Question

The pediatrician who performed my son's circumcision did not tie the string tight enough, so all of the skin did not fall off. They are now telling us that he will have to have this corrected surgically at 6 months. I am very skeptical about having him put under. Are there any other options?

Answer

These issues are often a case of whether it is important to you to do this purely cosmetic procedure on a baby. Actually, leaving a little too much on is better than taking too much off. That can cause the penis to retract into the fat pad over the pelvic bone, the so-called "retracted" or "buried" penis. If it was not done to your satisfaction when he was a newborn, you should wait until he is old enough to want to have it done himself. My personal opinion is that there is absolutely no harm in waiting, especially if you teach him as he reaches age 5 to 10 or so to pull the skin back when he is soaking in the tub.