At the clinic · local anaesthesia
- €300 · assessment, procedure and follow-up
- Antwerp (Borgerhout)
- Book an appointment online
CIRCUMCISION IN CHILDREN
Circumcision in children: from preparation to aftercare
The care pathway begins with an individual medical assessment. The child’s age, health, and anatomy together determine whether circumcision can be performed safely and appropriately: in the practice up to and including 12 months, or in hospital under general anaesthesia for children older than 12 months.
Choose by your child’s age
In hospital · general anaesthesia
- €700, everything included
- Prior examination in Antwerp or Kortenberg
- Registration on the waiting list; the date follows
CARE STAGES
Circumcision in children: information by stage
Here you will find information for each stage: preparation, circumcision methods, pain relief, aftercare and warning signs.
01
Preparation
Health, vitamin K, feeding and what to bring.
Read more →02
Plastibell & Gomco
Information about the methods and the medical choice.
Read more →03
Pain relief
Local anaesthesia, pain relief and comfort measures.
Read more →04
Aftercare
The first days, wound care and normal recovery.
Read more →05
Warning signs
When medical help is needed.
Read more →Plastibell or Gomco? Assess first, then choose.
No single method is best for every child. The doctor discusses the options with the parents, and the method is selected according to medical suitability after the options have been explained and informed consent has been obtained.
Read more →Pain relief is part of the medical plan
A baby can experience pain and stress. The plan therefore combines paracetamol, local anaesthesia by injection and, depending on age and weight, a sugar solution or a light calming medicine. Complete absence of pain cannot be guaranteed.
Read more →Risks and alternatives
As with any medical procedure, circumcision carries possible risks, including bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, adhesions, an unsatisfactory cosmetic result or asymmetry. Serious complications are rare but may require further medical treatment.
Before the procedure, the doctor discusses the circumcision method, pain relief, possible risks, aftercare, and available alternatives. Depending on the medical assessment, postponement, not proceeding with circumcision, or referral for specialist assessment may be more medically appropriate.
Circumcision is performed only after medical assessment and informed consent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions before the procedure
Which children can have circumcision performed in the practice?
We care for children from birth up to and including 3 years: up to and including 12 months at the practice under local anaesthesia, and older than 12 months up to and including 3 years in hospital under general anaesthesia. The doctor always assesses each child individually to decide what is safe and appropriate.
Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
You can submit an appointment request online directly. A separate preliminary consultation is optional and is not required before requesting an appointment. On the day of the procedure, the doctor examines the child first and may postpone or cancel the procedure for medical reasons. The appointment is final only after clinic review and confirmation.
Which method is used?
After examination, the doctor discusses which option is medically appropriate: Plastibell, Gomco, postponement or referral when that is safer. The method is not chosen solely on preference.
How is pain reduced?
Pain relief consists of paracetamol and local anaesthesia by injection, with a sugar solution or a light calming medicine depending on age and weight. Anaesthetic cream is no longer used. The final plan is tailored to age, weight and medical assessment.
Does my baby need to fast?
Follow only the personal feeding instructions you receive from the practice. Do not apply a general fasting rule from the internet yourself.
How do I prepare my child for the procedure?
You will receive clear instructions in advance about feeding, vitamin K, medication and what to bring. Always follow the doctor’s personal instructions.
Does my baby need to be healthy on the day of the procedure?
Yes. If your child has a fever, illness or other medical symptoms, the doctor may decide to postpone the procedure until your child has fully recovered.
How long does the full appointment take?
The medical assessment takes place first. Preparation before the procedure takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes depending on age and weight, the circumcision itself about 15 minutes, followed by approximately 30 minutes of observation. Allow sufficient time for the full visit and preferably do not schedule another appointment immediately afterwards.
Can both parents be present?
Yes. Both parents are very welcome to be present during the appointment. We aim to ensure that the assessment and circumcision take place in a calm, safe and child-friendly environment.
What is included in the €300 price?
The total price includes the medical assessment, the procedure, written aftercare instructions and the agreed follow-up. Any hospital care or external tests are not included.
How does payment work?
No deposit is required to submit or confirm an appointment request. Payment information may be recorded administratively, but it does not determine clinical approval.
The clinic communicates the payment arrangements when the appointment is confirmed.
Will I receive proof of payment or an invoice?
On request, you will receive proof of payment or an invoice. If specific invoicing details are required, you can provide them when the appointment is confirmed. The health insurance fund reimburses circumcision only for a medical reason, not for religious or cultural reasons.
When does the Plastibell ring fall off?
The ring usually falls off by itself within 7 to 10 days. If it has not fallen off after 14 days, come to the clinic and do not pull it. If the ring moves, slides onto the shaft of the penis or presses on it, or if the swelling increases quickly, go to the emergency department immediately and do not try to move the ring.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Persistent or heavy bleeding, not urinating, appearing unwell, fever, increasing swelling or discolouration of the glans require prompt medical assessment. Call 112 in a life-threatening emergency and 1733 for an urgent problem when your family doctor is unavailable.
What happens if the procedure is postponed after the examination?
Circumcision is not performed if, after medical assessment, the doctor considers it unsafe or inappropriate at that time. You will receive a clear explanation of the reason and next step, such as reassessment later or referral to a specialist if needed.
If the circumcision does not proceed after medical assessment, the amount already paid is fully refunded.
What should I do if my child is ill on the day?
Contact us via WhatsApp before leaving if your child has a fever, drinks poorly, is unusually drowsy, is vomiting, has diarrhoea or otherwise appears unwell. Do not come for the planned circumcision without prior confirmation.
How do I change or cancel the appointment?
You may cancel or change the appointment without charge up to 48 hours before the appointment time. Report a change or cancellation as soon as possible via the agreed contact channel. Include the child’s name, planned date and location, but do not send sensitive medical information without prior agreement.
Is circumcision possible for a child older than 12 months?
Yes. For children older than 12 months and up to and including 3 years, the circumcision is done in hospital under general anaesthesia. Parents register their child on the waiting list, come for the examination and receive the date by e-mail and WhatsApp once an operating day is available. The total price is €700, everything included. For children older than 3 years we cannot offer an appointment at the moment.
Children older than 12 months and up to and including 3 years: under general anaesthesia
Yes. For children older than 12 months and up to and including 3 years, the circumcision is done in hospital under general anaesthesia. Parents register their child on the waiting list, come for the examination and receive the date by e-mail and WhatsApp once an operating day is available. The total price is €700, everything included. For children older than 3 years we cannot offer an appointment at the moment.