Instructions After Circumcision for an Older Child 

Important information about circumcision:

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (the skin covering the head of the penis). After circumcision, the head of the penis is always exposed. 

Appearance

• During surgery, sutures were used around your son’s penis to close the incision and prevent bleeding.

• The sutures will dissolve on their own within 2 weeks to 3 months after surgery.

• It is normal to see redness and swelling around the sutures for the first several days after surgery.

• After the circumcision, your child’s penis may be red, swollen, and bruised as the blood in the vessels begins to spread. This is normal.

• The bruising may extend to the base of the penis and scrotum.

• The black and blue bruising will be followed by a yellow and brown color as it begins to heal.

• 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.

Patient instructions:

Bleeding

• Your child may have a small amount of bleeding at his surgical site. It is normal to see a few drops of blood in the underwear.

• 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.

• If this does not work, apply pressure for 10 minutes more. If you are not able to stop the bleeding, call the urology team at the number listed below. 

Dressing

• Your child will have a dressing over his penis. If the dressing falls off, you do not need to replace it.

• Your surgeon will tell you when to remove the dressing.

• Remove the dressing by soaking your child in a warm bath or shower, unless otherwise instructed. Do not use soap for 2 to 3 days after the procedure, it will cause burning.

• After the dressing is off, apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) to the penis. Your child can apply the Vaseline directly on the penis. He may also apply Vaseline to an unscented panty liner to prevent the penis from sticking to his underwear.

• Some children choose to wear supportive underwear to hold the penis in place and eliminate rubbing in looser fitting underwear. They may wear a scrotal support if provided and age appropriate. 

Pain Management 

Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and/or ibuprofen (Motrin®) as prescribed by the surgeon. Acetaminophen may be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Ibuprofen may be taken every 6 to 8 hours. Follow the instructions on the label.

Activity

• No gym class or organized sports for at least 2 weeks.

• Your child may return to school when comfortable, usually within 3 to 5 days.

• Avoid swimming in a pool or the ocean for 2 weeks.

• Avoid all sexual activity, including masturbation for 4 to 6 weeks. Erections that cannot be controlled upon waking are normal. 

Call your CHOP healthcare team with questions, concerns or if your child has: 

• Signs of infection:

  • Redness along the incision site that does not go away.

  • Increased swelling.

  • Foul-smelling drainage from incision.

• Worsening pain or pain that is not relieved by acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

• 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.

• A temperature of 101.5°F (38.6°C) by mouth or 102.5°F (39°C) rectally.

Division of Urology

Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm: 215-590-2754 

Weekends, Evenings, Holidays: 215-590-1000. Ask to speak with the urology provider on call.

Reviewed February 2024 by Tara Phillips, CRNP