Frequently Asked Questions:

Infant & child circumcision in Australia

  • Families across Australia choose circumcision for various personal, cultural, and medical reasons, including:

    • Cultural or religious traditions (common in Jewish and Muslim families)

    • Health and hygiene benefits

    • Medical reasons, such as recurring infections (urinary, penile and sexually transmitted), foreskin tightness (phimosis and paraphimosis), a chronic skin condition known as Balantits xerotica obliterans (BXO), and penile cancer

    • Preventative health care, including reduced risk of phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis, urinary tract infections, and even certain cancers

    Understanding your family's values and your child's health needs can help guide your decision.

  • Circumcision in infants and boys may offer several potential health advantages:

    • Lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially during infancy

    • Reduced chances of foreskin-related issues, like lichen sclerosis, phimosis, or paraphimosis

    • Decreased risk of penile cancer (a rare condition)

    • Some protection against certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and HPV

    • Easier genital hygiene and cleaning, especially for young boys

    These benefits contribute to why some Australian families consider circumcision a proactive health choice.

  • While generally safe when performed by experienced providers, circumcision can carry some risks, including:

    • Bleeding or infection

    • Too much or too little skin removed

    • Scar tissue or skin bridges

    • Rare complications, such as narrowing of the urethra (meatal stenosis)

    Discussing the procedure with your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision

  • Pain is minimised through local anaesthetic creams or injections.

    Most infants experience only mild discomfort, which can be managed with:

    • Paracetamol (Panadol)

    • Occasionally ibuprofen (Nurofen)

    • In rare cases, a prescription for stronger pain relief may be advised

  • Dr Carly Hupfeld uses the Plastibell technique, a commonly used and trusted method in Australia:

    1. The penis is numbed with a topical or local anaesthetic.

    2. A small plastic ring (Plastibell) is inserted under the foreskin.

    3. A surgical tie is applied, cutting off blood supply to the foreskin.

    4. Over 3–14 days, the Plastibell falls off naturally with the foreskin.

    This method is gentle and designed for fast, uncomplicated healing.

  • The circumcision procedure typically takes approximately 10 -15 minutes.

  • Using the plastibell technique, healing usually takes:

    • 3–10 days for babies

    • Up to 2 weeks for older children

    Daily saltwater rinses and Vaseline application help soothe the area and prevent irritation.

  • Yes. While infant circumcision (within the first 12 months) is safest and has the quickest recovery, older boys and adults can still undergo the procedure. However, older children may require general anaesthesia and recovery times are often longer.

  • Most research, including long-term studies, shows no negative impact on sexual sensitivity, satisfaction, or function in circumcised males.

  • No. In Australia, circumcision is a personal choice. While there are recognised health benefits, medical bodies leave the decision to parents. It's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits for your family.

  • In Australia:

    • Around 15–20% of newborn boys are circumcised today

    • Rates are higher in regional and rural areas than in cities

    • 58–66% of Australian men over 30 are circumcised

    While routine infant circumcision was widespread in the 1950s, changing medical guidelines have led to a decline. Public hospitals in many Australian states no longer offer the procedure, making private circumcision providers more common.

  • Post-circumcision care includes:

    • Applying ointment (such as Vaseline) as directed

    • Daily saline rinses to keep the area clean

    • Watching for signs of infection or abnormal bleeding

    Contact Dr Carly promptly with any concerns during healing.

  • In Australia, the cost of circumcision varies depending on the clinic, location and the patient’s age.

    • Infant circumcision will generally cost between $405 - $995

    • For toddlers and older children, the cost can range from $850 - $1500

  • Medicare covers circumcision only when it is medically necessary. This includes conditions such as phimosis, paraphimosis, balantitis, lichen sclerosis, or other foreskin-related medical problems that require treatment.

    Non-medical, or routine newborn circumcisions, are generally not covered by Medicare. However, Medicare will generally cover part of the initial consultation.

    If the procedure is medically indicated and performed under topical or local anaesthesia, item number 30654 can be used - $45.05 rebate.

    If the circumcision is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, item number 30658 can be used - $137.45 rebate

Oral ties

  • Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where a short, tight, or thick band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, restricting tongue movement.

  • Tongue-tie occurs in about 3% of babies and is more common in boys than girls. It can also run in families.

    • Difficulty lifting or moving the tongue

    • Trouble sticking the tongue out past the lower front teeth

    • A notched or heart-shaped tongue tip when extended

    • Feeding difficulties in infants, such as poor latch, clicking sounds, or inadequate milk intake

    • Difficulties eating solids and gagging due to poor tongue lateralisation and limited peristalsis

    • Speech difficulties or trouble making certain sounds in older children

    • Problems with oral hygiene or licking.

