What to Expect When Your Child Undergoes Circumcision on the Gold Coast: A GP’s Personal Guide for Parents

As a Gold Coast GP specialising in infant circumcision, my goal is for every parent to feel confident and well-supported throughout the entire journey. Deciding to circumcise your child is deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming. With so much conflicting information and opinion online, my mission is to provide clear, evidence-based support - empowering families to make informed choices that feel right for them.

Why I Use the Plastibel Technique

In my practice, I favour the Plastibel method - a procedure trusted by families and backed by international guidelines for its safety, comfort, and predictable healing. During surgery, a small ring is placed under the foreskin, gently tied, and left to separate naturally over 7–10 days for infants, or up to 2 weeks for older boys. Most babies and young boys are back to their normal routines almost immediately. For infants, I recommend cuddles and a feed right after the procedure. Older children can return to whatever activities feel comfortable, with no special restrictions.

 Risks and Safety

Safety always comes first in my clinic. Circumcision is generally very safe, especially in experienced hands – like mine.  The most common risks - mild swelling, minor bleeding, and a low chance of infection - are usually brief and easy to manage. Studies show a very low complication rate, especially when the procedure is completed in the first year of life. I’m also personally available and on-call for all my patients, so you’ll never be left to worry alone.

Pain Management: Expert Protocols and Clinical Evidence

Minimising pain is absolutely central to my practice. For the procedure, I use a proven two-step pain relief protocol: first, a gentle topical anaesthetic cream, followed by a small local anaesthetic injection, once the cream is effective, for extra comfort. Latest research confirms that this approach dramatically reduces pain both during and after the procedure. In my experience, older children tend to remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure, often happily distracted by a device or screen - giving us confidence that any discomfort is minimal. For most children, little or no pain relief is needed after Plastibel circumcision, but I routinely recommend paracetamol if any mild discomfort arises.

 What Happens on the Day

Families often ask what to expect on procedure day. I begin with a careful consultation - whether days before or on the day of the procedure – discussing the medical history, the reasons for circumcision, the pros and cons of circumcision, explaining the steps of the procedure, and answering  any questions. I then perform a gentle examination to ensure the procedure is necessary or appropriate and apply the numbing cream. While we wait for the cream to take effect, parents can go have coffee or remain seated in our ample waiting area. Once numb, the actual circumcision procedure then takes less than 20 minutes, parents wait in the waiting room or feeding room until we are done. Babies will feed immediately after the circumcision procedure while I reiterate the aftercare, older boys will be part of the aftercare conversation. Most families are ready to leave my clinic within an hour or so, confident about home care and recovery.

Recovery and At-Home Care

The Plastibell ring falls off naturally within 1–2 weeks. I’ll show you exactly how to use petroleum jelly morning and night, and keep the area clean with daily saltwater rinses. Bathing, dressing, and playtime can continue as normal. Mild swelling, redness, bruising, and a slight odour are all expected while the wound is healing and the bell and foreskin are detaching; anything more concerning, such as significant pain, bleeding, or signs of infection should be reported to me promptly. Remember -I’m on call throughout your child’s recovery.

My Commitment to Families

Providing compassionate, evidence-based care is the heart of my work. I know that circumcision is not just a medical procedure, but an emotional decision for many families. My Gold Coast clinic is dedicated to supporting you - before, during, and after your circumcision procedure - with direct answers, attentive follow-up, and total accessibility for your peace of mind.

If you’re considering circumcision but still have questions, please explore the rest of my website, or reach out to book a consultation. I’m always happy to provide personalised advice, evidence-backed guidance, and friendly support at every step.

Book a Consultation with Dr Carly Hupfeld

Whether you're ready to book or just want to learn more, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your family. 

Dr Carly Hupfeld specialises in circumcision and oral ties at:

Medical On Robina

T3/299 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226

(07) 5690 1290