Circumcision (children & adults) in Istanbul Turkey | Competitive prices

Circumcision in Turkey: Why is it performed?

Circumcision is indicated for therapeutic purposes, especially in adults, in cases of foreskin shrinkage (phimosis),or the presence of certain diseases, such as recurrent inflammation of the glans penis.

It is also performed as a preventive hygienic practice to maintain greater intimate cleanliness and prevent local pathological disorders. Hygienic circumcision, usually performed during the neonatal period, is becoming more common in contemporary society.

It is also a religious practice and a symbol of cultural identity that is widespread among Jews and Muslims and has been adopted by many African communities. Moreover, in most of these cases, it is practiced during childhood.

Medical reasons for adult circumcision

Except for cases performed for religious and cultural reasons, circumcision is generally performed on adult patients who have problems with:

• Phimosis: This is a medical condition characterized by narrowing of the foreskin and consequent difficulty in unroofing the glans (complete and easy retraction of the foreskin behind the glans). When the narrowing of the foreskin is present from birth, it is called congenital phimosis. Acquired phimosis is the result of inflammatory processes that cause scarring of the foreskin.
• Paraphimosis: Caused by the foreskin becoming stuck behind the head of the glans, leading to strangulation of the glans.

Circumcision options: Full removal or correction

There are two main approaches to circumcision:

• Full circumcision: This procedure removes the entire foreskin, exposing the glans entirely.
• Frenuloplasty (for Phimosis): This minimally invasive procedure addresses phimosis (tight foreskin) by creating a small incision to enlarge the foreskin opening. It can also be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve comfort.

Circumcision techniques in Turkey

Traditionally, circumcision in Turkey relied on a single method. However, modern advancements have introduced a new option for patients.

Our partner clinics in Istanbul offer two techniques to choose from:

• Scalpel circumcision: This is the most popular method, known for its familiarity and wide availability. Performed under general or local anesthesia, a urologist uses a scalpel to precisely remove the foreskin, followed by dissolvable stitches.

• Laser circumcision: Beyond circumcision, laser technology can address certain cosmetic concerns like warts, papillomas, or bikini line erosion. The procedure, lasting 20–30 minutes under local anesthesia, utilizes a laser beam for precise removal of the foreskin. Compared to the scalpel method, laser circumcision offers several advantages:

  • Minimized tissue damage
  • Reduced bleeding
  • Faster healing process
  • Improved cosmetic outcome
  • Lower risk of complications

Benefits of circumcision

Circumcised men are less likely to suffer from various sexually transmitted infections such as HPV and penile cancer. This is because circumcision increases the thickness of the skin covering the glans and creates a barrier that reduces the possibility of attack by viruses and bacteria.

A relatively common malformation is an exuberant foreskin, which can interfere with intimate hygiene and sexual activity, and is often associated with premature ejaculation. A high percentage of men with circumcision develop phimosis during their lifetime, which is related to the possible loss of skin elasticity. It is, therefore, necessary to intervene at an early stage by reducing the excess skin, which causes numerous inconveniences, while at the same time significantly improving sexual life and intimate hygiene.

Circumcision, in selected cases, can adequately reduce the excessive sensitivity of the penis with a noticeable increase in ejaculation time after penetration.

How to prevent complications after circumcising my child?

A careful examination and preoperative assessment can prevent potential complications after circumcision. In addition, good hygiene before, during, and after the operation is crucial. Here are some tips to help prevent complications after circumcision:

• Gently clean the area each time you change your baby's diaper.
• If a medical dressing was used to cover the area, change the dressing each time the baby is diapered.
• In case of placement of a Plastibell device, inform your doctor if it doesn't fall off within the tenth day.
• Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to prevent itching and inflammation.
• Bleeding is normal, but if you notice that the blood stain is larger than a quarter, contact your doctor immediately.
• Inform your doctor if you notice any symptoms of infection in your baby, including fever, severe redness, swelling, or yellow discharge.

Operative and postoperative phase of circumcision

Circumcision can be a straightforward outpatient procedure. Typically, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and breathing assistance. This can be reassuring for parents or adults considering circumcision.

Additionally, dissolvable sutures are used instead of traditional stitches. These sutures dissolve naturally during the healing process, so there's no need for a follow-up appointment to have them removed. This simplifies post-procedure care.

Dissolvable sutures are a common practice in many medical procedures, especially those with short healing times.