Children Circumcision Procedure in Orange County
At Pediatric Surgical Associates, we specialize in the treatment of circumcision, or the surgical removal of the foreskin covering the end of the penis, in babies and children. It is removed in order to make the penis glans (the tip) visible.
In many cultures, circumcision is done as a cultural or religious rite or tradition. Circumcision is an elective procedure in the US, where as much as 64 percent of newborn boys undergo circumcision according to the National Center for Health Statistics. For more information, please contact our team of specialists in Orange County or Mission Viejo.
Circumcision Information
Benefits of Circumcision
There are a number of reasons for a child to undergo circumcision. Many of the benefits are associated with better penile hygiene and the decreased risk of getting any penile or sexual diseases in the future. It is better to conduct this procedure at a young age to avoid any psychological issues once the child has developed into maturity. Other key benefits of circumcision are:
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) during infancy.
- Protection against penile cancer.
- Reduced incidence of balanitis and phimosis, both conditions affecting the foreskin of the penis.
- Reduced risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Circumcision Procedure
Circumcision is usually performed between two and ten days after birth. (For older boys, the procedure starts by numbing or injecting anesthesia to numb the foreskin.) To perform a circumcision, the doctor will attach a clamp and make an incision to remove the foreskin, then stitch the edge that has been cut. The procedure normally takes no more than 40 minutes and recovery takes around a week.
Post-Circumcision Care
Parents, be sure to keep your child’s penile area clean until it is fully healed. It is normal to see some small amount of blood at first, or yellow-colored drainage later. These are part of normal healing, which usually takes one to two weeks. In case of infection, abnormal signs of urination, or further bleeding, please contact someone from our staff immediately.
To help, here are the specific instructions for post-circumcision care.
- Immediately following the procedure, your baby boy may have a gauze dressing with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic cream. This may be removed at the first diaper change, unless your pediatric surgeon recommends a new dressing.
- Keep the penile area clean by washing the area and replacing the dressing or a diaper at least three times a day.
- Your baby may have some discomfort with diaper changes the first few days. Don’t worry! This is normal.
- Your baby may be fussy after circumcision. Cuddling him close and breastfeeding can help comfort him.
- Most boys don’t require special care of the penis after the circumcision is healed.
Your Orange and Mission Viejo Pediatric Surgeons at Pediatric Surgical Associates will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding circumcision. Call 714-361-4480 or Contact Us for more information or to make an appointment