Foreskin Restoration

Circumcised men and their partners may not initially know that the foreskin on a natural intact penis provides many protective, sensory, and sexual benefits. They may not know that the circumcision procedure itself is extremely painful, that it always permanently damages the penis and risks even worse outcomes. Upon learning these facts, many men begin to resent being circumcised.

But there is hope. Although a true replacement foreskin, complete with all its sensory nerves and other specialized cells, currently* cannot be created, it is possible to “grow” a skin tube that can again cover the glans of the penis. This will not only improve the baseline daily comfort level, but also return the natural gliding motion into the mechanics of the sexual encounter. The excess keratin and callous-like tissue, which had accumulated on the glans surface from all the years of constant exposure, will slowly begin to wear away, returning the glans surface to its natural smooth glossy sheen. All of these changes work together to bring back at least some of the missing sexual sensations.

There are currently two main categories of “foreskin restoration” techniques: 1) surgical – skin shifting, and 2) non-surgical – skin expansion.
 

1) Surgical Foreskin Restoration

This category only gets a brief mention here because, although possible and “quick”, none of the various surgical options are actually recommended. In one scenario, a surgeon would make a cut in the penile shaft skin around the penis just at its base, separating the shaft skin from the groin area. The penile skin is then slid along the penis toward the distal end until it has rolled over and covers the glans. A patch of skin from the scrotum or another part of the body is then grafted onto the base of the penis where the original penile skin no longer exists. Although the end result gives the penis additional skin that is mobile and extends to cover the glans, there are a number of risks, not the least of which are infection and skin graft failure. Even a successful outcome is not very refined in form nor function since the penis will now have a mix of skin types, coarse body hair, and stitching scars. Better results can be obtained through other means. Additionally, it is quite antithetical to try reversing a circumcision (the “unkindest cut”) by making more cuts into the penile skin.
 

2) Non-Surgical Foreskin Restoration Through Tissue Expansion

Background Info
It has been well-known for thousands of years that some body tissues, even after reaching their final adult size, can be induced to grow larger. Applying a stretch tension across an area of skin will stimulate that skin to grow larger in order to relieve the tension. For example, consider the use of tribal lip plates and ear gauge loops to elongate the lower lip or ear lobe. Or the common medical procedure of temporarily implanting a pouch under a patient’s skin, then gradually filling it to “grow extra” of the patient’s own skin for future use as a skin graft.

Initially, the applied tension only slightly elongates each individual cell and microscopically increases the space between them. But if enough tension is applied to impact the deepest/ base layer of skin in this way over a long enough period of time, some of the skin stem cells (located in that deepest layer) are induced into an extra mitosis cycle, and the result is a very small increase in the total number of skin stem cells per unit of area. More stem cells in the base layer of skin eventually translates into more cells in the upper layers too, thus effectively "growing" more skin. If tension is maintained, or is reapplied in frequent intervals, mitosis will continue at the elevated rate. If tension is removed, mitosis returns to baseline levels, but the newly grown skin cells will remain. This is all happening at a microscopic level, so it takes a long time for this new skin growth to be visually noticeable, and even longer to become a significant amount.

Bringing this concept to the topic at hand: by putting tension on the penile skin, it is possible to induce mitosis and eventually “grow” enough new skin so that a skin tube once again covers the glans of the penis. If a generally healthy person is able to be consistent in applying tension, even in short cycles, several times each and every day, fairly reliable glans coverage can be attained in as little as 2 to 3 years. Those who have health considerations or can’t dedicate themselves to a consistent tension regimen can still successfully restore, but will require more years to do so. The starting point, end-goal, skin health, dedication, and consistency are all very unique to each person, thus the realistic timeframe to reach a satisfactory amount of coverage is more in the 3 to 5 year range. Although this is a multi-year endeavor, many restorers start to notice positive changes early in the process (perhaps after only a week or two of dedicated effort). It is definitely a long-haul journey, with both physical and emotional aspects to its challenges and its successes.
 

Dekeratinization
Keratin is a fibrous protein found naturally in fingernails, hair, and skin, contributing to the strength and durability of these tissues. When skin is exposed to prolonged periods of higher than normal pressure or friction, the body responds by increasing the keratin content in the cells. For example, calluses forming on one’s hands or feet, or on a guitar player’s fingertips. A consequence of this extra-thick skin is that sensory nerve endings are further from the surface of the skin, and thus are not receiving as much stimulation.

