A poorly performed circumcision can result in a medical condition known as buried penis. This rare condition is characterized by a normally-sized penis that is hidden or obscured by surrounding tissue, making it appear smaller. Understandably, this condition can cause both physical and psychological problems.
Since 1988, Dr. Mo Bidair has been a trusted provider of adult circumcision services and circumcision revisions. Dr. Bidair performs cosmetic and corrective surgeries to address the problem that arise from poorly performed circumcisions. In doing so, he helps men to improve their quality of life and achieve the appearance they desire. Discuss your medical needs in privacy with California Adult Circumcision at Alvarado La Mesa Urology Center. Call us directly at (619) 486-5005 to book a personal consultation or fill out an inquiry form for further details.
Contents
What is a Buried Penis?
Buried penis, also referred to as hidden, inconspicuous, or trapped penis, is a condition that causes poor phallic exposure. Studies estimate that the overall circumcision complication rate is between 0.2% and 5%, as the condition is only a percentage of these numbers, it is quite rare. (1)(2) Although a buried penis can be present at birth, or as a result of obesity, medical conditions, or infection, it can also occur after circumcision.
Of the many thousands of circumcisions performed around the world, the majority happen in infancy. And in a small fraction of these procedures, there can be complications. Usually, these patients receive adequate treatment soon after their circumcision. However, some do not receive prompt medical care, and the patient may live with the untreated condition well into adulthood.
In these cases, patients may experience emotionally distressing symptoms that can make everyday functionality, such as urination, difficult. Where a buried penis is causing significant difficulty, a surgery to correct the condition is required.
How Can It Happen During Circumcision?
During a circumcision procedure, the foreskin, or prepuce, is surgically removed from the penis to uncover the glans, or head. However, where a surgeon misjudges a circumcision, there may be serious physical consequences for the patient. Where the tissue around the penis envelops the organ, it appears shorter, despite its true length. (2)(3)
Circumcision involves a circumferential incision around the shaft of the penis. The surgeon removes the foreskin and the remaining skin is sutured. In some cases, too much foreskin is removed, or the sutures constrict post-operatively, which can cause scarring. This can trap the penis in the remaining foreskin or cause the penis to sink into the lower abdomen. (2)
Congenital Buried Penis
Congenital buried penis is a rare condition which is present at birth. It is usually diagnosed and treated satisfactorily in infants with relatively few complications. However, an acquired buried penis can be the consequence of a mishandled surgery or an injury in infancy or later in life.
Buried Penis Symptoms
Men with the condition may experience the following:
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Hygiene Difficulties
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Poor Self-Image, Depression
- Balanitis (Penile Swelling and Irritation)
- Phimotic Banding (Scar Tissue)
- Skin Redness
Studies show a high incidence of low self-esteem and depression in patients with a buried penis.(2)
Buried Penis vs. Micropenis
A buried penis is not the same as a micropenis. After physical examination, medical diagnosis of micropenis can be confirmed if the stretched organ is 2.5 standard deviations below the mean length. Contrastingly, a buried penis is a regularly-sized penis that is obscured by the tissue surrounding it. Doctors can measure true penile size by pressing the surrounding fatty tissue inwards as much as possible to establish a differential diagnosis from micropenis. (3)
Webbed Penis
In some cases, physicians will use the term “webbed” penis or “scrotal webbing” interchangeably with buried penis to describe a condition that connects the scrotum unusually high onto the shaft. This can contribute to the physical symptoms of a buried penis, but may not be present in all cases. Dr. Bidair can perform a corrective surgery to address scrotal webbing as well as the other related anatomical abnormalities.
To reduce the risk of complications, circumcision should always be performed under appropriate sterile circumstances by trained medical specialists. (1)
Benefits of Corrective Surgery for Buried Penis
Treatment for a buried penis has physical and mental health benefits. For men with the condition, a buried penis may lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame, as well as being a practical issue that needs to be addressed because of uncomfortable symptoms.
