Detailed Aftercare Instructions, Complications, and Frequently Asked Questions
For Pain Management
You can apply Emla cream sparingly on the area to numb the wound.
1. For a child younger than 2 months, no Calpol or Nurofen is necessary or recommended.
2. For a child older than 2 months - please buy Calpol for pain.
3. For a child older than 2 months - please buy Calpol and Nurofen for pain.
4. Adults, and occasionally older children, can use Instillagel, which you can buy over the counter to apply locally.
Bathing
1. You can use salt in the bath or wash with normal warm water.
2. Alternatively, you can buy TCP (or Dettol) to use after dilution in the bath, a few drops will be enough.
3. You can give a bath on the same day or the next day. Water is the most effective cleanser and reduces the risk of infection when used properly.
4. Do not use Savlon cream until after 5-7 days, when the ring is coming off or has completely come off. This reduces the likelihood of ring slippage.
Healing
:1. The ring will separate in 5-7 days, with full healing in 2 weeks.
2. Sometimes the ring can come off early or a bit later
3. Please leave the ring alone, even if it is just hanging—it will generally fall off on its own.
Risk Of Complications
1. Allergy
2. Bleeding
3. Swelling
4. Bruising
5. Bad smell
6. Infection
7. Delayed ring separation
8. Ring slippage
9. Chronic pain
10. Poor cosmesis, scar, retraction, stricture, excess skin, etc.
11. Failure, etc.
If you can't accept these risks, then we are unable to circumcise your son.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AFTER CIRCUMCISION:
Once your son has been circumcised, please follow the following instructions:
1. Feed your son normally.
2. Avoid wet/dirty nappies/clothes; change dirty nappies as soon as possible. You can use loose clothing for comfort in older children. If your son has a nappy rash, then leave him open for 5-10 minutes when you change his nappy to let the rash heal faster. You can use nappy rash cream, but you must not use it over the ring or the wound itself.
3. Give regular baths: use a few drops of TCP, Dettol, or Savlon, or some salt in the water. Pour clean, warm water with a few drops of TCP, Dettol, or Savlon, or some salt in it, after urination, and pat dry gently with a clean, dry towel, or you may use cotton balls.
4. Do not apply soap/powder/ointment/cream/oil/Vaseline, etc., on the ring until healing is complete; you can use these on the rest of the body. Otherwise, the ring can slip and will not come off by itself.
5. The penis will swell (sometimes very much) and bruise, and you may notice a few drops of blood or yellow discharge. It is also usual to smell. The skin may turn black.
6. Give regular Calpol/Paracetamol (for babies older than 2 months) and/or Nurofen (for babies older than 3 months) for the first 5 days. Calpol every 4-6 hours, up to 4x /d.Nurofen every 8hours, with food, up to 3x/d.
7. The ring normally drops in 3-5 days. You must contact us if the ring has not dropped off by 7days. The wound will heal with a scar in 2-3 weeks.
8. If the ring has come off but is hanging, leave it as it is; it will drop off soon.
9. Please contact me early if you are worried or want a check-up—you can send photos via WhatsApp, MMS, or email, but call us first to discuss. You must contact us from your registered number only, as otherwise we will have to confirm your ID before discussing your child (GDPR rules).
10. Rarely, if you are unable to contact me, especially in an emergency like severe bleeding, you may have to take him to your local hospital.
11. If you have been advised that your son has a sunken penis, then please watch the video sent to you on how to care for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have my child circumcised?
It is usual to perform this within a month of birth - it is best to circumcise your child at a young age, as the likelihood of complications are lower. Postponement may be necessary if your child is ill (e.g., jaundice, infection).
How will the circumcision be performed?
Usually using the Plastibell technique. A suture technique is sometimes used if advisable; there will be an extra supplemental fee for this.
Do you use a local anesthetic?
Yes, it is usual to use a local anesthetic injection.
How long will the procedure take?
Usually using the Plastibell technique. A suture technique is sometimes used if advisable; there will be an extra supplemental fee for this.
What to do BEFORE the appointment?
Ideally, do not give your child any milk or food for 2 hours before the appointment to reduce the risk of vomiting.
What to do AFTER the appointment?
Keep the child in a clean/dry nappy; change immediately if soiled. Give regular Calpol/Nurofen if the child is over 2 months. Avoid applying ointment/oil/cream/soap. Bathe daily in lukewarm water.
What equipment will you use?
Plastibell, Surgical scissors, Local anaesthetic injection, Antiseptic solution.
What is the fee?
The fee is small and competitive, depending on the age of the child and the technique used. A further fee will be required in case of revisions.