Likewise, after circumcision, the glans of the penis, which had been/ should be kept moist and protected by the foreskin, is now constantly exposed to friction and abrasion by clothing, and the drying effect of air and fabric. As a result, extra keratin builds up, furrows (sometimes actual cracks) form, and sensitivity is diminished. Although these changes happen gradually, the difference in color and texture is dramatically noticeable after several years of exposure, especially if compared side-by-side with the glans of an intact penis.

During restoration, the glans spends an increasing amount of time covered by devices or the growing skin tube, and less time being exposed to clothing abrasion. As skin cells at the surface (which contain excess keratin) are gradually shed, the newer skin cells replacing them have less keratin. Sometimes the old skin cells are shed quickly and are noticeable like a peeling sunburn, but usually this happens so gradually they are washed away unnoticed. What is easier to notice is the eventual change of the glans surface to a smoother texture and deeper color, with greater sensitivity to even light touch.

Some people report this process happened too soon for them, before their glans had reliable coverage. Abrasion on clothing was still happening, and now that their penis was more sensitive, the friction was very uncomfortable. This is why retainers were developed.
 

Retainers / Retaining
Retainers are devices used when a person is not actively tensioning the skin, but still wants the skin kept pulled over the glans. The purpose of retaining is two-fold: to speed up the dekeratinization process, and to protect the sensitivity of the dekeratinized glans before it has reliable coverage by the skin tube. There are devices developed specifically for this purpose, but even some normal household- or personal-use items can be utilized. Whatever is used, it is important to consider how it handles erections, particularly if it is to be worn overnight. If the retaining device (or even a restoration device) stays on during an erection, especially when sleeping, there is a chance it will restrict or completely cut off blood flow to the clamped or trapped skin – and that can have very dire consequences. Proceed with caution.
 

Restoration Procedures and Devices
Prior to the days of the Internet, men who sought to undo their circumcision were essentially on their own. It is now so much easier to find and communicate with people who share common interests, foreskin restoration included. With that came great collaboration of ideas, leading to better testing and understanding of various methods, and the development of devices specifically tailored to this project.

  • A) Manual Tugging
    Perhaps the easiest method for beginners is simply gripping the penile skin with the fingers and pulling, in specific positions/ directions. Tension is applied this way for as many minutes as one has available, in as many sessions per day as is possible. This zero-cost method can be a great way to start with little or no existing slack skin, and can also be a great way to target specific areas of skin to even out a lopsided skin tube. See the links provided at the bottom of this page for further details.
     
  • B) Tape
    Medical grade tape is applied to the skin in specific ways to allow for tension to be applied on a more constant basis than is possible through manual tugging. Tape is relatively inexpensive, and the cross-tape method in particular can be a great way to start with virtually no existing slack skin.
     
    In the "cross-tape" or "x-tape" positioning, the tape itself initiates the tension. Just pull the skin forward over the glans and put a strip of tape across the opening (or 2 perpendicular strips forming an X) to hold it in place. Use a tiny piece of gauze pad to protect the glans from tape adhesive if necessary. (Alternatively use actual bandages, but they are typically more expensive than tape.) The now "trapped" inner bulk of the penis is trying to push back out, thereby applying some gentle tension to the skin. The tension is low, so the progress is slow, but this is just a beginning stage until more advanced methods are possible. Be ready to release the tape if an unexpected erection causes a painful amount of tension.
     
    In the "t-tape" positioning, tape is partially folded on itself lengthwise into a t-shape, then applied around the circumference of the penis. It is used as an anchor point for clipping on suspender-like straps, weights, or other devices, to put tension on the skin. This is usually easier to do if there is already some slack skin available. The specific preparation and placement of the tape is a bit more complicated than briefly explained here - see the links provided at the bottom of this page for further details.
     
  • C) O-Rings
    100% silicone or nitrile o-rings, commonly found in hardware store plumbing departments, are low cost and can be used either as a retainer or as a simple tensioning device, as long as there is already some existing slack skin. A single ring can work at the beginning, but as the skin tube grows longer, multiple stacked rings are usually needed. It is VERY IMPORTANT to get the correct size of o-ring – the inner diameter must be large enough to allow adequate skin to enter and be “gripped” without being pinched to the point of pain, yet small enough to prevent the glans itself from passing through. The exact size that works best will depend on the individual’s own glans diameter. Thick o-rings (the diameter of the material itself, not the hole) usually work better than thin rings, but even this generalization is nuanced. Avoid o-rings with flat sides such as garden hose gaskets.
     
