After the circumcision- what to expect
His penis will look swollen and possibly some slight bruising at the base where he had an injection. This is normal. He will not be distressed.
You can bath your son normally. Dry the area carefully and apply the iodine ointment to the ring after each bath and nappy change.
The iodine ointment is an added precaution against infection, and also acts as a cushion between the head of the penis and the ring to minimise rubbing. The ointment should be applied around the head of his penis, down the inside of the ring, and around the outside as well. You can use a cotton bud to spread the Iodine inside the ring.
The ring will separate of its own accord. That usually occurs after one week but can take between three and twelve days. There will be some redness and swelling of the shaft of the penis below the ring. This is normal. Once the ring has come off, continue to use nappy liners and apply Vaseline to the head of the penis for one month.
The receptionist will make a follow up appointment with me for two weeks after his circumcision.
Important Points
Complications of circumcision are rare and usually very minor. The following are things to look out for.
Check for fresh bleeding,
If this occurs in the first 24 hours, please contact me immediately. Bleeding after the first 24 hours is usually only a drop or two and is rarely of concern but I would prefer to know about it !
Inspect the penis and ring at each nappy change.
If the ring appears to be jammed onto the head of the penis or slipping down onto the shaft, contact me immediately. This is a very rare complication.
It is usual to be able to hold the ring with thumb and forefinger and lift it 1-2 mm up from the head of the penis.
Once the ring has fallen off it is normal for the head of the penis to be purple. It will return to normal colour in a few weeks.
Please make an appointment for two weeks after the procedure
It is most important to bring him back to see me after the circumcision has healed. Please don’t neglect this.
As your baby puts on weight, the skin on the shaft of the penis sometimes comes forward towards the head of the penis. It is important to push the skin back to fully expose the head of the penis, and to apply some Vaseline. Please do not forget to do this. I will show you how to do this at the two week review appointment.
If you have any concerns, please contact me at the surgery on:
3369 3922