The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Private Circumcision Surgery
Removal of the retractable fold of skin (foreskin) that covers the end of the penis.
What is a circumcision?
The foreskin is the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. The procedure to remove it, known as circumcision, is carried out for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, including where the foreskin:
- is too tight
- becomes infected
- develops cancer
Learn more about the specilist men's health we offer here at HCA UK
Need to know - circumcision procedure
Circumcisions are usually carried out under general anaesthetic. However, you may be able to have a spinal or local anaesthetic to numb the area. If your child is being circumcised, they'll probably have local anaesthetic instead of general.
Once you're anaesthetised, your surgeon will use surgical scissors or a scalpel to detach your foreskin (the sleeve of skin that surrounds the head of the penis). They will then seal any blood vessels with heat (cauterisation) and close the edges of your skin with dissolvable stitches.
Once you're anaesthetised, your surgeon will use surgical scissors or a scalpel to detach your foreskin (the sleeve of skin that surrounds the head of the penis). They will then seal any blood vessels with heat (cauterisation) and close the edges of your skin with dissolvable stitches.
As with all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.
You'll be asked to sign a consent form — either for yourself or on behalf of your child. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your procedure.
You'll be asked to sign a consent form — either for yourself or on behalf of your child. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your procedure.
You should be able to go home the same day. Please arrange for someone to collect you as you won't be able to drive.
It usually takes about 10 days for your penis to heal initially but the process continues for four to six weeks. It'll take about the same amount of time for the swelling to subside. If your child has been circumcised, it could take up to two weeks.
You'll probably have some discomfort for a few days, so feel free to use pain relief as directed by your consultant. They'll let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, but you shouldn't have sex for at least four weeks and you'll need to take a few days off work.
It usually takes about 10 days for your penis to heal initially but the process continues for four to six weeks. It'll take about the same amount of time for the swelling to subside. If your child has been circumcised, it could take up to two weeks.
You'll probably have some discomfort for a few days, so feel free to use pain relief as directed by your consultant. They'll let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, but you shouldn't have sex for at least four weeks and you'll need to take a few days off work.
Cost of private circumcision
Hospital price and procedure
Prices from
Paediatric: £2,995 and Adult: £3,237
subject to the specifics of your treatment as recommended by your consultant.
Indicative consultant fee from
Expected length of stay
1 day
Our Circumcision locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.