Overview
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the retractable fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis (foreskin). It is a widespread procedure mostly done on newborns. The procedure is brief and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to perform.
Adolescent or adult circumcision done at a later stage is a simple procedure but the recovery is typically longer in most cases.
Circumcision is done for various reasons:
- Social beliefs
- Religious causes
- Medical complications
- Cosmetic reasons
- Improved hygiene
Patients who are undergoing circumcision and parents of newborns should be aware of the best practices that should be followed immediately after the procedure.
Dos – Things to do after a circumcision surgery
Recovery and postsurgical care in newborns and adolescents:
Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days. There would be slight pain and discomfort post-surgery which will be distressing for the baby or the adolescent. The doctor will prescribe infant formula medications for the baby and painkillers for older children.
The dressing can be removed after two to three days. If the dressing falls off after 24 hours, leave it.
To remove the bandage manually, sit under the shower or apply water to the area for 10 minutes, the bandage will come out and can be removed easily.
While using diapers, use a size slightly larger size that is looser to avoid friction with the wound site.
Clean the genital area properly with water. Remove any remnants of stool from the genital area to avoid infections.
Avoid full-body bathing for two days. After that, you can start with sponge-bathing or normal showers. Use unscented soaps and warm water for cleaning and bathing. Use a soft cotton towel to dry the area.
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic creams on the area as prescribed by the doctor. This will promote healing, soothe the area, and reduce irritation if any during urination. It helps to avoid pain from rubbing with the diaper or pants.
Recovery and postsurgical care in older men:
Full recovery for adults may take up to six weeks.
The urologist generally uses soluble (self-dissolving) stitches. If the stitches do not dissolve within 2 weeks, visit the doctor for stitches removal.
Wound care is similar to babies and older children.
At night, it is advisable to empty the bladder to avoid effects due to night erections.
Eat fiber-rich foods and plenty of water to aid in easy bowel movements and urination.
Take some time off from work at least for a few days.
When to contact your doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing signs of:
- Unstoppable, excessive bleeding
- Redness and warmth at the surgical site that is getting worse
- High fever
- Pus, discharge, and swelling
- Not urinating even after 12 hours post-surgery
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
