Detailed Aftercare Instructions, Complications, and Frequently Asked Questions
Pain Management
Give your child Calpol and / or Nurofen syrup as instructed by the surgeon. Note: Calpol or Nurofen is not advisable for children under 3 months.
Hygiene
Check and report any bleeding or signs of infection. Check for soiling and make sure that the wound is clean with each nappy change - you can bathe your child in water, but do not put ointment, cream, oil, vaseline or soap until the ring drops off.
Preventing Ring Slippage (CRUCIAL)
DO NOT apply vaseline (white petrolatum), ointment, oil, cream or soap to the area until after the Plastibell falls off. Otherwise, the ring will slip and a second procedure will be needed.
Preventing Stenosis (After Ring Falls Off)
After the Plastibell falls off, retract the infant's penile shaft skin back from the corona and apply vaseline (white petrolatum) to the area.
Potential Complications
The following complications have been reported after circumcision. Contact us immediately if you are worried.
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Bleeding: A few drops of blood in the nappy is common. Continuous bleeding is uncommon - if this happens, you may have to take your child back to the surgeon or to your local hospital.
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Infection: Redness in the wound, a slight smell, and yellowish discharge is common and part of wound healing. Rarely, if these are steadily getting worse, consult your surgeon.
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Ring Slippage: Usually due to applying ointments/oils. The ring will fail to drop off within 7 days - consult your surgeon for advice.
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Other Rare Complications: Trauma to the glans or urethra, Poor cosmetic result (more common with a sunken penis, may require daily vaseline application or rare revision, which incurs a fee), Paraphimosis, Degloving of penile shaft skin, and Meatal stenosis (late complication).
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.