Clear, practical guidance on circumcision and caring for your child at home afterwards. Search for a question, or compare the two methods below.

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Two methods

Plastibell or surgical: what's the difference?

Dr. Pal will recommend the right method for your child's age and anatomy. Here is what each involves.

Plastibell

A clear plastic ring with a deep groove. The ring and thread fall off on their own.

Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia and sucrose drops
Stitches
None. The ring falls off in 7–10 days
Dressing
Gauze, removed after 24 hours by soaking in water
At home
Fucidine ointment at nappy changes; baths without soap on the area
Follow-up
Clinic visit after 5 days

Surgical

The foreskin is removed surgically and the skin is closed with stitches.

Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia; caudal analgesia discussed with the anaesthetist
Stitches
Yes. They fall off naturally within a few days
Before surgery
6 hours fasting; admission 3 hours before surgery
At home
Fucidine ointment 3–4 times a day with Fucidine Intertulle; pain relief given regularly
Follow-up
Clinic review after 3–4 days

Step by step

The procedure & caring at home.

The procedure

  1. Local anaesthesiaPerformed under local anaesthesia with sucrose drops to comfort your baby.
  2. Adhesions releasedAdhesions between the glans and foreskin are gently divided.
  3. Ring placedA thread is tied over the ring and skin, and the extra foreskin is removed.
  4. DressingA gauze dressing is applied before you go home.

At home

  • Remove the dressing after 24 hours by soaking it in water.
  • The ring and thread stay visible and fall off in 7–10 days.
  • Apply Fucidine ointment at every nappy change.
  • Bathe regularly, without soap on the penile area.
  • Minor swelling and a yellow coating are expected.
  • Come back to the clinic for a check after 5 days.

Frequently asked

Questions parents ask most.

Contact the surgeon promptly if

  • Bleeding is persistent
  • Redness or discharge is increasing
  • The Plastibell ring stays stuck to the tissue after a few hours

In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.

No change is required. Continue as normal.

Keep the area open, apply Fucidine ointment, and do not redress it.

Mild bleeding is expected. Persistent bleeding requires immediate contact with the surgeon.

The area can be washed from the next day onwards.

Adol (paracetamol) can be given for post-circumcision crying and mild discomfort.

The ring typically falls off in 7–9 days.

Yes. Swelling is usually caused by skin stretching, not infection.

The yellow coating is normal and part of the healing process. Do not remove it.

Wait for a few hours. If it remains stuck, consult the surgeon.

Shower or wet the area with water before gently removing it.

Make a hole in the centre of the Intertulle and slide it onto the penile tip.

Apply only Fucidine ointment and Intertulle, with no gauze. This minimises friction and discomfort.

Yes, daily showers are encouraged. Avoid soap on the area.

A yellow coating is expected. Do not remove it; it is part of normal healing.

The black scab separates naturally with washing. No intervention is required.

Consult the surgeon immediately, as this could be a sign of infection.

The stitches fall off naturally within a few days.

General guidance only. Always follow the specific instructions given for your child.

Still unsure?

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