We understand that choosing circumcision can be a big decision for families, whether it’s for religious, cultural, or health reasons. That’s why Pacific Newborn Clinic is here to make it easy for you with expert circumcision services at our private facility. Our dedicated physicians prioritize your baby’s well-being and provide expert care tailored to your family’s needs. Keep reading to learn more about newborn circumcision and what to expect at our clinic.
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) covering the glans (head) of the penis, typically performed on male neonates. Circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years as part of cultural and religious teachings. The procedure was regarded as a ritual of transition to adulthood and a measure of hygiene. The most common reasons for parents in the United States to request an elective circumcision for their newborns were improved hygiene and medical benefits (about 50%), personal or family preference (about 30%), or religious requirements (about 15%).
What Are the Benefits of Circumcision?
Circumcision is a routine, safe procedure that offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:
Easier Hygiene
Circumcision removes the foreskin, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Without the foreskin, cleaning the penis becomes simpler, reducing the buildup of smegma and lowering the risk of infections.
Lower Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While UTIs are rare in males, they are more prevalent in uncircumcised boys. Serious infections during infancy can lead to kidney complications later.
Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Circumcised men may have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections. Clinical studies since 2005 have shown reduced STI rates in circumcised males.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION (STI) reduction in Circumcised Males
| INFECTION | RISK REDUCTION (%) |
| HIV | 50 - 60 |
| Syphilis | 42 |
| Genital Ulcer Disease | 48 |
| Genital Herpes | 28 - 45 |
| HPV | 24 - 47* |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | 40 * |
| Trichomonas vaginalis | 48 * |
* Reduces the risk in female partners
Prevention of Penile Problems
Foreskin-specific conditions, including the inability to pull the foreskin back (phimosis), inability to pull the foreskin down over the head of the penis (paraphimosis), inflammation of the foreskin and glans (balanitis), and infections.
Lower Risk of Penile Cancer
Although cancer of the penis is rare, it’s less common in men who have been circumcised. What’s more, cervical cancer is less common in the female sexual partners of men who have been circumcised.
What Are the Risks of Circumcision?
Circumcision is a routine, safe procedure. But, like any surgery, there are some risks. Potential risks may include:
- Anesthesia problems
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Cutting the foreskin too long or too short
- Irritation at the tip of the penis
- The opening at the tip of the penis narrows (meatal stenosis)
- Inflammation at the tip of the penis (meatitis)
In rare cases, the foreskin doesn’t heal properly and can adhere to the end of your child’s penis (penile adhesion). If this happens, your child may need a circumcision revision.
What are the Different Circumcision Techniques?
The three major circumcision techniques include:
Gomco Clamp
The Gomco clamp is the most common method of performing a circumcision. The clamp separates the foreskin from the head of the penis. It also protects the head of the penis and helps stop bleeding (hemostasis). The physician then excises the foreskin. At the Pacific Newborn Clinic, we use the preferred Gomco Clamp technique.
Mogen Clamp
During this approach, the provider will use clamps that look like scissors or pliers (hemostat) to expose the head of the penis. Once they properly expose the head of the penis, they use a scalpel to remove the foreskin.
Plastibell Device
During a Plastibell approach, the provider places a plastic ring between the foreskin and the head of the penis. Next, they tie a string around the foreskin, which pushes it against the plastic ring. Finally, they use a scalpel to remove the foreskin. The plastic ring stays in place for about a week before it falls off naturally. The Plastibell approach isn’t as common because of an increased risk of infection.
Your Newborn Circumcision Procedure At Pacific Newborn Clinic
How Should I Prepare My Newborn for His Circumcision?
Dress your baby in a clean, easy-to-remove outfit and a fresh diaper. Bring an extra diaper with you. Please refrain from feeding your baby for one hour before the procedure.
What Happens Once I Arrive at the Clinic?
Our receptionist will greet you and check you in. If you haven’t uploaded your patient information and medical history prior to your appointment, they will confirm it and collect payment for the circumcision.
What to Expect During Your Newborn's Circumcision Procedure?
Here are the typical steps in our Gomco clamp circumcision procedure at Pacific Newborn Clinic:
- Your baby will be taken to our procedure room, and prepped for the procedure.
- The baby will be placed in a restraining device. This will keep him from wiggling around or moving during the procedure.
- We will give your baby a pacifier dipped in sugar water to soothe him during the procedure.
- The Physician will give your baby local anesthesia in the same area where you applied the topical anesthetic cream.
- The Physician will apply an antiseptic to sterilize the penis and surrounding area.
- A surgical drape will be placed over the baby with just the penis exposed. This will help keep the area sterile (free of germs) during the procedure.
- The Physician will perform the Circumcision using sterile surgical instruments to remove the foreskin of the penis.
- Lastly, we will place an ointment on the penis and cover it with loose gauze.
From start to finish, your newborn’s circumcision usually takes about 20-30 minutes or less.
