Patient education: Circumcision in babies (The Basics)

What is circumcision? — Circumcision is a surgery to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis (picture 1). This skin is called the "foreskin."

In babies who get circumcised, this usually happens when they are between 1 and 10 days old, often before going home from the hospital.

What happens during a circumcision? — When it is time for the procedure:

●The staff might use techniques to try and soothe your baby. They might swaddle your baby, offer a pacifier, or give them a sugar solution.

●Your baby will be placed in a "restraint" to keep them still (picture 2).

●The doctor will clean the penis and foreskin.

●Your baby will get anesthesia medicines. This is to make sure that they do not feel pain during the procedure. For a circumcision, the doctor will often use cream to numb the skin, then give a shot of anesthesia medicine into the base of the penis.

●The doctor will use special tools to cut off the foreskin.

●The doctor will put petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline) or antibiotic ointment on the tip of the penis. They will cover it with a gauze bandage.

●The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens after my baby is circumcised? — After your baby is circumcised, the staff will make sure that your baby can urinate. It is important to take good care of the penis as it heals.

If a "Plastibell" ring is placed on the tip of the penis to stop bleeding, do not pull the ring off. The ring will fall off in a week or so after circumcision.

For the first 24 hours:

●Remove and replace the gauze with each diaper change. Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to a new gauze, then place the gauze on the penis.

●Clean the penis with warm water and a cotton ball once or twice a day.

For the next 3 to 5 days:

●Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment directly to the penis. This helps keep the area clean and keeps the wound from sticking to the diaper.

●Wash the penis each day with warm water and a clean washcloth or cotton balls. It is normal to see a soft yellow scab for a few days.

What are the risks of circumcision? — Your doctor will talk to you about all of the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding

●Infection

●Swelling or redness around the penis

●Injury to the penis

●Removing too little or too much skin

●Trouble urinating

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●Your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.

●Your baby's penis is more swollen.

●Your baby's penis changes color, becomes redder, or looks darker in color.

●Your baby has not urinated for more than 8 hours.

●Your baby has bleeding (larger than a quarter-sized area in their diaper).

●Your baby continues to have drainage from their penis.

●Your baby has a Plastibell, and it has not fallen of within 10 to 12 days after circumcision.

More on this topic

Patient education: Should I have my baby circumcised? (The Basics)

Patient education: Circumcision in baby boys (Beyond the Basics)