Newborn circumcision (also called baby circumcision or infant circumcision) is a procedure to remove the foreskin (the skin that covers the head of the penis). Many parents choose circumcision for religious, cultural, or personal reasons, and more rarely for medical reasons.
If you are considering circumcision for your baby, you will usually want to know whether your baby is suitable, what happens on the day, what normal healing looks like, and when you should seek advice.
This page explains what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Newborn circumcision is available at the London Circumcision Centre in London and Cambridge, with assessment before the procedure and practical aftercare guidance.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for a clinical assessment. If your baby has heavy bleeding, difficulty passing urine, a high temperature, increasing swelling/redness, or if you are worried at any point, seek urgent medical advice or call us immediately.
Who This Is For
Newborn circumcision is usually suitable when your baby:
- is well on the day (feeding normally and clinically stable)
- has normal penile anatomy on examination
- has no concerning history of a bleeding disorder (in the baby or close family)
We may advise delaying or referring for Paediatric Surgery specialist review if we find:
- concerns about the position of the wee/urinary opening (for example, suspected hypospadias)
- significant buried/hidden penis tendency, where aftercare may be more complex
- acute illness, Jaundice, poor feeding, or other clinical concerns on the day
- any concern that circumcision is not the safest option at this time
If a baby is not fit for circumcision due to medical reasons, we can provide a formal referral to a Specialist Paediatric Urology Department via your GP.
When It is Recommended
Parents most commonly request newborn circumcision for:
- religious practice (for example, Islam and Judaism)
- family or cultural tradition
- personal preference
Medical circumcision in newborns is less common, but can be considered in selected urinary tract or foreskin-related abnormalities after assessment.
Alternatives
Depending on your preference and your baby’s examination findings, alternatives may include:
- an assessment-only appointment to discuss suitability, timing, method and aftercare
- delaying circumcision until your child is older (we explain what changes in technique, anaesthesia and recovery)
Techniques And Options We Offer
Ring Method Circumcision
For newborns, we mainly use the ring method with the Circumplast device. We have specialised in the Circumplast device for circumcision since 2013. We are the first clinic in the UK to use the Circumplast, as it is better than the Plastibell ring.
In simple terms:
- The ring sits between the glans (head of the penis) and the foreskin
- A secure tie is placed around the foreskin
- The foreskin separates naturally
- The ring then falls off on its own during healing (usually within 3 to 14 days)
Why we use Circumplast (as discussed with parents during consultation):
- It helps protect the glans
- It is designed to reduce the risk of the ring moving onto the shaft
- It tends to leave less inner skin, which some families prefer for a tidier final appearance
Circumplast vs Plastibell
We are the first clinic in the UK to use the Circumplast, which is superior to the Plastibell ring.
Families often ask about Circumplast vs Plastibell. Both are ring devices and work on similar principles.
The most important factors are:
- Your baby’s suitability on examination
- Choosing the most appropriate device for anatomy and age
- Careful aftercare and direct doctor’s telephone advice during the healing period
We explain what we recommend for your baby and why.
Other Techniques
We also have experience with other techniques, including Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp, Alisklamp, and stitch-based circumcisions.
Circumplast remains our main recommendation for newborns, but we will advise if another method is more suitable.
Anaesthesia And Comfort
Newborn circumcision is performed using a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Babies can be unsettled by being held still and by the unfamiliar environment, but a local anaesthetic is used to reduce pain during the procedure.
We will also talk you through a home plan for soothing and pain relief after the appointment.
What Happens On The Day
1. Assessment
- We examine your baby and confirm he is suitable for circumcision and the planned method.
2. Consent
- We explain the procedure, expected healing, risks, complications and aftercare.
- For children under 16, both parents must attend to give written consent. If one parent cannot be present, contact us beforehand.
Circumcision will not be performed without consent from both parents (or those with parental responsibility).
3. Procedure
- Local anaesthetic is given.
- The circumcision is carried out by one of our senior doctors:
- Dr A. R. Khan (Paediatric Surgeon/Urologist, 30+ years’ experience)
- Dr A. Safdar (former Professor of Paediatric Surgery)
- Dr Atif Saeed (Surgeon, Acting Consultant Paediatric Surgeon)
The procedure itself often takes 10–15 minutes.
4.Before you leave
- We confirm you understand aftercare and what to watch for.
- You receive written aftercare instructions by email and details of how to contact us if you have concerns.
Recovery And Healing Timeline
- First 24–48 hours: mild swelling is common and usually settles over the next few days.
- Ring separation: the ring usually falls off within 3 to 14 days (often around a week).
- Healing: most babies heal well over the next 2–3 weeks, and the appearance continues to settle.
A light-yellow film on the glans can be part of normal healing. If there is worsening redness, swelling, discharge, fever or your baby seems unwell, seek medical advice.
Risks And Complications
Circumcision is usually straightforward when performed by experienced doctors, but complications can occur.
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding (usually minor; rarely may require hospital admission and operation under general anaesthesia )
- Infection (may need treatment with antibiotics)
- Too much or too little skin removed (uncommon; occasionally may require revision)
- Ring-related issues (delayed ring separation or ring migration if not monitored)
- Buried/hidden penis (more common in babies with excess pubic fat; aftercare may need extra attention for several months, and some children may need later review)
We explain what is normal healing process on the day of the procedure, and we provide clear steps for when to contact us.
What we advise at home
- Keep the area clean: rinse gently with warm water if soiled.
- Bathing: use warm-water bathing and use salt in bath water once or twice a day
- Prevent sticking: apply Vaseline at each nappy change around the ring , not inside the ring to reduce sticking and irritation.
- Pain relief: paracetamol is commonly used in the first 48 hours. Ibuprofen is only suitable for babies over 3 months.
For step-by-step guidance, follow our Parent Guidelines for Newborn Circumcision, including how to clean, what is normal, and what to do if you are concerned.
What we provide
- written aftercare instructions by email
- guidance on pain relief
- where included items such as Activon (medicated honey) and advice on how to use it
- Free aftercare support during the first 4 weeks, including appointments if needed
When to seek urgent help
Contact us urgently (or seek urgent medical advice) if your baby has:
- temperature above 37.5°C
- excessive bleeding
- extreme irritability or inconsolable crying
- difficulty passing urine
- signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus-like discharge, fever)
Booking A Consultation
Best age for newborn circumcision
Many families choose circumcision between 3 days and 8 weeks of age. Younger babies often heal quickly, the procedure is usually straightforward and less complications in early age. We recommend booking early if you want an appointment within this age range.
What to bring and how to prepare
A few simple preparations can make the visit smoother:
- your usual nappy bag (nappies, wipes, spare clothes, muslin)
- any relevant details of recent illness, treatment or hospital discharge letters
- time to discuss consent and aftercare before the procedure
Locations
We offer newborn circumcision at two clinics in London and one clinic in Cambridge:
- Leyton Healthcare (East London) – Oliver Road Polyclinic, 4th Floor, 75 Oliver Road, London, E10 5LG
- Cambridge Circumcision Clinic (Trumpington) – Coach House Healthcare, The Courtyard, Anstey Hall, Maris Lane, Cambridge, CB2 9LN
Procedures are carried out by GMC-registered doctors in CQC-registered clincs.
Pricing
Fixed pricing for baby circumcision using the ring method:
- Under 6 months: £250
- 6–12 months: £280
- Consultation only: £150 (waived if circumcision is done the same day)
- Stitch method: +£100 (where appropriate)
If you would like to book newborn circumcision in London or Cambridge, contact London Circumcision Centre to arrange an appointment.
