Circumcision is a procedure that removes the skin covering the tip of the penis, known as the foreskin. Your child had a circumcision under general anesthesia, and will go home with stitches in place. These stitches are dissolvable and usually disappear within 1–2 weeks.

• If your surgeon prescribed pain medicine, give it as directed. Don't give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) along with prescription pain medicines without talking to your surgeon or pharmacist first.
• If your surgeon didn't prescribe a pain medicine, give one of these medicines exactly as directed:
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol or a store brand)
  OR
  • ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Your child may have some bleeding at the incision site the day after surgery. If so, gently apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
• Don't let your child take a bath, shower, or swim until the surgeon says it's OK. When the surgeon says it is OK to bathe or shower, the penis should not be scrubbed, but it can be washed gently with mild, unscented soap.
• If there's a dressing on the area, change and remove it as instructed by your surgeon.
• Follow the surgeon's instructions for applying antibiotic ointment to the area.
• There might be some bruising, redness, and swelling of the penis. This will clear up over time.
• It can be more comfortable to avoid tight clothing while the penis is healing.
• Your child can return to childcare or school when comfortable. Talk to the teacher about any activities to avoid.
• Your child should avoid straddle toys (like rocking horses, bicycles, and jumper toys), gym class, sports, and rough or vigorous play until the surgeon says it's OK.

Your child:

• still has bleeding after applying pressure or there is bleeding more than 24 hours after surgery
• has a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
• has signs of infection, such as increased redness or swelling, or yellow or green pus
• has pain even after taking pain medicine
• is throwing up a lot and can't keep liquids down

You have questions or concerns.

Your child:

• has severe pain
• can't pee
• has trouble breathing
• has any of these signs of dehydration:
  • dry or sticky mouth
  • peeing less (or if not yet toilet trained, fewer wet diapers)
  • no tears when crying
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness

What happens with circumcision? During the procedure, the surgeon removed the foreskin and then stitched the remaining skin together.

What are the benefits of being circumcised? Boys who are circumcised are less likely to get certain infections and cancer of the penis.