Circumcision: What Parents Should Know About Newborn Circumcision.

Baby Boy

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we understand that circumcising your newborn boy is a deeply personal decision. Our compassionate providers, including board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Richard Lorenzo and experienced nurse practitioner Kortney Jones, are here to support and guide you with clear, evidence-based information.

What Is Newborn Circumcision?

Circumcision is a common procedure in which the foreskin - the skin covering the head of the penis - is removed. When performed during the newborn period (typically within the first 1–2 weeks of life), the procedure is quick, well-tolerated, and has a lower risk of complications than at older ages.

At Complete Healthcare, we use the Plastibell technique, a safe and widely used method that involves placing a small plastic ring under the foreskin to aid in a clean incision. The ring allows for safety during the healing process and typically falls off on its own within 7–10 days.

Why Some Parents Choose Circumcision

Parents may choose circumcision for a variety of reasons, including:

• Cultural or religious traditions

• Health considerations, such as a slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections in infancy and decreased risk of some sexually transmitted infections later in life

• Personal or family preference

While circumcision is not medically required, many parents appreciate the potential health benefits and the simplicity of the procedure when done in the newborn period.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is done in our office in a sterile, comfortable setting. We use local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The entire process typically takes about 10–15 minutes.

Afterward, your baby may be briefly fussy, but most infants recover quickly with minimal pain. We provide clear aftercare instructions and are available for follow-up questions or concerns.

Post-Procedure Care

Healing usually occurs within 7–10 days. You may notice a small amount of swelling or redness, which is normal. We recommend applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the diaper area during each change to reduce friction and promote healing. Our team will provide detailed aftercare guidance and what to watch for as your baby recovers.

Is It Safe?

Newborn circumcision is considered a low-risk procedure when performed by experienced professionals. At Complete Healthcare, we follow best practices and safety protocols to ensure your baby’s comfort and health.

Complications such as bleeding or infection are rare; most babies heal without issues. As always, we are just a phone call away if you need assistance after the procedure.

Comfort and Pain Control Are a Priority

We take every measure to ensure your baby's comfort throughout the procedure. A lidocaine nerve block is administered to numb the area and significantly reduce any pain. In addition, your baby is offered oral sugar water on a pacifier, a well-studied method for calming infants during brief procedures. These steps help make the experience as gentle as possible for your newborn.

We're Here to Help You Decide

If you're unsure whether circumcision is right for your baby, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. We'll walk you through the pros and cons, answer all your questions, and support whatever decision is best for your family.

Compassionate Care for Your Newborn

At Complete Healthcare, we are proud to offer safe, expert newborn circumcision in Richland, WA. Trust your baby's care to a team that combines medical excellence with personalized attention.

Call 509-392-6700 to schedule your consultation today.

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones, ARNP

Complete Healthcare – OB-GYN Care in Richland, WA