Circumcision Recovery Instructions

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CIRCUMCISION                                                                    
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Immediately after circumcision,  Vaseline is placed around the tip of the penis.   The circumcision has been carefully inspected for bleeding.  If it is not bleeding in the first 15 minutes, it is unlikely to have any troublesome bleeding thereafter.  If bleeding is excessive call my office number (757) 481-3366.  While you are waiting for a callback, put firm pressure on the penis with a dry, clean washcloth to help stop the bleeding.  If you cannot get a hold of either your pediatrician, me, or the Doctor on call for me – then apply direct pressure to minimize blood loss and go to the nearest Emergency Room.

FIRST 1-7 DAYS:

Appearance: Over the first 2-3 days, the penis will look slightly swollen, reddened, and will develop a wet, yellowish scab (this is healing tissue). This redness, swelling, and yellowish appearance should then start to decrease.
Vaseline: The wet scab can stick to the diaper, therefore please place Vaseline ointment around the tip of the penis (and over the Surgicel while it is present) starting with the first diaper change after the circumcision and every diaper change until the healing is completed (usually within 5-7 days).
Gently retract foreskin: In addition to the Vaseline,  GENTLY pull the skin down at the base of the penis to prevent penile adhesions starting the day after the circumcision until there is complete healing (with every diaper change). Please ASK to be shown how to do this.
Stitches: It is very uncommon that stitches are used – if present, they will dissolve and do not need to be removed.
Pop-up the head: If Head of the penis is hidden by the fat pad at the base of the penis. Gently push the fat pad down with diaper changes to make the head of the penis “pop-up”
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OTHER NOTES:
•Avoid baby wipes to clean the circumcision area.
•No regular bath until circumcision heals and umbilical cord falls off usually day 2-4 or when allowed by a pediatrician.
•Wash genitals gently – after each bowel movement as needed; using warm water and a few drops of soap (Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Bath) and gently dry. Continue this technique for 7 days
•Apply Vaseline ointment to the surgical site 3x a day for 5 days (best after bathing)
•Loose-fitting diapers may make the baby feel more comfortable.
•Minor bleeding can be controlled by placing a soft cloth over the penis and applying pressure for five minutes.

WARNINGS – for 2-3 days following circumcision, the circumcised area of your baby’s penis will look red and have some yellow drainage.   If the drainage has and odor, turns green or persists call your pediatric care provider.  Healing takes about 1-2 weeks.
•Bleeding persists after five minutes or with applied pressure.
•A thick, yellow LIQUID pus or foul smell develops.
•Redness and swelling Increases after the first day rather than decreasing.
•Tenderness increasing rather than decreasing
•Fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
•Vomiting that lasts more than six hours or if the vomiting is severe.
•Dehydration from prolonged or severe vomiting and is not able to drink enough fluid to keep up with the loss.
•Foreskin narrowing covering the tip of the penis (preventing the head of the penis from coming out).
•Tylenol  (occasionally used) ONLY after discussing it with your pediatrician.

When you receive the bill for the Circumcision please know we participate with your Insurance and their fee schedule.