Children & Adolescents Circumcision
Circumcision for Children – Getting Circumcised Before Adolescence
Circumcision is routinely done for older boys at Pollock Clinics.
Your primary care doctor may refer you to our clinic for circumcision but your doctor does not need to make a referral for you.
You can call us directly at 604-717-6200 or use our Appointment Form.
If you have questions regarding the appropriateness of circumcision for your son or any questions regarding specific details of the process at our clinics, you may choose to first book a consultation for your son before you choose to book the circumcision.
To arrange a consultation with our doctors please call 604-717-6200.
Adolescent Circumcision – Getting Circumcised as a Teenager
We are regularly asked about the optimal age for circumcision, and whether at a certain point a boy becomes too old to have it done. The answer is that circumcision is available for boys and men of all ages, and our medical team will perform the operation safely. There are no age restrictions for circumcision. Our clients include a wide range of ages from infants to seniors.
Should your young boy or teenage son require circumcision, or if you are a youth seeking more information, we encourage you to explore more of the info available on our website (and others) and to contact us for a consultation when you are ready. Before circumcision, the doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure. Whether you’re planning to have your son circumcised or you’re pursuing circumcision for yourself, you will want to make a fully informed decision.
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Circumcision is a Personal Matter
Our patients choose circumcision for their sons or themselves for a variety of reasons. For many, it’s the medical benefits known to reduce diseases. For others it could be for cultural or religious reasons. Both Islam and Judaism support circumcision for boys and often families choose to continue their traditions through our circumcision clinic.
Teenage and pre-adolescent circumcision is sometimes prescribed as treatment for phimosis and certain other conditions that may become problematic as the boy matures. In these cases the age of the boy is not material, as the need to resolve a medical issue is what drives the circumcision decision.
Whatever your reasons for contacting our clinic, our professional medical team is ready to assist you in achieving your personal objectives and resolving medical issues through circumcision safely and comfortably.
Need more info about circumcision for an older baby or boy? Book a consultation now.
Overview of the Circumcision Procedure for Children and Adolescents
Circumcision for teens and younger boys is a routine procedure at Pollock Clinics, using either the Mogen Clamp with the Pollock Technique or the Shang Ring.
The doctors will decide which method is most suitable and give you their recommendation along with an explanation for the approach being taken.
We appreciate that the circumcision surgery can lead to anxiety and concerns for boys and parents so our procedures include communication among the parents, patients, and our medical team before and after the operation.
The overview below provides some detail and your doctor will answer your specific questions as well. Please read on below for information on what will happen on the day of the procedure as well as during the healing period afterward.
Pre Operative Instructions for Child & Teen Circumcision
Pre-operative instructions are the same for both Shang Ring and Pollock Technique™ procedures
- Please do not give your son aspirin or anticoagulants (warfarin) for 7 days before and 7 days after his surgery.
- If he cannot stop taking aspirin or blood thinners, you need to ask your hematologist or GP to send us a letter letting us know if he can and when.
- For 2 days before and 2 days after your son’s surgery, please do not give him any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naproxen, or Diclofenac.
- Please have your son take a shower with soap and water on the day of his procedure.
- Have your son wear light clothing because it will be warm in the room, and wear clothes you won’t mind getting some iodine on.
- You are welcome to bring and have your son listen to any music/podcast or watch any programming, or play any games on a mobile device during the procedure.
- If you have any questions, feel free to discuss with the doctor during your procedure.
Getting Ready for Circumcision
This information will help you understand what you can expect and it will help you safely prepare for your child’s surgery.
The more you (and your son) understand exactly what is planned, the more comfortable you will be during the circumcision procedure and recovery.
Tell the doctor all the medications and other health products that your son takes.
Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will tell you which medications your child should take or stop before surgery.
Talk to your boy about the surgery. Tell your son that the surgery will remove the skin on the head of his penis. Older boys will understand well and children will appreciate a simpler version of the reasons.
Plan for your child’s recovery time. He may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Your child will probably be able to go back to school or daycare in 2 or 3 days.
The Day of Surgery
Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. For younger boys you can bring a favourite stuffed animal or small toy if this comforts them. For an older boy getting circumcised we recommend a book and music player with some calm music.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child to the clinic. If both parents will not be present you will be asked to have written permission from the absent parent to confirm that they are aware of the planned operation and have agreed to have it done.
Local anesthetic is given by injection through the skin near the base of the penis or by topical depending on which method is used. The surgery will take just a few minutes.
Even though the boy having the procedure will be awake, there will be no pain while it is being done. After the procedure, some discomfort is expected when the local anesthetic wears off. There are pain-killers that relieve any pain or discomfort and full post-operative care instructions will be given to you.
What to Expect After Circumcision
Circumcision for older boys who are not babies will entail a recovery period with reduced activity levels. Your son will leave our clinic a few hours after the operation, and guidance and follow-up continues afterwards, with written and verbal instructions on how to provide care after the circumcision.
The goal is to minimize your boy’s discomfort and promote healing. You will be shown how to minimize the risk of infection and informed of warning signs to watch for in case of any complications. Our doctors are available by phone after surgery and will respond quickly to questions or concerns.
You will likely be able to take your child home 1 to 2 hours after the surgery. Encourage extra rest the first day. Follow your doctor’s instructions about when your child can do vigorous exercise. This includes sports, running, and physical education. The doctor will tell you when your child can start normal activities again.
Circumcision for Phimosis Treatment
Teenage and pre-adolescent circumcision is sometimes prescribed as treatment for phimosis and certain other conditions that may become problematic as the boy matures.
In these cases, the age of the boy is not material, as the need to resolve a medical issue is what drives the circumcision decision. Pollock Technique™ circumcision is a good option when it has been determined that circumcision is the best treatment for a boy’s phimosis.
Whatever your reasons for contacting our clinic, our professional medical team is ready to assist you in achieving your personal objectives and resolving medical issues through circumcision safely and as comfortably as possible.
Older Child Circumcision Post-Procedure Care
- Your son will go home with a bandage wrapped around his penis. Do not try to re-wrap it in the first 24 hours. If the bandage falls off, leave it off.
- On post op day 3, we will remove your son’s bandage.
- For two weeks after the procedure you need to apply Vaseline three times a day on the penis, either directly, or by applying Vaseline onto a piece of gauze and then placing it over top of the penis.
- Your son should not shower for 5 days.
- Your son should try to avoid any vigorous activities.
- Your son should take both Tylenol and Advil 3 times a day for the next 5-7 days. Use the dose indicated on the bottle for his age.
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