A procedure to correct a buried penis is not penis enlargement surgery. Patients should have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with surgery, and understand the risks involved. Uncovering the true size of the penis through surgery can alleviate functional problems such as urination and sexual difficulties, as well as improving confidence and positive self-image.
Candidates for Surgery
Booking a personal consultation with Dr. Bidair is the most effective way to begin your treatment journey. By meeting you in person, Dr. Bidair can perform a thorough examination to determine a suitable treatment plan. Patients who wish to correct the results of a poorly performed circumcision may be good candidates for surgery at California Adult Circumcision. At our specialized facility in La Mesa, we will ensure you receive first class, specialized treatment from one of Southern California’s leading men’s health specialists.
Read Dr. Bidair’s blog to find out more information about adult circumcision, revision circumcision, and men’s health.
Personal Consultation
California Adult Circumcision offers men the chance to discuss their condition with experienced urologist and circumcision expert Dr. Bidair. At this meeting, patients should be prepared to answer some questions about their medical history. Our staff will provide some forms for you to fill out for our records, and inquire about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Dr. Bidair performs a full genitourinary examination, noting the anatomical appearance of the penis and scrotum and the degree to which it is hidden by surrounding tissue. He then creates a personalized treatment plan for the patient.
Procedure
There is no “one-size-fits-all” procedure for patients with a buried penis. Your treatment plan will largely depend on your surgical goals. Dr. Bidair will discuss these with you in detail at your personal consultation, as well as counsel you on non-surgical steps you can take to improve your outcomes. Corrective surgery to reveal the shaft of the penis can significantly improve its appearance, as well as providing relief from functional difficulties. In many cases, Dr. Bidair will perform a combination of multiple techniques to achieve a patient’s desired goals.
Revision Circumcision
Where too much or too little skin has been removed from the foreskin, Dr. Bidair can perform a revision circumcision. He will design a treatment plan that outlines the steps he will take to best address the condition. If too much skin has been removed during a prior circumcision, Dr. Bidair may harvest skin grafts from another area of the body for skin coverage. And, if further treatment is necessary, he may detach the ligaments that connect the penis to the pubic bone and remove fat. Using a combination of techniques, he will restore the true appearance of the penis.
Cost of Revision Circumcision in San Diego
Your surgery costs will be calculated after Dr. Bidair establishes a treatment plan. Call (619) 486-5005 to book a personal consultation with California Adult Circumcision at Alvarado La Mesa Urology Center, or fill out a form on our website.
FAQ
Is a buried penis something you’re born with?
A buried penis can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. In children, this rare condition is usually addressed surgically soon after diagnosis. In some cases, adults present with the symptoms of buried penis who have lived with the condition for some time. In these cases, it often significantly affects the patient’s quality of life.
Yes! A urologist can assess your condition and design a unique surgical plan. This may involve reshaping tissues or skin grafting. In many cases an experienced surgeon can perform a revision circumcision.
I’m too embarrassed to talk to someone about my buried penis. What should I do?
Urologists and other men’s health specialists are trained for many years to help people address embarrassing health conditions. Although health professionals understand that some conditions cause embarrassment, timely treatment is vital for the health, safety, and wellbeing of the patient.
References
- İnce, B., Dadacı, M., Altuntaş, Z., & Bilgen, F. (2016). Rarely seen complications of circumcision, and their management. Turkish Journal of Urology, 42(1), 12–15. https://doi.org/10.5152/tud.2016.78972
- Anandan, L., & Mohammed, A. (2018). Surgical Management of Buried Penis in Adults. Central European Journal of Urology, 71(3). https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2018.1676
- Sivakumar, B., Brown, A., & Kangesu, L. (2004). Circumcision in “buried penis” – a cautionary tale. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 86(1), 35–37. https://doi.org/10.1308/003588404772614669
- Nihal, H., & Selim, K. (2013). Micropenis: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches. Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology, 5(4), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.4274/jcrpe.1135