Plastibell®
Method (Ring Method)
This procedure is usually used with young infants and children. A plastic ring fits around the glans and a strong thread is tightened around it. This thread will cut the blood supply from the foreskin which will eventually die and fall off with the ring within 1 to 2 weeks.
Plastibell method
Forceps guided (traditional method)
This procedure is usually used for older children and adults. After application of local anaesthetic, the foreskin is pulled in front of the glans. Special forceps is applied just in front of the glans and the foreskin is cut with a surgical scalpel, guided by the smooth surface of the special forceps. This will give a clean and tidy cut. The cut edges may be sutured.
Forceps Guided Method
Which method is better?
Each
method has advantages and disadvantages but they give the same final
result. The Plastibell method allows you to nappy and bath the child
normally as there are no dressings or sutures; however you have to wait
between 1-2 weeks for the ring to fall off. In the Forceps Guided
method, you see the final result immediately but a dressing will be
applied and sometimes a few stitches in older children and adults. It
is preferable to keep the area dry for the first 3 days, however the
heeling only takes between 3-7 days.