Understanding Your Newborn Circumcision Options
Oh, boy! You’re expecting a son, and with that news comes a big decision: whether or not to circumcise him. We’re here to answer all your questions about circumcision and to help you fully understand your choices. If you decide to have your newborn circumcised within 30 days of birth, our providers will perform the procedure with great care, compassion, and every effort to minimize discomfort.
Book a Newborn Circumcision
We offer newborn male circumcisions at 4 of our locations, with providers specializing in 3 different methods:
Beaverton with Dr. Lutfi (Mogen)
Bridgeport with Dr. Malcom (Gomco)
Gresham with Dr. TJ Anderson (Plastibell)
Johnson Creek with Dr. Bauer (Gomco)
Newborn Circumcision Procedure
Circumcision is an elective surgical procedure to remove the foreskin from the penis of male newborns. We perform this procedure for infants up to 30 days old who have already received their vitamin K shot. Our experienced providers are skilled in using 3 common and safe techniques: Gomco, Mogen, and Plastibell.
During the procedure, we use several measures to keep your little one comfortable, including a secure swaddle, sucrose water (soothing sugar water), and a local anesthetic (numbing medication). Please plan for the entire visit to take up to 2 hours. This includes discussion time with the provider, the procedure itself, and a 30 to 45-minute monitoring period before you take your baby home.
At Metropolitan Pediatrics, we recognize that circumcision is a deeply personal and cultural decision for every family. We are committed to providing you with unbiased, clear information, including the latest American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, regardless of whether the procedure is medically necessary. Our providers are always respectful of your choice, whatever decision you ultimately make for your child.
Caring for Your Baby After Circumcision
It’s normal for your baby’s penis to be red and swollen for several days after the circumcision. A yellowish, moist film, called granulation tissue, may form around the head of the penis as it heals—this is normal and shouldn’t be wiped off. The skin around the penis or scrotum may also be bruised for a few days. The healing process usually takes about 7 to 10 days.
Your baby might be more irritable for the first day, but you should still be able to comfort them, and they should continue to feed normally. You can give your baby 1 dose of infant Tylenol (acetaminophen) to help with any pain. The dose is 1.25 mL, given 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. It’s also normal to see a small amount of blood on the front of the diaper, about the size of a dime or smaller, during the first day. If you see more blood than that, or if the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact your doctor.
Aftercare Instructions
Gomco (bell-shaped clamp)
- For the next 7 days, or until the circumcision is healed, put a thick layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the head of the penis during every diaper change. This will help prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper.
- After 24 hours, gently pull the extra skin back from the head of the penis to keep it from sticking and forming new skin attachments.
- Don’t use diaper wipes while the area is healing. Use plain, warm water to clean your baby instead.
Mogen (straight clamp)
- For the next 3 to 4 days, or until the circumcision is healed, put a thick layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the head of the penis during every diaper change. This will help prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper.
- Three days after the procedure, gently pull the skin back from the head of the penis to keep it from sticking and forming new skin attachments.
- Don’t use diaper wipes while the area is healing. Use plain, warm water to clean your baby instead.
Plastibell (plastic ring)
- Do not use Vaseline (petroleum jelly), diaper cream, or a lot of soap near the head of the penis. This will keep the plastic ring from slipping off before it’s time.
- The plastic ring should fall off on its own in about 5 to 7 days, but it could come off as soon as 3 days or as late as 14 days after the procedure.
- While the ring is on, keep the area clean with a washcloth or diaper wipe during diaper changes.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor right away if any of the following occur:
- You see any bright red blood or oozing, especially if the amount of blood on the diaper is larger than a quarter.
- Your baby doesn’t urinate within 8 hours after the circumcision.
- The redness and swelling around the penis get worse.
- You notice a thick, yellow, or green discharge that has a bad smell.
- Your baby has a fever of 100.4° F or higher. We recommend taking a rectal or armpit temperature if your baby seems warmer than usual, is fussier, less active, or isn’t eating as much as they normally do.
- Your baby is still extremely fussy or irritable more than 24 hours after the procedure.
Our Newborn Circumcision Providers
Circumcision FAQs
We provide your family with the latest information and the highest standard of care for newborn circumcision. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the procedure, safety, comfort measures, recovery, and what to expect during your visit.
What is newborn circumcision?
Newborn circumcision is a minor surgical procedure that removes the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Families may choose it for cultural, religious, or medical reasons. At Metro Pediatrics, the procedure is performed safely by experienced pediatric providers.
When is the best time for circumcision?
Circumcision is typically performed within the first few days after birth, once the baby is healthy, stable, and has received the vitamin K shot. Your pediatrician will determine the ideal timing based on your newborn’s condition.
Is circumcision painful for the baby?
The procedure is quick, and we take every precaution to keep your baby comfortable. Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort, and aftercare instructions help support gentle healing.
How long does newborn circumcision take?
The circumcision procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. However, we ask that you plan for the entire visit to last up to 2 hours. This allows plenty of time for discussion with the provider, the procedure, and a monitoring period afterward before your baby goes home.
What care is needed after circumcision?
Post-circumcision care depends on the method used. During your visit, your provider will give you detailed, specific instructions. You can also reference these instructions on your after-visit summary and on this webpage.
How long does it take to heal?
Most circumcisions heal completely within 7 to 10 days. You may notice mild redness or yellowish film during healing, which is normal.
What are the signs of infection or complications?
Contact Metro Pediatrics right away if you notice heavy bleeding (more than a few drops), increased redness or swelling, pus, a foul odor, or if your baby hasn’t urinated within 8 hours of the procedure.
Can circumcision be delayed or done later?
Yes. Some families choose to delay circumcision. It can be performed later, but recovery may take longer compared to newborns. Your pediatrician can discuss the best timing for your child and will provide a referral to another provider for the procedure if your infant is older than 30 days.
Is circumcision medically necessary?
Circumcision is a personal choice. While it can reduce risks of urinary tract infections and certain penile conditions, it is not medically required. Metro Pediatrics supports parents in making an informed decision that feels right for their family.
Will my baby be comfortable after the procedure?
Babies may be slightly fussy for a day or two. Using pain-relief measures as advised and following aftercare instructions helps your baby remain comfortable during recovery.