What should I expect after circumcision?
- A yellowish discharge or coating may form where the circumcision was done. This is part of the healing process, but this should not last longer than a week.
- The Plastibell (ring) will fall off in 4 to 21 days.
- It takes 7-10 days for the penis to fully heal after circumcision once the ring has fallen off.
Are there any problems that can happen after circumcision?
Problems after circumcision are rare. If any of the following concerns arise, contact Dr. Khan at the Saskatoon Community Clinic, 306-652-0300:
- Your baby does not urinate normally within 12 hours after the circumcision.
- There is persistent bleeding.
- There is redness around the tip of the penis that gets worse after three to five days.
- You notice any other signs of infection such as swelling or foul-smelling discharge.
- The Plastibell has not fallen off within 21 days – make an in-office appointment.
Care after circumcision:
- Squeeze water on the penis during diaper changes to keep clean.
- No bathing on the day of the procedure.
- Bathing can commence as per usual the first day after the procedure.
- Use a clean cloth to gently wipe away debris. Use different cloths for front and rear.
- No baby wipes until 24 hours after Plastibell has fallen off.
- Antibiotic ointment should be used with each diaper change to keep the wound from sticking to the diaper/prevent infection.
- Continue to use ointment until after Plastibell has fallen off, after which you should apply vaseline to the penis with every diaper change for 6 months.
Information adapted from Lakeside Medical Clinic and revised by Dr. M. Farhan Khan, Saskatoon Community Clinic.
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Care Following Circumcision
