Circumcision is not like cutting a nail. It is much more complicated. What defines the outcome of the procedure depends on the right technique being conducted by the right person in the right environment.

There are various techniques and instruments created specifically for child circumcisions. You can see all these - sometime barbaric - instrument by following the link below:

http://www.circlist.com/instrstechs/instruments.html

In the UK, circumcisions by doctors / surgeon are mainly performed in one of the two ways: the conventional (surgical sleeve) or the ring (Plastibell) technique. Both methods are safe and produce good results as long as they are performed by an experience doctor or surgeon.

Never put your son at risk with community / religious circumcisers, because they are unregulated and untrained. The result could be disastrous!

1- Conventional or surgical sleeve technique:

This technique consists of removal of the foreskin by an excision of the foreskin followed by closure of the wound by dissolvable stitches. The technique is commonly referred to as “penile plastic surgery” and has been modernised considerably with the arrival of new surgical materials during the last couple of years.

It is used by a majority of surgeons. Some experts believe that the conventional technique provides a better cosmetic result compared to other techniques, as the incision follows the shape and form of the glans (head of penis). The stitches are hair-thin - as used in cosmetic surgery - and usually disappear within 2 weeks.

In the hands of an experienced surgeon the technique will take about 20 minutes.

The downside to this technique is the possibility of unsightly scars and bleedings during the first 24 hours.

This technique is best performed by a surgeon and many consider it more appropriate for children over 1 year of age.

2- Ring or Plastibell technique:

The technique consists of placing a bell-shape plastic device - the Plastibell - over the glans and excising the foreskin. The ring part of the device will remain in place by a tightly knotted string. The foreskin beyond the string and the ring will usually fall off after 3 to 10 days.

This technique could be conducted in less than 10 minutes and may produce a good cosmetic result without any complication if performed by an experienced medical practitioner.  

> There are some down sides to the ring technique. These are:

> Plastibell is a circular device and as such may not be fitting well some penises. In those cases another technique should used in order to get a good aesthetic outcome; 

> Some unsatisfactory cosmetic results are due to foreskin not entirely excised, uneven aspect of the penis and/or too much of skin removed;

> Risk of significant bleeding due to the ring slipping off too early;

> need for meticulous after-care because of higher risk of wound infection.   

Many recommend this technique only for infants under the age of 3 months. Some scientific studies have shown that the risk of complications ,such as infections and bleedings, is higher after that age.                             

3- Circumcision by Mogen clamp (Rabbi technique) 

This technique - called also the guillotine - was used for many years only by Rabbai (Mohelim) for Jewish ritual circumcisions during a ceremony called a bris (or brit). Now-a-days many Rabbi perform this type of circumcision on anybody and everybody. 

The technique is based on the use of a clamp called Mogen clamp. It produces a rapid circumcision but it lacks precision.

In the hands of an experienced Rabbi it takes only 5 minutes, but has serious downsides:

> Risk of partial trauma and cuts to the glans (head of penis)

> There is, often, a vaseline bandage that must be changed every day for seven days. Uncomfortable for parents and painful for children.

> High risk of bleeding and / or infection if the bandage is not correctly and cleanly removed and re-applied every day.

> Unsightly scars and excess foreskin are common due to lack of precision.

> As it is a quick technique, some practitioners do not pay enough attention to the efficiency of the pain relief method, leaving the child with an excruciating pain when the foreskin is cut.

Mogen clamp is especially suitable for Jewish boys who are going through the Bris Milah ceremony. For others, it is not recommended.

4- Circumcision by forceps (Gomco clamp)

This technique is based on the use of a special device called Gomco clamp. It is usually done for adult circumcisions and most likely under general anaesthesia.

Due to the nature of the clamps, there is a high risk of glans (head of penis) trauma and mutilation specially in the hand of an unexperienced doctor. There are incidences where the glans was cut away with the foreskin.

Not recommended for children.

1- The best thing to do is to ensure that you are bringing your son to a clinic / hospital where the same doctor / surgeon is able to perform different techniques (at least surgical and ring) so that in case of incompatibility of one technique with the shape, size or length of your son's penis, another technique can be successfully used on the spot. Otherwise the cosmetic aspect and growth potential of the penis may be compromised! Remember, one size does not fit all!

2- Do not trust a practitioner who claims having done the ring technique for years and have never had any complications. It is simply impossible!

3- Circumcision by Mogen clamp (Rabbi technique) does not always produce an outcome compatible with Muslim and African traditions. There is usually either too much foreskin left or too much taken away. 

link: click here to see pictrues for yourself.