FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED 16 AND OVER
What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis. This procedure is predominantly performed for medical reasons in Australia, but it is also performed for cosmetic and religious reasons. If you are considering adult circumcision, it is important to do your research and understand what the procedure entails, as well as the potential benefits and risks so that you can make an informed decision.
At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, adult circumcision in Melbourne begins with an individual assessment. We consider your reason for circumcision, health, anatomy and recovery needs before recommending a suitable approach. You will also receive clear information about preparation, local anaesthesia, risks, aftercare and follow-up.
This procedure is typically performed on men who were not circumcised as infants, although it can also be performed on men who have already been circumcised but require further removal of tissue.
Adult circumcision in Melbourne is usually performed under local anaesthesia and can take less than 10 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the foreskin is removed and the remaining skin is stitched, stapled or fused together, depending on which type of circumcision you have elected to have completed.
Explore our Melbourne circumcision services, review the options below or book a consultation to discuss the next step with our team.
CIRCUMCISION IN MELBOURNE FOR ADULTS
Why do adult men choose to get circumcised?
Whether it is a medical condition that has not responded to other treatments, a cultural or religious practice or simply a personal preference, circumcision is a procedure that works across a wide range of circumstances.
Medical reasons
Many men pursue circumcision to address ongoing or recurrent health conditions affecting the foreskin or penis. Common medical reasons include:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is too tight to retract, which can cause pain, difficulty urinating or discomfort during sex.
- Balanitis: Inflammation of the head of the penis, often caused by bacterial or fungal infection, which can recur frequently in uncircumcised men
- Paraphimosis: Where a retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position, which can restrict blood flow and require urgent treatment
- Recurrent infections: Some men experience repeated urinary tract infections or localised infections beneath the foreskin that do not resolve with other treatments.
- Lichen sclerosus: A chronic skin condition that causes scarring and tightening of the foreskin.
For men dealing with these conditions, circumcision can offer long-term relief when other treatments have not been effective.
Religious and cultural reasons
Circumcision holds deep significance in a number of religious and cultural traditions. Many adult men who were not circumcised at birth choose to undergo the procedure later in life as an expression of faith or cultural identity. This is particularly common among men converting to or returning to practising Islam or Judaism, as well as men from various African and Indigenous communities where circumcision is a traditional rite of passage.
Cosmetic and personal reasons
Some men elect to have adult circumcision for personal or cosmetic reasons, including preference for the appearance of a circumcised penis, hygiene preferences or a partner’s preference. These are entirely valid reasons to consider the procedure.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
Is adult circumcision right for you?
You may wish to book a consultation for adult circumcision in Melbourne if:
- You have been advised to consider circumcision for a medical condition
- Other treatments for foreskin concerns have not been effective
- You experience recurring inflammation, infection or difficulty retracting the foreskin
- Circumcision is important to you for religious or cultural reasons
- You are considering the procedure for personal or cosmetic reasons
- You want to understand which circumcision methods may suit you
You do not need to choose a method before contacting us. During your consultation, our doctor will review your circumstances, explain the suitable options and answer your questions. The decision to proceed remains yours.
STATS
Did You Know?
Roughly one in seven Australian males is circumcised. Across different generations, backgrounds and reasons, it remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in private hospitals across the country.
Adult circumcision
What methods do we offer?
Each method of circumcision has its own advantages and disadvantages. At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, the method of circumcision is tailored to the individual man. The method of circumcision is dependent on
- Penile anatomy
- Existing medical conditions or medications
- Recovery timeframes
Depending on the patient and method selected, ring and stapler methods may offer:
- Shorter operative times
- Lower intraoperative pain scores
- Higher reported satisfaction with penile appearance
- Less intraoperative blood loss
- Lower reported adverse event rates
- Lower wound bleeding rates
- Shang Ring Method: This method is suitable for males over 4 years of age. It may have a lower risk of complications, produce strong cosmetic outcomes and can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.
- Stitches Method: This is the conventional method of circumcision for males of all ages. While recovery is faster than the Shang Ring method, it may have a higher risk of complications and the procedure is completed in approximately 30 minutes.
- ZSR Stapler Method: This method is suitable for males of all ages, but at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we only offer ZSR circumcision for males over 12 years of age. It may offer a faster recovery period and fewer complications compared to stitches.
Adult Circumcision
Shang Ring method
This method involves placing a plastic device called a Shang Ring around the foreskin. The ring is then tightened to cut off blood flow to the foreskin. The foreskin is then removed and the male returns in 1 week to have the Shang Ring removed.
- For males greater than 4 years.
- May have a lower risk of complications.
- May be completed in 10 minutes.
Adult Circumcision
ZSR Stapler method
This method involves cutting the foreskin and putting on staples to bring the skin together. The staples fall off by themselves.
- For males greater than 12 years.
- May have a faster recovery period.
