What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure for removal of the foreskin of a male penis, states WedMD. The foreskin is the tissue that covers the head (or glans) of the penis.

Circumcision is typically done one or two days after a child's birth. If done at this time, the circumcision surgery typically takes approximately five to 10 minutes. Although older babies, children and adult men are circumcised, the older the subject, the more risky and complicated the procedure. Adult circumcision takes approximately one hour. A circumcision generally heals in five to seven days if there are no complications or infections, according to WebMD.