Posted on January 29th, 2026.

Deciding between stitches or glue for circumcision can feel like a big step in an already personal process.

Whether you are a parent planning for a newborn or an adult considering circumcision for yourself, wanting clear, direct information is completely normal. The closure method affects comfort, recovery, and the final appearance, so it deserves careful thought.

Both stitches and medical glue are proven options with the same core goal: closing the incision securely so the tissue heals in a controlled way. Where they differ is in how they support the skin, how much follow-up is needed, and how they match your routine and expectations.

Knowing these differences helps you move from uncertainty to a more confident choice.

Understanding the Differences

Knowing the core differences between stitches and glue for circumcision is the first step toward an informed decision. Both methods close the incision and support healing, but they do so in different ways. Stitches, or sutures, use a needle and thread to bring tissue edges together, while glue, or tissue adhesive, forms a thin film over the surface to hold skin edges in place.

Stitches are a structured, time-tested approach. The surgeon places each suture to control how the tissue lines up, which is especially helpful when there is more tension on the skin or the procedure is more involved. This precise control often appeals to adults who want strong support during early healing, particularly when the area will be exposed to movement and daily activity.

Glue is applied to the skin surface after the edges are aligned. It creates a protective layer that holds the incision as deeper tissues mend. The process is quick, with no thread going through the tissue. Many people appreciate the simplicity and the fact that there is no stitch removal visit, though glue is usually reserved for clean, low-tension closures where the skin naturally meets without pulling.

In practice, the two approaches are often used with different goals in mind:

• Stitches are commonly chosen when there is higher tension, thicker skin, or a need for very controlled alignment
• Glue is better suited for straightforward, low-tension closures with minimal movement at the incision
• Combination methods may be used in select cases, with sutures deeper inside and adhesive on the surface

Both methods can provide a neat result when performed by an experienced provider and supported by proper aftercare. Stitches can create a very controlled, even line, while glue may sometimes allow a softer blend with surrounding skin. Your skin type, overall health, and how closely you follow instructions will influence the final look at least as much as the material used, which is why your urologist’s recommendation carries significant weight.

Healing Process and Duration

The closure method shapes the feel of your recovery, even though overall healing time is similar. With stitches, the incision is held together by suture material that stays in place during the early phase of healing. These sutures generally remain for about one to two weeks, giving the tissue time to strengthen underneath before they are removed or start to dissolve, depending on the type used.

In many adult circumcision cases, non-absorbable stitches are preferred so the surgeon can remove them personally. While this means a follow-up visit, it also allows your provider to check how the area is healing, look for signs of infection, and answer questions about returning to normal activities. That extra layer of monitoring can be reassuring and helps keep your recovery on track.

Glue forms a firm film on the skin that naturally peels or flakes away as the tissue below heals. There is no separate appointment just to remove it, which can be convenient. The adhesive layer acts like a temporary shield while early healing takes place. As the skin strengthens, the glue usually loosens within one to two weeks, revealing the maturing scar line underneath.

Most adults can expect the main healing phase to last around four to six weeks with either method. Discomfort tends to be most noticeable in the first week, then gradually improves, and swelling usually fades over time. People often describe:

• With stitches: a sense of pulling or tightness along the stitch line in the early days
• With glue: awareness of a firm surface layer that feels protective but less intrusive
• With both: steady reduction in soreness, swelling, and sensitivity over several weeks

For many adults, the strong support and predictable structure of stitches, along with planned follow-up, offer a sense of security, especially for more active lifestyles. Glue can still be a good option in the right setting, particularly when convenience is a priority and the incision is simple. In both cases, following instructions about hygiene, rest, and activity limits plays a major role in avoiding problems and reaching a smooth recovery.

Wound Care and Risk Analysis

Post-operative care is central to a good circumcision outcome, regardless of the closure method. When stitches are used, they provide solid support but require careful handling. Keeping the area clean and dry helps protect the incision and sutures. Gentle washing with mild soap and water, followed by careful patting dry, reduces irritation and lowers infection risk. It is also important to avoid friction and unnecessary tension on the stitch line.

With glue, the adhesive film functions as a built-in dressing over the incision. During the first hours, the priority is keeping the area dry so the adhesive fully sets. Later on, light washing is usually acceptable, but long soaks in baths, pools, or hot tubs should be postponed until your provider says it is safe. Even if glue appears low-maintenance, it still requires the same respect as sutures, since the tissue underneath is healing in the same way.

Scarring is another factor many adults consider carefully. Stitches allow precise alignment of the tissue, which often leads to a predictable, clean scar line. While small puncture marks from the needle may appear at first, they usually soften as healing progresses. Glue may sometimes result in a softer transition between the incision and surrounding skin, but scar appearance still depends heavily on your individual healing pattern and care.

Infection is a possible risk with both methods, but your daily habits significantly influence it. Stitches involve foreign material in the tissue, so hygiene and follow-up matter. The visit for suture removal also gives your provider a chance to catch any early issues. Glue creates a temporary barrier that may help protect against outside contaminants, but it does not replace the need for cleanliness and monitoring.

Simple, consistent steps can make a big difference:

• Keep the incision area clean and gently dry after washing
• Limit physical strain and friction as advised by your provider
• Wear loose, breathable underwear to reduce rubbing and pressure
• Check the site daily for unusual redness, warmth, or discharge
• Avoid soaking the area until your provider confirms it is appropriate
• Use pain relief and any prescribed medications as directed

For many patients, the combination of strong physical support from stitches and clear, structured follow-up offers a high level of reassurance and control over recovery. Glue can still be an appropriate option when the incision is low-tension and the patient is comfortable with more self-monitoring, but careful wound care remains essential in both scenarios.

Related: Foreskin Problems and Painful Sex? Learn About Circumcision

Choosing Stitches or Glue with Confidence

Your choice between stitches and glue is more than a technical detail; it directly affects your comfort, your recovery routine, and your peace of mind. Stitches tend to offer stronger support, closer follow-up, and a highly controlled closure, which many adults find reassuring, particularly if their work or lifestyle involves movement. Glue provides a simpler surface closure and often fewer appointments, which can be appealing in straightforward cases with low tension at the incision.

Taking time to think about your daily activities, your schedule, and your preferences around follow-up care helps you choose an approach that fits your life. For adults in Southern Nevada considering circumcision, Las Vegas Circumcision focuses on aligning closure methods with your health history, goals, and expectations. During your consultation, we discuss how stitches and glue compare in healing time, comfort, scar tendencies, and aftercare, then make a clear, personalized recommendation.

Why not initiate this journey with a clear understanding of what every step involves? Compare healing time, comfort, and scarring with an expert consultation for adult circumcision options so you can choose stitches or medical glue confidently and recover with a plan built for your body.

Contact us at [email protected] or (702) 690-5706 to schedule a visit or to ask a quick question.