Circumcision Scar Styles

Since the founding of CIRCLIST, there has always been an ongoing discussion regarding the type of circumcision scar left by the different methods used to perform circumcision on men and boys.  The most frequently asked question is, "can I tell what method was used to circumcise me, based on the resulting circumcision scar?"

While we in general believe that "not usually" is the best answer, below you will find relevant discussions regarding this matter that may give you some idea what method was used to perform your circumcision, based on the resulting scar.

V-Shaped Scar on Underside of Penis

Adult Circumcisions:  

Like so many other guys who were cut as adults and write from the UK, I spent half an hour on Mr Hasan's table. When I took the dressings off after a couple of days, as instructed, I looked at the way he'd stitched the underside. I had no frenulum to remove, since it had broken long before, but he had stitched what was outer skin right up to the tip of the V-shaped bit of shaft which goes where the frenulum would go if it had been there, using several fine stitches, more or less as if he wanted to restore an artificial frenulum. At first I was a bit worried by this, as I thought it might pull too tight, but it didnt. The result when all healed up is the V-shaped scar which people have been talking about, and as in Sunlover's lovely clear pic. I for one am quite happy with it like that. It is nice and smooth on the underside, and there is a lovely sensitivity just at that spot Maybe it's just an approved way of doing freehand cuts, as are the usual in the UK.

I for one really find the V cut very desirable, its very sexy I could look at that kind of circ all day, am I correct that all of you guys who have this kind of cut still have the frenulum, unless like Don it was torn loose.  I’d like to see more V cut circs if you got’em.

Jeff (USA)

Mine is the same V shape too under the head, when done as a adult, doc did cut the foreskin off the frenulm and its not smooth like a RIC is, but has some nub where it used to be. Nice sensation when having sex with it.  

Don (USA)

Routine Infant Circumcisions (RIC):

If you've had the chance to observe many American circumcisions, you know that many have the noted V-shape on the underside, in the frenulum area.  Having grown up uncircumcised, I was always well aware of the different types of circumcisions done on my buddies.  After I grew up, I got my hands on a Gomco clamp courtesy of a physician that I had become friends with.  He fitted the Gomco on my long skin and partially tightened it down.  After we were done playing with the clamp, we removed it and I found, to my amazement, that the Gomco had in fact left a very round ring around the top side of my penis, but on the underside, had made a distinctive V-shaped crush line.  I couldn't have done it neater if I had been trying to draw this.  The doc explained it was because my frenulum was in the way of the clamp and it cause the foreskin to be caught on an angle.  He felt this was common in boys circumcised with any clamp that relies on covering the bare, skinned back glans, with a metal bell and then crushing the foreskin.  

Photo Examples of V-Shaped Circumcision Scars

V-Shape with Frenulum Intact (Adult Circ) "Sunlover"	V-Shape with Undeveloped Frenulum Likely Routine Infant Circ	V-Shape with Undeveloped Frenulum Likely Routine Infant Circ

Brown Ring Or Halo

The brown ring most usually signifies a circumcision performed with a crushing technique, wherein the (usually infant or child's) foreskin is crushed by a metal clamp such as the Gomco and left in place for several minutes to seal together the veins in order to reduce bleeding, when the foreskin is severed.  These circumcisions, most usually performed in youth or at birth, do not employ sutures to close the wound.  The result is the brown circumcision ring so many CIRCLISTers find desirable.  It should be noted that these clamps, if not employed properly, can also leave the V-shaped scar noted above, but with the trade mark brown scar line.  The Plastibell usually leaves no brown ring as the crush area is generally severed with the circumcision when the bell falls off, although often leaving a crimped or minor white line at the point where it was attached.

David (USA)

That "scar" is often referred to as a circumcision "halo" and the halo signifies the male has been blessed.  I am glad that I have a "halo" and I really feel blessed by it.  The only problem is that halos are usually associated with angels, and I am not sure that I fit that category.

Glenn (USA)

As I see it, you are a human with a soul: in my theology, that makes you an angel ;) I am also pleased to have my halo....it really brightens my days (and NIGHTS)

Martin (UK)

Here are two pics of the tattoo I had to simulate a circ scar.  It was done over two sessions a week apart.  Each session lasted about 20 minutes. My girlfriend is really pleased with the "new" look. I think a nice brown circ scar is very erotic and lets everyone know, without a doubt, you are circumcised.

George (USA)

Adult Freehand Circumcion Simulated Circ Scar George	Top View Tatooed Circ Scar George

No Scar, But Noticeable Difference Between Skin Colors

My circumcision was done by Dr. Reed, freehand sleeve resection.  It is high and tight, at my request, and the pink inner lining is obvious when contrasted against my darker shaft skin.  I do not have any real scar, as you can see in the attached pix, but there is no question about where my circumcision was joined.  I only have a slight white line at the incision point.  These pix were taken 60 days after my circumcision.

David (USA)

 

v
Arab Circ at 9 Note Color Variance	Circ'd as Teen Hispanic-American

Attached is a photo of my circ scar.  This is the result of a re-circumcision to remove old circ scar tissue which was very lumpy.  Job was done freehand.

Rob (USA)

Routine infant circumcisions with little or no scar, likely performed by the Plastibell.

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Scar at Base of Penis

The scar at the base of the penis, sometimes hidden by the pubic hair, is one of the preferred methods of the Japanese (although it is done, and can be requested, of any physician skilled in adult circumcisions.).  The procedure is the same as the sleeve resection method, only the selection of the circumcision site on the penis varies.  This method necessitates complete removal of the frenulum to permit the foreskin to be peeled completely back the shaft and the skin to be removed closer to the body.

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Suture Marks at Incision Line

Obviously this is a fairly common occurrence but I don't recall anyone else on the list mentioning it. Either that, or we are genetically not suited to catgut sutures in this family.  I would welcome comments from anyone else who has experienced a similar problem.

Anonymous (Australia)

There have been several similar messages on the list in the past.  It does seem that dissolving sutures can cause this problem in some individuals..  However I had soluble sutures and don't have any skin tunnels!

A tip for those getting circumcised, or getting their sons done, if the doctor does use dissolving sutures:  DON'T just wait forever for the sutures to come out.  In a week they will have done their job, and will have become soft, so you can pull them out - untying them if they are still tied.  That is what I did.  If you don't, you will likely end up with either the white cross suture marks or worse, the skin tunnels (tubes) discussed above.

James B (Australia)

Small Skin Tunnel Shown Just Right of Center at Circ Incision Line Dissolvable Suture Not Removed Soon Enough	Suture Marks and Small Skin Tunnels at Incision Line

Reducing the Scar, Tightening the Skin

I have been using Mederma cream daily for about 2 months. This stuff is incredible! It really works. First the lumps smoothed out. Then the scar became softer and smoother.  The scar is now the same color as the shaft skin. They recommend using it for six months on older scars at three times a day. At this rate in a few more months I won't even have a scar and I'm only using it once a day. About $24 a tube. A lot less than a scar revision. I have also been using Nuetragena anti-wrinkle cream on the shaft. As the retinol removes the wrinkles it also tightens the skin. Six months ago I had about 6 in of skin from the base to the circ scar. It is now 5.5 in.  The tighter shaft feels much better.