  • The exact cause is unknown, but it sometimes runs in families and so may have a genetic component.

  • Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare provider through a physical examination of the tongue and frenulum, and assessment of the symptoms present. Sometimes an assessment tool is used to evaluate tongue movement and function.

  • No. Many cases do not cause problems and may not require intervention. Some mild tongue-ties improve on their own by age two or three. Treatment is only recommended if the tongue-tie causes feeding, speech, or other functional issues.

    • Observation and support (especially if symptoms are mild)

    • Frenotomy: a quick in-office procedure to release the frenulum such as that performed by Dr Carly Hupfeld.

    • Frenuloplasty: a more extensive surgical procedure if the frenulum is thick or if additional repair is needed.

  • Yes. Tongue-tie can make it difficult for babies to latch properly, potentially causing nipple pain for mothers and inadequate milk intake for babies.

  • Yes, tongue-tie can affect bottle feeding. Babies with tongue-tie may have difficulty maintaining a good latch on the bottle, leading to symptoms such as dribbling milk, swallowing excess air, frequent or prolonged feeds, and sometimes slow weight gain. They may also push the bottle teat out, choke during feeds, or only manage with a very slow-flow teat. Not all babies with tongue-tie will have feeding issues, but for those who do, these challenges can make feeding sessions less effective and more tiring and may result in unsettled or unsatisfied feeding. If you notice these signs, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider like Dr Carly for assessment and support.

  • In some cases, tongue-tie can interfere with the ability to make certain sounds, but not all children with tongue-tie will have speech problems.

  • Yes. If your baby is having trouble feeding, gaining weight, or if you notice speech difficulties or restricted tongue movement, consult a healthcare provider for assessment and advice.

  • If your baby is feeding well, a frenotomy is generally not necessary. Treatment for tongue-tie is only recommended if it causes feeding difficulties, speech problems, or other functional issues

  • Yes, it is still possible for a baby to have a tongue-tie even if they can poke their tongue out. While difficulty sticking the tongue out past the lower lip is a common sign of tongue-tie, some babies - especially those with a less obvious or posterior tongue-tie - may still be able to protrude their tongue but have limitations in other movements, such as lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth or moving it side to side. Other signs to look for include a heart-shaped or notched tongue tip when extended, difficulty with feeding, or restricted tongue mobility in other directions. 

    If you are concerned about tongue-tie or notice feeding or speech issues, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment.

  • A tongue-tie release, also called a frenotomy or frenectomy, is a quick surgical procedure where the lingual frenulum under the tongue is snipped or released to allow for better tongue movement. It is most often done if tongue-tie is causing feeding difficulties or other functional problems.

  • Infants with feeding problems, older children with speech or dental issues, and sometimes adults with oral function concerns may benefit from the procedure. However, not all cases of tongue-tie require treatment - many do not cause any problems and do not need intervention.

  • The procedure is generally quick and well tolerated, especially in young infants, as the frenulum contains few nerve endings. Most babies experience only mild discomfort, with some fussiness lasting a day or two after the procedure. 

    Anaesthesia is typically not required for infants, but Dr Carly offers sucrose (sugar) drops during the procedure for comfort, and paracetamol can be used before and after as needed. Most babies are able to feed and return to their normal routine immediately following the release.

  • Complications are rare but can include minor bleeding, discomfort, infection, or, very rarely, damage to the tongue or salivary glands or oral aversion. There is also a small risk  of an incomplete release, of the frenulum reattaching, or scarring, especially after more extensive procedures.

  • Yes, most babies can breastfeed or bottle-feed right after the release. Feeding soon after the procedure can also help soothe the baby and promote healing.

  • Research does not show a strong link between tongue-tie and speech disorders, and frenotomy is not routinely recommended to prevent speech problems. Speech therapy is usually the first approach for older children with speech issues.

  • Aftercare generally involves feeding as usual, regular stretching exercises for 3-4 weeks and monitoring for signs of infection or unusual bleeding. The recommend exercises help prevent reattachment and improve mobility after the procedure. 

    Pain relief is rarely needed, but age-appropriate medication can be given if your baby seems uncomfortable.

  • The need for a release will be determined by symptoms and a thorough assessment by an experienced practitioner. Not all tongue-ties require treatment - only those causing significant feeding, speech, or functional issues.

  • In rare cases, the frenulum can reattach, especially if aftercare instructions are not followed or if the release was incomplete. You can also get remodelling or scar tissue that may cause a secondary tie. The tongue exercises may help reduce this risk but there is always an element of genetics.

  • No, both terms are used interchangeably to describe the procedure of releasing the frenulum.

    If you have concerns about tongue-tie or are considering a release procedure, consult your healthcare provider for a personalised assessment and guidance.