A brief guide to the operation

Let’s talk circumcisions.

Here is a brief guide to the operation we carry out

Step 1: Preparation

  • First we sterilise (clean) the area

  • Next we inject a local anaesthetic (this makes things virtually pain-free)

  • We then seperate adhesions (stickiness) between the foreskin and the head of the penis

  • A slit is then made to the foreskin

Step 2: Dorsal slit

  • We then select a suitable Plastibell for your child

  • The Plastibell is positioned in the correct location and the foreskin is brought over it

Step 3: Secure Plastibell

  • Once the Plastibell is in place, we secure it by tying a string around it

  • We then remove the handle of the Plastibell, leaving just the ring in place

  • Over time, the foreskin just after the string will turn black and the ring will eventually fall off

Important things to remember

Upon arrival
When you first arrive, you will need to check in with reception. Then take a seat in the main waiting area and reception will let us know you have arrived.

Consent
The first thing to happen will be a consultation with one of our team. We will talk you through the operation, the benefits, risks, and aftercare arrangements. Both parents need to be present and you will need to sign a consent form.

Document checks
Regulation requires for us to check certain documents, so please bring these with you. This includes your child’s birth certificate, red book, and photographic ID for both parents. If you don’t have these, please speak to our administrative team.

Contraindications
An assessment of your child will be made before the operation. Unfortunately, there are reasons why the operation may have to be delayed or be clinically inappropriate (click here to read more). If this happens, we will provide a full refund.

Prices
For a full breakdown of our prices, please visit this link. Money should not be a barrier to excellent care; if you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact us and we will explore how we can help you.

Risks and benefits
Like any other surgical procedure, there are benefits and risks to a circumcision. We have outlined some of these here. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them for you.

Frequently asked questions

  • We use a local anaesthetic before we start the operation and give it several minutes to work. The process of injecting a local anaesthetic can cause a momentary sting which makes most babies cry. Beyond this point, the penis will feel numb and the operation is virtually pain free.

  • Once the anaesthetic sets in, the entire penis will feel numb. This makes the procedure virtually pain free. However, this doesn’t guarantee that your son won’t cry. They may become frustrated with the legs being held, or they may feel hungry and subsequently cry. It may also be possible that your son will sleep throughout the whole procedure - this is something we see regularly.

  • You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate, red book, and photographic identification documents for both mother and father. We also need your child’s NHS number, which is usually found in the red book. If you don’t have this, then your child’s GP can provide it to you. You will also need to bring a clean nappy for us to apply after the operation.

  • If one or both parents are not able to be present, a signed consent letter will be required alongside proof of signature. Click here to see an example of a consent letter.

  • Single mothers must demonstrate full custody and parental rights if they are the sole parent. In the case of single fathers, we will require some form of documentation to confirm that the mother has given consent or that court approval has been granted.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to proceed with the operation if there is disagreement between mum and dad about the operation. Both parents will need to agree.

  • Before the operation, we will take you to a private room to check your documents, discuss the operation, the benefits, the risks and to make sure you are happy to go ahead. We will need both parents to be present for the consent.

  • Having either mum or dad in the room can be helpful in comforting your child. We therefore allow for one parent to be present during the operation to help comfort the child. If you don’t want to come in, that is also acceptable. If you do decide to come in, you must be prepared for your child to cry at some point during the operation. You may also see some blood if you look at what the operator is doing. If this is something you cannot handle, we would advise you not to come in.

  • We will assess your child before we carry out the operation. If we determine that the operation is medically inappropriate, we will inform you of this, and explain what to do next.

  • Circumcisions can be performed from 5 days after birth. We advise a good time is between 2-4 weeks. The younger your child, the simpler the procedure and the shorter the recovery period.

  • The recovery time differs between children. Typically, the ring comes off within 5-10 days but can take up to 14 days. It will take a further 1-2 weeks for the swelling to settle.

  • There may be specks of blood on the nappy after the operation. Blood shouldn’t be bigger than a 50p coin and shouldn’t be continuous. You can call our emergency hotline if you have any concerns.

  • Infections are rare and antibiotics are not routinely required. If you are concerned about an infection, you can call our aftercare hotline.

  • Typically, the ring comes off within 5-10 days but can take up to 14 days. If it is still on after this period, we will cut it off - you can call the aftercare number.

  • It is very rare for us to need to call an ambulance during the operation. However, it may be needed. We usually do this if there is bleeding that we cannot control. If we need to call an ambulance, we will keep you informed. We will also arrange a follow up appointment after hospital discharge to make sure no further action is required.