Michael, it seems that it's quite a simple procedure when the boy is a very young baby........but what happens if it's done when he's older? 1,2,6, or older even? Is it a painful procedure? Is the recovery more difficult? I have a friend who is thinking of having her son done when he's about 12 months. And I'm just generally curious
Circumcision is painful at any age. Some babies do not flinch when the plastibell and the band go on, but that is most likely because of the sudden shock. Certainly, if you monitor their vital signs, they show signs of pain.

Most practitioners in Australia who perform circumcision recommend delaying the procedure until 12 months of age, so that the baby is old enough to undergo an anaesthetic in conjunction with the procedure.

Personal testimony from those who have had to have circumcision later in life reveals that yes, it is intensely painful; but I don't really consider that as a valid reason to circumcise babies at birth; pain is pain, whether you are 18 days old or 18 years old.

In terms of recovery time, in some ways, it is easier for older children who are out of nappies because it doesn't need to be rubbing at the nappy and there is less risk of infection for the same reason.