The glans is then insensitive and adhesions can be separated painlessly provided they are not too extensive. The cream does not penetrate deeply and, if the adhesions are widespread, the procedure should be performed in two stages six to twelve weeks apart. It should be emphasised that this procedure should not be done in infancy or early childhood, and some experts advise against it at any age. This is either surgical or, more recently, medical. Surgery may involve dilation, dorsal slit or circumcision.
Dilation is likely to produce more scarring and make the condition worse.
Dorsal slit, if not done adequately, causes scarring and recurrence. If done generously it produces an ugly foreskin with prolapse of the inner preputial layer, to produce a penis that looks neither circumcised nor uncircumcised. Circumcision is the best surgical procedure for phimosis. It is definitive and final. It is a good operation when performed for good reasons.