- Residual staples can remain lodged, requiring manual removal.
Adult Circumcision
Stitches method
- The conventional method.
- For males of all ages.
- May have a higher risk of complications.
- Completed in approximately 30 minutes.
- Recovery time may be longer than the ring method.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
We help you choose a suitable method
You do not have to compare the methods alone. We will assess which options may be appropriate for you and explain how each one works.
The three methods close and support the wound in different ways:
- Shang Ring: A medical ring remains in place temporarily. You return to the clinic for its removal.
- ZSR Stapler: Staples close the wound and are expected to separate as it heals. Any residual staples may need to be removed at the clinic.
- Stitches: The conventional method uses sutures instead of a ring or stapling device.
When making a recommendation for adult circumcision, our doctor considers:
- Your anatomy and the condition of the foreskin
- Scarring, inflammation or an existing medical condition
- Current medications and previous procedures
- Your work, travel and recovery requirements
- Your ability to attend follow-up appointments
- Your preferences for the cosmetic outcome
The Shang Ring requires a return appointment for removal. ZSR staples usually separate during healing, although residual staples may need manual removal. Stitches follow a different recovery pathway.
Tell us if you have a physically demanding job, upcoming travel or limited access to follow-up care. We can factor these practical needs into the discussion. You can also tell the doctor your preferences for the cosmetic outcome, although no method can guarantee an exact result.
Read more about our circumcision methods or book a consultation for individual advice.
Fees
Circumcision fees
We are dedicated to providing affordable adult circumcisions in Melbourne. We offer circumcision at affordable prices under local anaesthetic and penile nerve block. This eliminates the cost of paying for an anaesthetist, anaesthetic drugs, hospital bed and surgical theatre room.
Adult circumcision
Making a decision to have an adult circumcision
Adult circumcision is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
If you are considering adult circumcision, it is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified doctor/surgeon and to have a clear understanding of what the procedure entails.
BENEFITS
Why choose us?
Extensive training
Our circumcision surgeon, Dr. Shehab Abdalla has undergone extensive training under two Australian doctors. He is an AHPRA registered doctor and is recognised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as a supervisor.
Affordable
We are focused on providing affordable and quality procedures.
Techniques selected for each patient
We use established surgical techniques selected according to each patient’s circumstances.
Quality aftercare
We offer 24hr on call service to all our surgical patients.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
Your adult circumcision consultation
Your consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss the procedure privately and receive advice based on your circumstances. Our doctor may review:
- Your medical history and allergies
- Prescription medicines and supplements
- Any previous treatment or procedures
- How long your symptoms, if any, have been present
- The result of a physical examination
Bring an up-to-date medication list. If you have phimosis, recurrent inflammation or another medical concern, let us know what treatment you have already tried. Do not stop a prescribed medicine unless your treating doctor tells you to.
We will explain:
- Which methods may be suitable
- How local anaesthesia is used
- The potential risks and limitations
- What recovery may involve
- When follow-up will be required
Before you leave the clinic, we will provide aftercare instructions for your method. These may cover wound care, rest, work, exercise, sexual activity and follow-up.
Contact the clinic if you are concerned about bleeding, difficulty urinating, worsening pain, swelling, redness, fever or discharge. Seek urgent medical care when advised or if symptoms are severe.
Adult circumcision
What are the risks of circumcision for adults?
Bleeding:
- It is normal to experience some droplets of blood in the first 24 hours after the procedure, but excessive bleeding can be a complication.
Infection:
- Infection can occur at the site of the surgery, but this can usually be prevented with proper care.
Pain:
- It is common to experience some pain/discomfort after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with painkillers.
- At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we aim to minimise the discomfort you may experience by providing a thorough pain management plan.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
Pre-procedure
Medications
Let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or fish oil. These may need to be paused ahead of your appointment to reduce the risk of complications.
What to wear
Wear whatever you are most comfortable. Some prefer loose, relaxed clothing, while others find supportive underwear helpful for the journey home.
Hygiene
Ensure the area is clean before your appointment. Your doctor will provide any specific hygiene instructions at the time of booking.
Eating and drinking
As the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, there are typically no fasting requirements. Confirm this with your doctor at the time of booking to be sure.
Questions
If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, do not hesitate to contact our team. We are happy to walk you through anything ahead of your visit.
Adult circumcision
Aftercare
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Shang Ring Method
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ZSR Stapler Method
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Stitches Method
When to come to the clinic or call your doctor:
- If you notice bleeding from around the Shang Ring or from the wound.
- If you experience difficulty passing urine.
- If you experience seriously painful swelling, increasing redness, bruising, fever or discharge/appearance of pus.
- If the Shang Ring is damaged or comes off accidentally (partially or completely)
After removing the Shang Ring:
- If you develop increased pain, swelling or redness please contact our on-call number.
- Expect the complete healing of the wound to take 6-8 weeks.
