Buried Penis

[concerned137]

Hi, I noticed you answered a question for a woman who's son was born with a buried penis. My son got one right after circumcision at birth. He is now over a year old and still has a buried/trapped penis following circumcision. He was born lean and 2.5 weeks early at 7 lbs.  There was no fat pad that we noticed at birth and his penis was normal when he was born - Gomco clamp was used. Immediately after the circ, it retracted like an innie belly button. We were told by his pedi that once he loses his fat pad that he later aquired, things will get better. But he had no fat pad when this started. Now at over 1 year, it is concealed most of the time and he is of normal weight. His penis looks a little bulged just below the head and I worry that it might become deformed looking as it grows, being trapped in there. I fear that too much skin was removed at the time of his circ and I worry that he will have painful erections and/or that the penis will become stunted from being trapped. Is there a way to distinguish if too little or too much was taken off so the right diagnosis can be made for treatment? What are the chances that a trapped penis caused by a circ will correct itself on its own? He is a very happy good natured baby and this has been devestating for us to go through with little info out there on it and little positive prognosis on it. Any names of specialists in this area of expertise would be great. I am so sad about this and want to do what is best for my son. Thanks.


This discussion is related to Hidden Penis.

[NOCRN]

I am a special care nurse in a newborn nursery in Wisconsin.  My son is 3 months old and had a circ prior to leaving the hospital.  The penis looked fine and once it healed it retracted back into the body like a dimple.  He is very chubby (18lbs) and some days I wonder if he even has one!  As long as I push back all the skin  and clean around the head every time I bath him there shouldn't be a problem.  This is what I have been told by all the pediatricians that I work with.  They said it will re-emerge as he gets older and that is very normal.  I have changed diapers on my friend's baby boys that are as old as 9months and they all look the same.  "Where is the penis?"  I wouldn't worry too much unless a urologist has seen it and told you there is definitely something wrong.  Many times the skin around the circ looks abnormal until the penis grows and stretches it.  Hope this helps.