Circumcision Phimosis
Phimosis, or preputial stenosis, is a term that usually means any condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be retracted.
Most infants are born with a foreskin that cannot be retracted, and the prepuce may be tight until after puberty.
A fully retractable foreskin occurs in 50% of ten year olds, 90% of 16 year olds and 98 to 99% of 18 year olds.
Causes of Phimosis
1. Failure of foreskin to loosen during growth.
2. Infections such as balinitis
3. Deformities caused by trauma and diseases of the genitals.
Symptoms of Phimosis
1. Phimosis is usually painless condition.
2. Infection may result from an inability to carry out effective cleaning of the area.
3. Swelling, redness and discharge may all be present making the area tender and painful.
4. A very tight foreskin can cause problems during intercourse and urination.
Treatment – Circumcision
Once phimosis is diagnosed, the available treatments include topical corticosteroids, manual stretching, preputial plasty and circumcision. Conservative treatments should be tried in the first instance, and surgery as a second line of treatment.
Topical Steroids
A number of studies show that topical steroids can safely and effectively treat phimosis in some cases. Betamethasone cream 0.05% should be applied to the exterior and interior of the tip of the foreskin 2-3 times daily. If the foreskin has not become retractile during this time, the treatment should be discontinued as ineffective after 3 months.
Plastic Surgery
Several plastic surgery procedures are available for the treatment of phimosis. This includes preputial plasty and circumcision.
Preputial Plasty
A minor surgical procedure performed as a day surgery under local anaesthetics and twilight sedation. It involves cutting through the constrictive band of the foreskin. The restricted band is released, and the cut/incision is closed to prevent future constriction. This procedure allows the prepuce to be retained. It takes 45min.
Circumcision
It is also performed as a day surgery procedure. It includes the removal of the excess foreskin and the constricted band. The wound is repaired with dissolving sutures. The procedure takes 1 hour.
For more details please contact our office on: Tel: 02-9561 0200 or 1300 004 008
Mandatory Surgical Warning
Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.
GP Referral & Assessment Requirements
In accordance with the latest April 2026 AHPRA and Medical Board of Australia regulations, all patients seeking a consultation for cosmetic surgery must obtain a referral from their General Practitioner (GP). This ensures your medical history is reviewed by an independent doctor who can discuss your motivations and goals before you meet with a specialist.
A mandatory seven-day cooling-off period applies after your initial consultation before surgery can be booked. Patients are also encouraged to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding. These requirements exist to protect patients and to ensure every decision is fully informed and free of pressure.
Male Genital Surgery Costs
| Procedure | Price Estimate | Conditions / Comments |
|---|
| Circumcision / Phimosis correction | $3,990 | This price includes surgeon fee, anaesthetic fee & 6 weeks follow up. Hospital fees are additional costs if applies. You may be eligible for $250 Medicare rebate. |
| Testicular implants (1 Side) |
$7,500 | Including Surgeon’s fee, Assistant Surgeons fee, Anaesthetist’s fee, implants fees x1, and all follow up visits cost. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, hospital costs apply. If applicable, you may get around $700 rebate back from Medicare. |
| Testicular Implants (2 Sides) |
$9,500 | Including Surgeon’s fee, Assistant Surgeons fee, Anaesthetist’s fee, implants fees x2, and all follow up visits cost. If fund cover does not apply in your situation, hospital costs apply. If applicable, you may get around $700 rebate back from Medicare. |
Page Content Clinically Reviewed by Dr Barnouti
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783) is a Board-Certified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 25 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), a member of ASAPS, and serves as a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of NSW.
Dr. Barnouti operates out of leading, fully accredited Sydney hospitals with a strict focus on patient safety.
Dr. Barnouti (MED: 0001192783)