Circumcision Scar Line (Circumcision Scar)
The area on a circumcised male where the foreskin was surgically removed is called the circumcision scar or circumcision line. This represents the junction where the remaining penile shaft skin meets the mucosa of the glans at the level of the coronal sulcus 1, 2.
Anatomical Description
The circumcision scar forms at the site where the inner and outer layers of the foreskin were excised and the remaining skin edges were sutured together 3, 2. This typically occurs at or near the coronal sulcus (the groove behind the glans) 1.
Key Anatomical Features:
- The scar represents the fusion point between the keratinized skin of the penile shaft and the mucosal tissue that was previously covered by the foreskin 4
- In properly performed circumcisions, the dorsal slit is extended to the level of the coronal sulcus to ensure adequate visualization and complete tissue removal 1
- The surgical margins are typically maintained at 5-10 mm, which provides adequate tissue control and cosmetic results 5, 1
Common Complications at the Circumcision Scar
Scar-Related Issues:
- Hypertrophic scarring occurs in approximately 44% of unsatisfactory circumcisions, resulting from inadequate surgical technique or excessive tissue trauma 3
- Scar wrinkling affects about 27% of revision cases, typically due to improper suturing techniques 3
- Penile adhesions can develop when the epithelium of the remaining inner prepuce at the circumcision line reattaches to the epithelium of the glans if proper postoperative care is not maintained 6
Prevention of Adhesions:
- Daily gentle retraction of the penile skin with application of petroleum-based ointment prevents re-adhesion at the circumcision line 7, 8
- The circumcision scar area should be cleansed gently with water only during the first week, avoiding soaps and irritants 7, 8
Clinical Significance
The circumcision scar is a permanent anatomical landmark that marks the transition between shaft skin and the exposed glans/coronal sulcus region 3, 2. Proper identification of this area is essential for:
- Postoperative monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, or adhesion formation 7, 8
- Assessment of adequate foreskin removal in cases of incomplete circumcision (redundant foreskin), which accounts for 23% of revision requests 3
- Evaluation for pathological conditions, as all excised tissue should undergo histopathological examination to exclude penile intraepithelial neoplasia or underlying conditions like lichen sclerosus 1