Post-Operative Care For Adolescent Circumcision | Patient Education

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Activity

Quiet, normal activity is recommended. Avoid rough or active sports for the two weeks following surgery, as they can cause oozing from the incision.

Bathing

It's best to avoid full-body bathing until the second day after surgery, but sponge baths are fine. After the second day, you can shower or bathe as normal, but don't scrub the incision site — just let the soapy warm water run over the incision and pat it dry.

Incision Care

A wrap-around dressing is usually applied to the penis. If the bandage falls off after the surgery, which often happens, it isn't a major concern. You should remove the bandage on the second day after surgery if it hasn't already fallen off.

Removing the dressing can be easier if you first sit in the bath or shower for 10 minutes, then unravel the bandage completely. After the bandage is off, leave your penis open to air and apply Vaseline or bacitracin ointment around the sutures, several times each day. This will prevent the dry edges of the incision from sticking to your clothes.

Avoid tight clothing, which can put pressure on your penis. Expect some bruising and oozing from your incision; this is a normal part of the healing process. If you notice oozing, it may be helpful to apply gentle pressure with a tissue. The oozing should stop within a few minutes. If it doesn't stop, or if you experience heavy bleeding, call Pediatric Urology at (415) 353-2200.

Pain Control

Pain from the operation may be relieved with Tylenol or Tylenol with codeine if prescribed by your doctor or nurse practitioner. Follow the dosage directions on the bottle.

Follow-up

We will need to see you for a post-operative visit about four weeks after your surgery.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.

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Post-Circumcision Care for Newborns, Babies and Toddlers

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