- After the operation rest at home for 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in place for a minimum of 1 week.
- Keep the wound and dressing dry during this period.
- You may shower after 48 hours but keep the wound dry.
- Ensure you wear clean well fitted underwear. Make sure the penis is upright to minimise swelling.
- Staples are expected to fall off within 2 weeks. If this has not occurred contact us and we will remove the staples manually.
- After the operation rest at home for 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in place for a minimum of 1 week.
- Keep the wound and dressing dry during this period.
- You may shower after 48 hours but keep the wound dry.
- Ensure you wear clean well fitted underwear. Make sure the penis is upright to minimise swelling.
- Your stitches will fall off in 1-2 weeks.
- Do not have sex or masturbate for 6 weeks.
- If you have pain post circumcision, you may use the medications prescribed to you.
- It is normal to have painful erections whilst recovering. If night-time erections are causing significant discomfort, ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable management options.
- If you develop increased pain, swelling or redness please contact our clinic. We expect you to have increased swelling over the first 3 days.
- Expect to have some droplets of blood around the wound on the first day. If your dressing is soaked in blood please ring our on call number.
- If you experience seriously painful swelling, increasing redness, bruising, fever or discharge/appearance of pus please call our on call number.
- A follow up appointment is important. This will be scheduled 6 weeks from your procedure.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
Choose a Melbourne clinic near you
We provide adult circumcision across Melbourne, with clinics in Craigieburn, Dandenong, Hoppers Crossing and East Melbourne. This gives you the option to choose a location that is convenient for your consultation, procedure and follow-up care.
When choosing a clinic, consider:
- Travel time
- Public transport or parking
- Appointment availability
- Access to follow-up care
- How easily you could return if you have concerns
Contact us to check appointment options at your preferred clinic. Same-day consultation and surgery may be available for adult circumcision in Melbourne, depending on capacity and the doctor’s assessment. You will still have the opportunity to discuss the procedure, risks, alternatives and aftercare before giving informed consent.
Before confirming your appointment, check:
- Which clinic you need to attend
- Your arrival time
- What identification or health information to bring
- Whether you need to arrange transport home
- When your follow-up will take place
HOW TO GET CIRCUMCISED
Adult male circumcision in Melbourne
If you have been Googling “how do I get circumcised?”, Circumcision Vasectomy Australia is here to help. We offer adult male circumcision across Craigieburn, Dandenong, Hoppers Crossing and East Melbourne, with same-day consultations and surgery available and no referral required. Book online or call us today to take the first step.
Are you travelling from regional Victoria or interstate? Tell our team when booking. We can explain the expected follow-up and whether you may need to remain nearby.
Here for a family member? Discover our circumcision options for infants and teenagers. If you are also considering vasectomy, learn about our joint vasectomy and circumcision procedure. A doctor will need to confirm whether a joint procedure is suitable for you.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does adult circumcision cost in Melbourne?
The fee for adult circumcision in Melbourne depends on the method and circumstances of your procedure. Ask for the current cost and what it includes, such as the consultation, local anaesthesia, dressings and follow-up. Published fees and inclusions may change.
Does Medicare cover adult circumcision?
Eligibility can depend on why circumcision is being performed and which services are provided. Ask the clinic about possible Medicare item numbers and out-of-pocket costs. You should also confirm your eligibility with Medicare before assuming a rebate applies.
Can I have a consultation and circumcision on the same day?
Same-day appointments may be available, depending on capacity and clinical suitability. The doctor must still review your medical history, complete an examination and obtain informed consent. Contact the clinic before travelling to confirm availability and preparation requirements.
What type of anaesthesia is used for adult circumcision?
Our adult circumcision procedures are generally performed using local anaesthesia and a penile nerve block. You remain awake while the area is numbed. General anaesthesia is also offered. Tell the doctor about any allergies or previous reactions to anaesthesia. They will explain what to expect and how discomfort is managed.
Can I choose my preferred circumcision method?
You can discuss your preferred method, but it may not be suitable for your circumstances. Your anatomy, health, medications, scarring and recovery needs can affect the recommendation. The doctor will explain the suitable options, their risks and the required aftercare.
What should I expect at an adult circumcision consultation?
The doctor will ask about your reasons for circumcision, symptoms, health history and medicines. They may complete an examination, then explain the suitable methods, anaesthesia, risks, recovery and follow-up. You will have time to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed. Complete the adult circumcision intake form before your appointment.
Disclaimer: The content above is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified medical professional. Because suitability for circumcision or vasectomy depends on individual health circumstances, patients should speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor before deciding whether to proceed.
Written by Dr. Shehab Abdalla, BPharm, MBBS, FRACGP (MED0001930473)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shehab Abdalla, BPharm, MBBS, FRACGP (MED0001930473)
Last updated: 10 September 2026
Medically reviewed: 10 September 2026
