Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is circumcision surgery?
Circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic for adults and general anaesthetic for children and infants. It takes around 30 minutes and is carried out as a day case, meaning patients go home the same day.
Medical indications for circumcision include phimosis (a foreskin too tight to retract), paraphimosis, recurrent balanitis (inflammation or infection of the foreskin or glans), or lichen sclerosus. Circumcision is also performed for personal, cultural and religious reasons. Our urological surgeons treat patients of all ages at our hospital in St John’s Wood (NW8).
Who is circumcision suitable for?
Circumcision may be recommended for:
- Adults or children with phimosis (a foreskin that cannot be retracted), causing pain, difficulty urinating or recurrent infections
- Those with recurrent balanitis or posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin or glans)
- Those with lichen sclerosus or other conditions affecting the foreskin
- Adults seeking circumcision for personal, cultural or religious reasons
Your consultant will assess your individual circumstances and discuss whether circumcision is the most appropriate option for you or your child.
Surgeons who perform Circumcisions in London
How Much Does Private Circumcision Cost?
from £2,100*
The cost of Private Circumcision starts from £2,100* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Circumcision
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during surgery. Some soreness or swelling is normal after the procedure but can be managed with pain relief medication.
Circumcision typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the age of the patient and the complexity of the procedure.
Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Full recovery usually takes one to two weeks, during which time strenuous activities and sexual activity should be avoided.
Circumcision may be necessary for medical conditions like phimosis (tight foreskin), recurrent infections, or for personal, religious, or cultural reasons. Your consultant will discuss the options with you to determine the best approach.
Medically reviewed by Mr Leye Ajayi - MBBS MD FRCS FRCS (Urol) on 18/04/2024