Procedure & Post-Circumcision Care
⏱️ The circumcision itself takes only 2–3 minutes, but you should expect to be at the clinic for about 45 minutes in total.
⏳ Post-Procedure Observation: After the circumcision, you and your baby will remain in the clinic for about 15 minutes for monitoring.
✔ Dr. Stearn will discharge your baby once he has been assessed and cleared.
Following these preparation steps will help ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both you and your baby.
Preparing Your Baby for Circumcision
Proper preparation can help ensure a smooth and comfortable circumcision experience for your baby.
Before the Procedure
✔ Bathe your baby the night before or the morning of the procedure.
❌ No baths for five days after the circumcision.
✔ Feed your baby before the procedure to ensure he is calm and not overly hungry.
✔ You may feed him again immediately after the circumcision.
Pain Management Before the Procedure
✔ Give 1ml of infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Tempra drops before leaving home.
✔ If you are traveling a long distance, give the Tylenol upon arrival at the clinic.
❌ Do NOT give Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin as they may increase bleeding.
✔ Additional doses of 0.5ml infant Tylenol may be given:
Three hours after the first dose
Another 0.5ml three hours after the second dose
No further medication should be needed after this
What to Bring
🍼 Extra clothes and diapers
🛏️ Two blankets for warmth and comfort
At the Clinic
✔ Operative area will be cleaned before the procedure.
✔ A quick-acting anesthetic will be administered to ensure complete pain relief.
✔ Waiting Period: After the anesthetic is applied, you will wait with your baby for approximately 10 minutes for it to take full effect.
✔ Sugar Pacifier for Comfort: During the anesthetic injection and circumcision, your baby will suck on a sugar pacifier to further reduce pain perception.
Pre- and Post-Operative Care for Infant Circumcision
Healing After Circumcision
Healing occurs in stages, similar to any other cut.
✔ First stage (First day) – The cut edge seals, and bleeding stops within minutes to hours. Some swelling behind the glans is normal and will subside after 1–2 weeks.
✔ Second stage (First 48 hours) – You may notice an off-white or yellowish, patchy appearance on the glans. These scabs are normal healing tissue.
✔ Third stage (A few days post-circumcision) – The incision area may look greenish or yellowish.
❌ This is NOT pus – It is part of the natural healing process and can last up to two weeks.
✔ Final stage (Up to 1 month) – The glans may appear red, glossy, or even purple.
This happens because the foreskin previously covered a mucous membrane, which toughens over time and takes on a normal skin appearance within one month.
If you have any concerns about healing, or notice signs of infection (redness, pus, fever, or excessive swelling), contact Dr. Stearn immediately.
How to Care for Your Baby After Circumcision
Proper aftercare ensures a smooth and comfortable healing process for your baby.
The First 24 Hours After Circumcision
✔ Swaddle your baby’s legs tightly for the first 24 hours to keep him comfortable and minimize bleeding risk.
✔ Check the diaper hourly for any abnormal bleeding during the first day.
Dressing & Gauze Care
✔ Leave the initial gauze in place and remove it after 24 hours.
✔ Replace with a fresh 4x4 gauze with about a teaspoon of Vaseline.
✔ Continue this dressing until your baby’s follow-up appointment (two days later).
✔ If the dressing falls off early, leave it off and just apply 4x4 gauze with Vaseline over the penis.
After 48 Hours
✔ No more gauze bandages are needed.
✔ Instead, apply a generous amount of Vaseline directly to the incision site and entire head of the penis for 7 days.
✔ If the skin has moved up over the head of the penis, gently push it back to ensure proper healing behind the glans.
General Care After Circumcision
It is normal for your baby to be slightly irritable for the first 24 hours after circumcision. However, most babies sleep well following the procedure.
Comfort & Sleeping Position
✔ The best sleeping position after circumcision is on his side, supported by a blanket roll.
✔ Keep your baby swaddled for the first day to minimize leg movement and reduce the risk of bleeding.
Keeping the Area Clean
✔ Keep the area clean and dry to promote healing.
✔ Use warm water and a soft washcloth for cleaning during the first week.
❌ Avoid baby wipes, alcohol, powders, and lotions, as these may cause irritation.
✔ Use disposable diapers for the first week, as they help keep the area drier and cleaner.
Limiting Handling & Travel
✔ Limit handling your baby to a few close family members for the first 2–3 days.
✔ Avoid unnecessary travel, as car seats may cause irritation to the healing circumcision site.
Appearance of the Penis After Circumcision
It is completely normal for the penis to look different immediately after circumcision.
✔ Penis Shape & Size – Some penises look “normal” within a few days, while others may take longer.
✔ Temporary Appearance of a Smaller Penis – After circumcision, the skin surrounding the penis relaxes, making it appear slightly smaller. However, this is only an illusion and does not affect actual size.
✔ Swelling Behind the Head of the Penis – A blister-like swelling (mucosal tissue) may appear a few days after the procedure. This is normal and temporary, subsiding over time with no long-term effects.
Rare Cosmetic Concerns
In very rare cases, the aesthetic outcome may not be ideal due to:
✔ Too much or too little skin removed
✔ Skin attaching too high or too low along the shaft
✔ Presence of hydrocele or penile erections affecting healing
Most of these minor irregularities resolve on their own over time. However, if you have concerns about the appearance of your baby’s penis, please contact Dr. Stearn for an assessment.
