FAQ

In our informative section, you'll find clear and precise answers to the most frequently asked questions about neonatal circumcision.

Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make informed decisions for your child.

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It is common for a baby to sleep for 6 to 8 hours after circumcision, possibly missing a feeding. Some babies may be slightly irritable, but most settle down within 48 hours of the procedure.
Your baby may feel slight tingling when urinating in the first 24 hours, but this sensation should quickly fade away.
In case of feces, try to clean the area as thoroughly as possible using a cotton ball soaked in soap or a soft cloth, and rinse gently.
It is recommended not to give your son a bath in the first 24 hours after the procedure. After this period, one bath per day, with regular soap and water, is generally acceptable.
Please apply Polysporin at each diaper change for at least two weeks.
It is important to note that complications are rare, but may include:

Excessive postoperative bleeding

Slippage of the Plastibell

Phimosis or narrowing of the opening of the skin covering the tip of the penis

Buried or trapped penis in the abdomen

Urethral injuries

Infection requiring antibiotics

Stenosis of the urethral meatus or narrowing of the urethra

Suboptimal aesthetic result

Trauma to the tip of the penis

More serious complications, including death
Maintain the treated area clean and dry. Use disposable diapers during the first week as they tend to be less irritating and help keep the area drier and cleaner.

Gently clean the area around the penis with warm water, a cotton ball, or a soft cloth. Avoid the use of wet wipes, alcohol, powders, or lotions, as these may irritate the wound.

Limit car rides that could irritate the newly circumcised penis. If necessary, place a folded diaper between your baby and the seatbelt to avoid pressure on the penis.

We recommend using Tylenol as needed to facilitate quick healing and manage pain.
Active bleeding - Stopping active bleeding

A few drops of blood may appear, which is normal. Take your child's penis between your fingers and apply sustained pressure for at least 2 to 3 minutes, as you would to stop bleeding from a cut on your finger.

Check if the area continues to bleed. Repeat the pressure application if needed. Then cover with a dressing to prevent any risk of re-bleeding.

After two or three attempts, if the bleeding persists, contact us at (514) 360-3975 (during business hours) or go to the emergency room outside business hours.

If you have concerns, feel free to call us at (514) 360-3975; a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Infection

Infections are rare but possible. Common symptoms include:

Purulent discharge

Bad odor

Excessive sweating or redness

Local warmth

Fever

Itching around the penis

IMPORTANT: If your son experiences these symptoms or hasn't urinated for more than 12 hours, call immediately at (514) 360-3975 (during business hours) or go to the emergency room outside business hours. If your baby has a fever, we recommend going directly to the emergency room.

It is common for a baby to sleep for 6 to 8 hours after circumcision, possibly missing a feeding. Some babies may be slightly irritable, but most settle down within 48 hours of the procedure.
Your baby may feel slight tingling when urinating in the first 24 hours, but this sensation should quickly fade away.
In case of feces, try to clean the area as thoroughly as possible using a cotton ball soaked in soap or a soft cloth, and rinse gently.
It is recommended not to give your son a bath in the first 24 hours after the procedure. After this period, one bath per day, with regular soap and water, is generally acceptable.
It is important to note that complications are rare, but may include:

Heavy bleeding or wound infection

Excessive skin removal during the procedure

Side effects from medical measures taken to relieve pain
Maintain the treated area clean and dry. Use disposable diapers during the first week as they tend to be less irritating and help keep the area drier and cleaner.

Gently clean the area around the penis with warm water, a cotton ball, or a soft cloth. Avoid the use of wet wipes, alcohol, powders, or lotions, as these may irritate the wound.

Limit car rides that could irritate the newly circumcised penis. If necessary, place a folded diaper between your baby and the seatbelt to avoid pressure on the penis.

We recommend using Tylenol as needed to facilitate quick healing and manage pain.
Active bleeding - Stopping active bleeding

During the first 24 hours, it is normal to see blood spots about 1 to 2 centimeters in size when changing diapers.

If there is blood flow, apply pressure for 5 minutes and repeat up to 3 times if necessary. If bleeding persists, call the clinic. If the clinic is closed, go to the emergency room (Children's Hospital or Sainte-Justine).

If you have concerns, feel free to call us at (514) 360-3975; a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Infection

Infections are rare but possible. Common symptoms include:

Purulent discharge

Bad odor

Excessive sweating or redness

Local warmth

Fever

Itching around the penis

IMPORTANT: If your son experiences these symptoms or hasn't urinated for more than 12 hours, call immediately at (514) 360-3975 (during business hours) or go to the emergency room outside business hours. If your baby has a fever, we recommend going directly to the emergency room.

Patient identification

Circoncision Mieux-Être handles a large volume of follow-up emails daily. When sending photos of their son, parents should include minimal information to ensure our team can accurately identify the patient, convey relevant details to the doctor, and record the information in the appropriate medical file.

Child's name

Child's RAMQ number

Your phone number

4 photos (top, each side (left/right), and underside of the penis)

IMPORTANT: Avoid sending repetitive or similar-angle photos. Blurry or distant images can lead to incorrect conclusions and increase health risks. For an accurate diagnosis from the doctor, ensure clear visibility of details in the sensitive area (skin, mucous membrane, etc.).
Emails not meeting identification requirements or containing an excessive number of photos may be returned without a doctor's diagnosis. Limit your submissions to four clear photos taken from different angles, as this will streamline the process.

IMPORTANT: Our team typically responds within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response, please wait at least 48 hours before reaching out to us via email or phone at (514) 360-3975.

Everything to know about baby circumcision

As a parent or guardian of your child, you likely have questions about this procedure, and we are here to answer them.

Circumcision is often performed for medical, religious, or cultural reasons. Medical benefits include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections in young children, a decrease in sexually transmitted infections in adulthood, and the prevention of certain conditions like phimosis. Plus, it makes keeping the penis clean easier.
The purpose of circumcision is to remove the foreskin, the skin covering the head of the penis, to help prevent certain infections and make hygiene easier. For infants, this procedure can also be performed for religious or cultural reasons. It aims to provide long-term health benefits for boys.
Circumcision performed between 0 and 3 months is usually not very painful because local anesthesia is used to numb the area and minimize discomfort. After the procedure, infants may experience mild discomfort that can be easily managed with proper care and, if needed, mild pain relievers. Recovery is quick at this age.
Yes, circumcision makes hygiene easier by removing the foreskin, which simplifies the cleaning of the genital area. This can help prevent infections and the buildup of smegma, a natural substance produced by the skin that can accumulate under the foreskin. Many parents choose circumcision for this reason, to reduce the risk of future infections and irritations.
The ideal age for circumcision is between 0 and 3 months. At this stage, infants heal faster and experience less discomfort compared to circumcision performed at an older age. The risks of complications are also lower when the procedure is carried out within the first few months of life.
The Plastibell™ method is preferred for fussy babies as it is safer than using surgical instruments. It minimizes bleeding and does not require any stitches, as the glans is protected by the ring during the procedure. The ring gradually falls off within 10 to 21 days. Additionally, no bandage is needed, making it easier to monitor healing and check for signs of infection.
The Gomco technique for neonatal circumcision uses a metal cone to protect the glans, ensuring excellent visibility and better control during the procedure. The foreskin is secured to the cone with a special clamp, ensuring it stays in place for a clean and precise cut. This method is known for its neat results, low risk of complications, and high level of safety. It reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and typically does not require sutures.