What Happens After The Circumcision Procedure?
- We will bring your baby back to you in our recovery room.
- We will go over post-circumcision care instructions in detail.
- We encourage you to feed your baby in privacy at that time.
- After monitoring your baby for 30 minutes, we will discharge you home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Circumcision
Circumcision
How long has the Gomco Clamp Technique been used?
The Gomco Clamp technique was first introduced in 1950, and 70% of all circumcisions done in the U.S. utilize this technique.
Do any current Medical Associations recommend Circumcision?
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Urological Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recognize that newborn male circumcision has health benefits and a low risk of complications, about 4 in 1,000.
When do you get a circumcision?
Most Circumcisions are performed during the first ten days of life. According to the World Health Organization, there are several advantages of circumcising males at a younger age, including a lower risk of complications, faster healing, and lower cost. A CDC analysis found the frequency of adverse events is 0.4% for early infant circumcision, 9% for children 1 – 9 years old, and about 5% for boys ten years and older.
When is it too late to get a baby circumcised?
Circumcision can be performed at any age, but most procedures are conducted within the first ten days of life. It’s advisable to have the circumcision done as early as possible, as delaying the procedure can increase the associated risks. While it is still possible to get circumcised at an older age, the risks and pain management may differ.
How long does circumcision take to heal?
Typically, newborns recover from circumcision within about ten days. During this time, it’s normal for the area to show some swelling and redness, with a yellow film possibly forming at the tip. It’s normal to see a few drops of blood in the diaper for the first three days.
How long does a Circumcision procedure take?
A typical Circumcision utilizing the Gomco Clamp technique takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
Are there any restrictions or criteria for getting a Circumcision?
Minimum Criteria for Circumcision include:
- Healthy full-term newborn
- Minimum Weight: 2.5 kg = 5.5 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 5.4 kg = 12.0 lbs
Circumcision is not recommended with the following conditions:
- Current illness
Circumcision should not be performed on infants who are currently ill or have a medical condition that requires monitoring. - Bleeding Disorders
Infants with a family history of bleeding disorders, such as Hemophilia or Thrombocytopenia, should not be circumcised until they have been screened for these disorders. - Penis Anomalies
Circumcision should not be performed on infants with anatomic penis abnormalities such as:- Hypospadias (abnormal opening of the urethra)
- Epispadias (urethra does not develop into a full tube and the urine exits the body from an abnormal location)
- Urethral Atresia (underdeveloped or obstructed urethra)
- Chordee (abnormal curvature or twist of the penis)
- Penile torsion (baby’s penis appears rotated or twisted)
- Penoscrotal webbing (shortened penis, scrotal skin is attached too high on the penis
- Buried Penis (surrounding skin conceals a normal penis)
- Ambiguous Genitalia (rare birth defect, external genitalia are not clearly male or female)
- Skin or Connective Tissue Disorders
Circumcision should not be performed on infants with disorders of the skin or connective tissue that would impair normal healing. - Jaundice
Circumcision is contraindicated in infants with ongoing Neonatal Jaundice - Voiding
Circumcision should not be performed on an infant that has not been able to urinate.
Is circumcision painful?
Like any surgical procedure, circumcision can involve some pain. However, the anesthetic cream effectively minimizes discomfort, ensuring your baby experiences as little pain as possible during and after the procedure. We will prescribe a topical anesthetic cream ahead of time that should be applied to the penis & base of the penis at least 60 minutes before the procedure. In addition, your baby will also receive a local anesthetic just before the start of the procedure. We also recommend bringing in a pacifier that we can saturate with sugar water, which allows us to soothe the baby during the procedure. Most babies sleep through their circumcision.
Does circumcision reduce sensitivity?
Some people believe that circumcision may decrease sexual pleasure and reduce the intensity of orgasms. However, there is no evidence to support the idea that circumcision affects sensitivity in any way.
Can I be in the procedure room with my newborn baby?
At the Pacific Newborn Clinic, we aim to minimize patient discomfort, parental stress, or anxiety regarding the procedure. Keeping this in mind, we prefer the parents to wait in our recovery room for the newborn to be brought back to them. This allows us to complete the Circumcision in a timely manner while focusing on the patient.
What is the cost of newborn circumcision?
At the Pacific Newborn Clinic, the total fee for a newborn circumcision is $800, which covers a consultation (either virtual or in-person), the circumcision procedure using the Gomco Clamp technique, and post-operative follow-up (also virtual or in-person). Payment can be made in full or through a monthly plan of four payments of $200, with a credit card required on file for the installment option. Only credit cards are accepted as payment.
While we do not directly accept insurance, you can submit your invoice to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
Scheduling
How do I schedule my newborn's circumcision?
You can schedule a pre-circumcision in person or online virtual consultation by clicking the link below, or you can click “Schedule an Appointment” on our home page. A consultation allows the parents to ask any unanswered questions. It also allows our Physicians to discuss the procedure’s benefits and risks and post-procedure management.
