Best Phimosis Doctor in London

Trusted specialist care for lasting relief

Private assessment and treatment for a tight or non-retractable foreskin, including pain, inflammation, recurrent infections and foreskin scarring. Get a clear diagnosis and understand the treatment options available to you.

Why patients seek a specialist

A tight foreskin can be uncomfortable and difficult to discuss. The first step is not automatically choosing circumcision. It is finding out what is causing the tightness and which treatment is appropriate.

Foreskin tightness

Assessment of retraction, narrowing and functional restriction.

Pain or irritation

Evaluation of painful erections, cracking, inflammation or recurrent balanitis.

Treatment options

A personalised discussion of medical, foreskin-preserving and surgical care.

What is phimosis?

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted comfortably over the head of the penis. In adults, persistent tightness may be associated with pain, inflammation, infection or scarring.

Not every tight foreskin requires circumcision. The cause, severity and condition of the foreskin determine whether monitoring, medical treatment, a foreskin-preserving procedure or circumcision is most suitable.

Common concerns

Tight or non-retractable foreskin

Retraction may be difficult, particularly during an erection.

Pain during erections

Tightness can lead to discomfort, tearing or painful sexual activity.

Recurrent irritation

Inflammation, balanitis and hygiene difficulties can occur.

Urinary problems

Severe narrowing may contribute to discomfort or difficulty passing urine.

A specialist diagnosis should answer more than “is this phimosis?”

The goal is to understand why the foreskin is tight, whether there is inflammation or scarring, how symptoms affect you and which treatment is most appropriate.

01

History

Symptoms, duration, infections, pain, erections, sexual concerns and previous treatment.

02

Examination

Assessment of the foreskin, glans and any inflammation, narrowing or scarring.

03

Retraction

Assessment of how far the foreskin can retract when clinically appropriate.

04

Treatment plan

A personalised recommendation based on the findings, symptoms and your goals.

Treatment options for phimosis

Treatment is not the same for every patient. The right approach depends on the underlying cause, severity, symptoms and condition of the foreskin.

Medical treatment

Prescription topical steroid treatment may be considered in selected cases to improve foreskin flexibility, particularly where significant scarring is not established.

Infection & inflammation

Where balanitis, fungal infection or another inflammatory problem contributes to symptoms, treatment is directed at the underlying cause alongside appropriate hygiene advice.

Preputioplasty

A foreskin-preserving procedure can widen the narrowed opening in selected patients. Suitability depends on the cause and degree of scarring.

Circumcision

Circumcision removes the foreskin and may be recommended for persistent symptomatic phimosis, significant scarring or when other approaches are unsuitable or unsuccessful.

Why Choose Mr Giulio Garaffa?

Mr Giulio Garaffa is a Consultant Uro-Andrological Surgeon with specialist expertise in male sexual and reproductive health, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction and complex penile reconstruction.

His published profile states that he has over 20 years of training and experience, performs more than 300 complex penile reconstruction procedures annually, and has published more than 150 articles and book chapters.

Great Patient Experience 2026

Our clinic has been recognised by Doctify for consistently delivering excellent patient experiences, based on verified feedback from patients and families.

“Very detailed, very precise, and very clear.”

A patient review highlighted the time taken to explain the available options clearly and the confidence this created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers before you decide whether to book.

Can phimosis be treated without circumcision?

Sometimes. Depending on the cause and severity, medical treatment or a foreskin-preserving procedure may be appropriate.

Does every tight foreskin need treatment?

No. Treatment depends on symptoms, function, inflammation and whether there is scarring or another underlying condition.

Can stretching help?

Gentle stretching may form part of conservative care in selected cases, but forceful retraction should be avoided, particularly when the skin is scarred or painful.

What causes phimosis in adults?

Causes can include persistent tightness, recurrent inflammation or infection, scarring and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus.

What is the difference between phimosis and a short frenulum?

Phimosis is narrowing of the foreskin opening. A short frenulum is a separate restriction beneath the glans and may require different treatment.

When should I see a specialist?

Assessment is sensible for persistent tightness, painful erections, recurrent infections, cracking or bleeding, significant scarring or urinary difficulty.