Instructions After Circumcision for Infants
Important information about circumcision:
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (the skin covering the head of the penis). After a circumcision the head of the penis is always exposed.
Appearance
After the circumcision, your child’s penis may be red, swollen, and bruised after the dressing is removed. This is normal.
As your child begins to heal, the skin on the head of the penis may change in color and consistency. It may look yellow on the head of the penis. This is granulation tissue and is part of the normal healing process and will eventually go away.
Each child heals differently following a circumcision. Typically, the healing process takes about 2 weeks.
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| Normal variations of healing after a circumcision |
Instructions for care after circumcision:
Bleeding
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Your child may have a small amount of bleeding at his surgical site. It is normal to see a few drops of blood on the diaper. Check your child’s penis when you arrive home.
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If the bleeding around the penis does not stop, apply pressure to the area (squeeze gently). Usually, 5 minutes of pressure will be enough to control bleeding.
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If this does not work, apply pressure for 10 minutes more. If you are not able to stop the bleeding, call the hospital at the number listed below.
Dressing
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Your child may have a dressing over the penis. If the dressing falls off, you do not need to replace it.
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Your surgeon will tell you when to remove the dressing. Typically, the dressing will be removed between 1-3 days postoperatively.
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If there is difficulty removing the dressing, we recommend placing your child in a warm bath to soak the dressing. You should give him a bath with clear water to keep the area clean. Do not use soap for 2 to 3 days after the procedure, it will cause burning.
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After the dressing is off, apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) to the inside of the diaper so that the penis does not stick to the diaper. If the penis does stick to the diaper, soak the diaper off in the tub. The penis may be sensitive, but the more Vaseline you use, the better.
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To prevent adhesions (reattachment of the skin), it is important that you press on your baby’s pre-pubic area. It can be easiest to make a “peace sign” with 2 fingers and put them at the base of the penis until the glans if fully exposed.
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| “Peace sign” to expose the glans |
Pain management
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medicine to be sure that your child is comfortable. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Motrin®) are used most often. The directions and specific dosing for the medicines will be reviewed with you before your discharge.
Activity
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Your child may not ride straddle toys (bikes, walkers, swings) for 2 full weeks after surgery. You should continue to use your car seat.
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Your surgeon will tell you when your child may swim in a pool.
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He may return to daycare or school when comfortable, usually within 3 to 5 days.
Bowel movements
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Your child should have regular bowel movements.
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Give him juices, fruits, and vegetables to prevent straining.
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Do not let your child get constipated.
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If he does not have a bowel movement within 24 hours after surgery, you may give a pediatric glycerin suppository. These are available without a prescription and should be given as directed on the bottle.
Call your CHOP healthcare team with questions, concerns or if your child has:
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Signs of infection:
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Worsening pain or pain that is not relieved by acetaminophen.
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Bleeding from the incision that does not stop after 10 full minutes of gentle pressure. A small ooze of blood from the incision the first day or two is normal.
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A temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C) by mouth or 102.5°F (39°C) rectally.
Call the team that performed your child’s surgery:
Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm: 215-590-2754
Weekends, Evenings, Holidays: 215-590-1000. Ask to speak with the urology provider on call.
215-590-2730, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Reviewed February 2024 by Tara Phillips, CRNP