Can I do the consult on the day of the Circumcision?
No. We recommend completing a pre-Circumcision consult ahead of time to discuss the benefits of the procedure, anwer any parental questions, alleviate concerns and to asses the newborn for any contraindications. We would also prescribe the topical anesthetic at this appointment.
Can I schedule my newborn’s pre-Circumcision consult ahead of time?
You can schedule this appointment when you are within 2 weeks of your due date. We recommend the pre-Circumcision consult to be scheduled for at least three to four days after your due date. This allows you time to be discharged from the hospital and settled in at home.
Post Circumcision Care
What should I expect for the first 24 - 48 hours after my newborn’s Circumcision?
It’s normal for the newborn to cry or be fussy for the first 24 hours after the procedure. You might notice a temporary change in feeding and sleeping patterns. This is OK. You can use OTC Infant’s Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. Please follow the weight-based dosing guidelines below.
INFANTS TYLENOL DOSING
| Weight(LB) | Weight(KG) | Infant Tylenol (160 mg/mL) |
| 6 | 2.72 | 1.25 |
| 7 | 3.18 | 1.50 |
| 8 | 3.63 | 1.75 |
| 9 | 4.08 | 2.00 |
| 10 | 4.54 | 2.25 |
| 11 | 4.99 | 2.50 |
| 12 | 5.44 | 2.50 |
What do I need to know about diaper changes after my newborn’s Circumcision?
If a gauze was used and doesn’t fall off on its own, gently remove it after 48 hours. Then, apply petroleum jelly generously to the front of the diaper with each diaper change for two weeks.
How long after circumcision can you bathe the baby?
Sponge bathing is recommended for the first 48 hours after Circumcision. On day 3, you can resume bathing your newborn in a tub of warm water.
What if stool gets on the Circumcision area?
If stool gets on the penis, use a washcloth to squeeze water or pour lukewarm and soapy water over it and pat dry. Don’t remove the thin yellow film that may form on the penis. It will go away on its own. Please avoid scrubbing the penis.
What if I see blood in my newborn’s diaper?
It’s normal to see a few drops of blood in the diaper for the first three days. If you see active bleeding or more than a teaspoon of blood, please call our clinic.
Do I need to retract the foreskin after the procedure?
The head (glans) of the penis has a ridge all the way around. When the circumcision has healed properly, the entire ridge of the penis will be exposed. After your baby’s Circumcision, the edge of the remaining foreskin might stick to the head of the penis. Rarely, this can lead to adhesions that would require another procedure. To prevent the adhesions, seven days after the Circumcision, start gently retracting (pulling back) the foreskin so you can see the ridge between the head and shaft of the penis.
What are rare complications that would require my newborn to be evaluated in the Emergency Room?
If you see any of the following signs, seek evaluation in the ER right away:
- Active or excessive bleeding or continuous oozing of blood
- Severe redness, swelling of the penis or scrotum
- Fever:
- > 100.4°F (oral, underarm, forehead)
- > 100.4°F (rectal)
When will my newborn’s penis look normal?
It could take a few weeks to heal completely. Bruising at the base of the penis & scrotum is not unusual and should disappear shortly. The penis will have several areas of green/yellow scabbing, which is a typical sign of healing.
Costs & Insurance
How does insurance reimbursement work?
The Pacific Newborn Clinic does not bill or communicate with your insurance company directly. Instead, we provide you with a medical receipt that includes your costs along with appropriate diagnosis & procedure codes. You can submit these to your insurance company to request reimbursement, keep them as a receipt for Health Savings Account expenditure, or as a health-care costs tax deduction.
E/M (Evaluation & Management) CODE (ICD-10)
| 99204 | Level 4 New Patient Consult |
| Z41.2 | Routine Circumcision of a Newborn |
| 54150 | Circumcision using a Clamp |
| 64450 | Dorsal Penile Nerve Block |
What are the costs for newborn circumcision?
At the Pacific Newborn Clinic, we charge an all-inclusive fee of $800 for a Newborn Circumcision. This includes the following:
- Consult with parents
- Virtual
- In-person
- Circumcision
- Gomco Clamp technique
- Post-Operative Follow up
- Virtual
- In-person
What are the payment options for circumcision?
We accept credit cards as the only form of payment. You can choose one of the following payment plans:
- Full payment – $800
- Monthly Payment
- 4 monthly payments of $200 each
- We will need a CC on file for this plan
Reserve Your Spot Before Delivery! Book Your Newborn Circumcision in Seattle Today
Are you looking for newborn circumcision in Washington or the Greater Seattle Area? Trust Pacific Newborn Clinic for a safe and comfortable experience for you and your newborn. If you’re less than two weeks away from your due date, you can schedule your appointment in advance. Book with us today!
Schedule Your Circumcision
