Phimosis or Tight Foreskin
Phimosis is a condition of the penis that occurs in some adults and children who haven't been circumcised. Phimosis is the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis..
It may look like the penis has a tight ring or “rubber band” of foreskin around the tip of the penis, preventing full retraction.
What are the symptoms of Phimosis?
- Tight foreskin
- Pain when peeing or a weak flow of pee
- Recurrent infections (balanitis)
- Painful erections
What treatments/surgeries do we offer to treat Phimosis?
- Circumcision
- Preputioplasty
What are the benefits of this treatment or surgery?
Circumcision is usually curative in scarred foreskin such as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO). Both circumcision and preputioplasty can be successful in treating tight foreskins that are causing recurrent infections of painful erections.
What happens during treatment/surgery?
Both a circumcision and preputioplasty are performed under a short general anaesthetic with additional local anaesthetic given during the procedure. The procedures generally take about 30 minutes. In a circumcision the foreskin is removed, leaving the head of the penis exposed.
In a preputioplasty the foreskin is widened using 1-3 incisions. Both procedures are completed with dissolving stitches. Antibacterial ointment is placed over the stitches at the end of the procedure.
How long does it take to recover?
If your son undergoes a circumcision or a preputioplasty, he will be able to go home the same day. Regular simple pain relief (such as paracetamol and ibuprofen) will be required for a few days at home.
Following a preputioplasty your son will be required to pull the widened foreskin back every time he passes urine starting from a few days following his procedure. This is critical if the preputioplasty is to be successful and therefore your son’s surgeon will discuss this with you and your son in detail during the initial consultation.
Risks & complications of surgery
There are small risks such as bleeding, infection, and injury to the head of the penis. Thankfully these are extremely rare.
Is a referral required?
Our GP Clinic will provide referral if surgery required.
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Patient Booking Team via our online enquiry form.
To view available appointments and make a booking please visit
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