procedures. Additionally, the foreskin is shortened but not totally eliminated. This increases your child’s likelihood of developing phimosis as they get older and can cause pain, irritation, a buildup of scar tissue, and other issues.

Recovery Time for Adult Circumcision

For a few days following the procedure, the foreskin will enlarge significantly. Within 10 to 15 days, this will calm down and eventually go away.

It usually takes 2-4 weeks for a wound to heal. When you feel secure enough to do so, you can go back to work. Most people need at least two to three days off from work. For four to six weeks, you should refrain from any sexual activity.

Partial Circumcision Outcomes

Once the cut has healed, partial circumcision involves keeping the foreskin that males appear to tolerate well. Furthermore, the scar line is placed on the inside of the foreskin using this unique procedure with partial circumcision. However, there is a chance of phimosis, which can need for a complete revision of circumcision.

Always view both sides of an argument and realize that a partial circumcision might not require a circumcision revision. Although it may seem crazy, it might be in your best interest not ignore the claims from men who say that a full circumcision has forced them to use penis pumps for erectile dysfunction, which is a possible complication of having too much skin removed.