Circumcision
Gold Coast Circumcision Centre is operated by Dr Michael Read who has more than thirty years’ experience performing circumcisions on infants, boys and men.
CIRCUMCISION GOLD COAST
Dr Michael Read at Gold Coast Circumcision Centre has performed circumcision on infants, boys and men for over 30 years
Gold Coast Circumcision Centre is operated by Dr Michael Read, who has more than thirty years’ experience performing circumcisions on infants, boys and men.
Although circumcisions are often done in a hospital, surgical environment, Dr Read recognised the procedure is well-suited to conduct in his clinic, which allows for a dedicated circumcision service to infants, children and adults.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is a simple surgical procedure that removes the foreskin, which is the sleeve of skin that covers the tip of the penis. Infancy is recognised as the ideal time for circumcision; however, many teenagers and men seek circumcision for medical, sexual, health, cultural, religious and cosmetic reasons.
Infant and pre-pubertal circumcision is performed using the Plastibell technique. The Plastibell is done using a small ring that is placed over the head of the penis and under the foreskin. The ring is secured with a tie which stops blood flow to the end of the foreskin, allowing it to be easily removed. The Plastibell has many benefits including only using a tie that seals the foreskin, no bleeding, no restrictions and that the nerve supply is cut off, meaning it shouldn’t involve much discomfort.
Adults and teens require the sleeve technique, which is a surgical procedure. The sleeve technique involves excision to remove the foreskin.
Both the Plastibell and sleeve techniques are simple procedures providing minimal discomfort.
Dr Michael Read discusses circumcision demographics
Dr Michael Read discusses circumcision revision
Dr Michael Read discusses circumcision pain
Lifelong benefits of circumcision
There are many lifelong health benefits for becoming circumcised, not only for the male, but also for the female sexual partner of a circumcised male.
- Prevents phimosis, which is where the foreskin is tight which prevents or restricts retraction. The condition affects one in 10 teenage boys and men. Dr Read has men in their 40’s and 50’s that have had this issue their adult lives. Often GP’s will discourage circumcision surgery as they are unfamiliar with what inconveniences, even minor restrictions of the foreskin can cause. Phimosis is one of the causes of catheter and foreskin problems in nursing homes and greatly increases penile cancer.
- Paraphimosis is also a frequent reason man see Dr Read for circumcision, as this condition causes the foreskin to retract and cause a restriction behind the glans. Which causing it to swell, not allowing a return of the foreskin or blood flow. This condition can be very dangerous.
- Recurrent tearing of the frenulum can be treated using circumcision.
- Inflammation and infections are three times more common in men who are uncircumcised.
- Penile cancer risk in uncircumcised men is increased 20 times. Penile cancer treatment can lead to penile amputation or disfigurement of the penis.
- The risk of thrush infections is reduced men, which also reduces the risk of thrush in their female partners.
- Circumcised men offer up to a 5-times reduction of their female partner developing cervical cancer.
- Intact foreskins can cause urine and smegma to accumulate if it’s not cleaned properly. This mix of mucus and dead skin cells can produce offensive smells and infection. This issue cannot always be stopped by cleaning.
- Women have shown to prefer the appearance, hygiene and sexual activity of a circumcised penis.
- Sexual function and sensations generally will not change after circumcision; however, some men have said it’s even better. The issues of tender and sensitive heads is fixed through circumcision.
- Occasionally men may seek circumcision due to practical issues like having excessively long foreskin, hair entrapments, rashes and small skin growths.
Circumcision may stop you or your partner from developing an infection or disease at some point throughout your lives. So, if you are a man, the female partner trying to convince your partner to become circumcised or parents of a newborn or child, please understand that circumcision has many positive health benefits. The issues associated with uncircumcised males can be avoided.
Please find more information on adult circumcision here, or on infant and child circumcision here.
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If you would like to book aa consultation with Dr Read, please contact us by completing the form on this page, or by calling us on 07 5531 3205.
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Meet Dr Michael Read
Gold Coast Circumcision Centre
Dr Michael Read has operated and performed circumcision for more than thirty years. To learn more about the circumcision procedure and Dr Michael Read, click below to visit the Gold Coast Circumcision Centre website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Michael Read is available to answer all questions regarding your vasectomy. Please take a read through our FAQ’s to see if your question has already been answered. Please call Gold Coast Vasectomy Centre on 1300 DR READ or click here if you require further information or would like to book a consultation.
Am I awake during the circumcision process?
Most patients choose to use a local anaesthesia and are awake during the procedure. However, general anaesthesia is available if you wish to be completely unconscious.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to have a circumcision?
At Gold Coast Circumcision Centre, adult circumcision surgery does not require referral. You can simply ring our clinic on (07) 5531 3205, make an appointment and come in and talk to Dr Read. He will discuss the circumcision operation with you. You are under no pressure to procced with circumcision if you decide it is not for you.
Is the procedure performed in a hospital?
Circumcision does not require hospital admission. The procedure is performed in our practice-based operating rooms located at Gold Coast Surgery Centre, Level 2, 103 Nerang Street, Southport.
Do I need to take time off from work and other commitments after the procedure?
Circumcision does not interfere significantly with work and study. You will need to have the day of your surgery off work and ideally a further day or two of rest. Some enthusiastic patients do return to work the next day. If you are travelling to the Gold Coast for your surgery, please plan to spend at least 1-2 days here.
Is adult circumcision a painful procedure?
Pain during the circumcision and afterwards is absent or minor. A topical anaesthetic cream provides most of the numbing effect, but it is supplemented by local anaesthetic injections if necessary and by some medication to sedate and relax patients if they request.
Can a circumcision be redone?
You might have had a circumcision and be unhappy with the outcome. Dr Read commonly operates on men to provide a more pleasing cosmetic result if there is excessive skin scarring or irregularity
Can I choose the cosmetic outcome of my circumcision?
Many men have encountered terms like high and low and tight and loose. These refer to the location of the cut or scar and the amount of skin removed. Almost all men request a low scar of medium tightness. This generally replicates the appearance of circumcision performed in infancy. Open discussion about your style preference is encouraged.
Why is Plastibell Dr Read’s technique of choice?
The Plastibell technique is designed to produce a good cosmetic outcome and contributes to a safe circumcision. The risk of bleeding is diminished as the tie is placed circumferentially around the foreskin, providing a ligature on all the vessels and sealing the foreskin. This also cuts off the nerve and blood supply to the foreskin, minimising post-operative discomfort. There is no restriction on your boy’s usual activities after circumcision. Babies can be bathed and dressed normally until the Plastibell falls off spontaneously and boys can resume usual activities as soon as they wish.
Is circumcision a painful experience for my child?
Dr Read will apply a numbing cream to the penis one hour before surgery and then wrap it in plastic to maintain contact. The cream provides effective pain relief during the procedure and can provide several hours of post-operative benefit. Babies less than two to three months old usually have little discomfort, however older boys can experience some stinging during urination.
How long does infant circumcision take?
The procedure itself usually takes around 20 minutes. One of our nursing staff will take your boy and assist Dr Read while he performs the procedure. Dr Read will return our child to you for comforting and feeding after the procedure and explain the post-operative management.
How do I care for my child after the procedure?
A tube of post-operative ointment called Kenacomb to lubricate and protect against swelling and infection will be provided. This needs to be applied two to three times daily to the head of the penis inside the ring. After ring separation, usually occurring four to seven days post-procedure, Kenacomb should continue to be applied. A smear of blood on the nappy may appear, and redness and swelling of the penis can occur with the normal healing process. A follow up appointment will need to be made after ring separation for Dr Read to review the circumcision and demonstrate how to manage longer term care.
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