  • D) Specialty Devices
    Through both individual and collaborative research, testing, feedback and refinement, several devices have been developed for the specific purpose of foreskin restoration. This is truly a bottom-up grassroots movement - members of the “foreskin restoration community” coming together to support each other in solving a common problem. As of this writing, all devices currently available are still assembled by their garage-hobbyist developer as orders come in; none have yet been picked up by a commercial manufacturing facility for bulk production.

    Most of these devices use the concept of a bell- or funnel-shaped “gripper” to tightly hold onto the end of the skin tube while tension is applied to the skin in one or more ways:
    --- By pulling the gripper (and thus the skin tube) away from the body using straps or weights. The exact placement of the gripper determines whether tension is focused on the inner or outer skin, or both.
    --- By using the gripper to hold the skin tube in place, while a rod-like part presses against the gripper to push the glans toward/into the body. This tends to focus tension on the inner skin.
    --- By using the gripper in a combination of both the pulling and pushing actions described above. This applies tension to both the inner and outer skin, usually in whatever ratio is desired.
    --- By making sure the gripper makes an air-tight seal on the skin, then inflating the skin tube as if it was a balloon. Tension is usually greater on the inner skin, but the outer skin does experience some tension as well. Some variations incorporate weights or straps to enhance the outer skin tension. Some variations involve an actual balloon inside the skin tube, so the gripper itself doesn’t need to be air tight. Some variations involve water instead of air. It is critically important to ensure none of the air nor water used can enter the urethra, which is usually painful and risks a urinary tract infection.

    There are even do-it-yourself instructions to guide people into making their own homemade device, using easily accessible things such as old 35mm film canisters, baby bottle nipples and toe caps. Recently some 3D printer files have been published for making at least part of some devices.

    A listing, fuller description and discussion of devices (commercial and homemade) is available by visiting the community websites linked at the bottom of this page.

 

Being In Pain, Delays The Gain
Putting tension on the skin will necessarily involve some level of discomfort. But it is important to never let this rise to actual pain sensations. Pain indicates something is wrong - usually there is too much tension and the skin is about to tear (or already has). Or it could be that the blood circulation has been cut off.

Avoid the temptation to use too much tension and avoid using devices when they can’t be monitored (such as when sleeping). Damage to skin –or the penis as a whole-- will require time off to let it heal, and might even cause scarring which will then be resistant to further progress. Scar tissue might even be permanently painful too!

Due to pressure from tension, devices, or inflation, the skin might develop a temporary coloration that is slightly deeper or paler than normal, but should go away quickly (within a minute) after tension is removed. This is normal. But skin should never become drastically different, red, purple, or very pale; such colors indicate blood flow or other serious problems. If blood flow restrictions are prolonged or too frequent, damage and/or cell death can occur.

A slight itching sensation may occasionally be experienced. This could be a normal result of the skin stretching and increasing its rate of mitosis, in which case it is a good sign of success. But it could also be the start of an infection, or a sign that the skin has been overly irritated and is starting to break down or tear. Always examine an itchy area and react accordingly.
 

Lotions & Potions
This is a frequent point of contention, especially among those who are already emotionally charged coming to terms with an unwanted circumcision. Unfortunately there are no magical over-the-counter lotions that can themselves boost the rate of mitosis and provide a shortcut for this process. Even if there was (recent advances in medicine/ cosmetics may be heading this way), use of these products would need extremely careful application and close monitoring.

To impact mitosis, a product would need to be absorbed into the deepest layers of skin; any product strong enough to penetrate that deep would likely be very irritating and burning to the surface layer. The inner foreskin and dekeratinized glans are very sensitive tissues, so extreme caution should be taken when applying any product - and don’t forget to consider each of its ingredients!

At the most basic level, tumors and cancers are clusters of cells that multiply uncontrolled; thus any product used to chemically-induce an increase in mitosis rates can potentially risk the eventual development of a tumor, unless that mitotic boost is 100% guaranteed to be only temporary. One does not want a tumor, especially not on their penis.

The most effective and most healthy way to maximize mitosis is simply to keep the skin healthy, which starts with making sure the body as a whole is healthy. Mitosis is a natural and regularly occurring bodily process - a healthy body already has everything it needs to complete the task. Eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest and plenty of exercise. Maintain a healthy pulse rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Typically the only additional skin product needed is a moisturizing lotion when the skin becomes too dry. Aloe extract, vitamin E (sometimes listed by the chemical name alpha-tocopherol), vitamin B5 (sometimes listed as pantothenic acid / panthenol), may be good for improving overall skin health and moisture levels, but again are unlikely themselves to have a significant direct impact on mitosis. Be sure to use products with the fewest unnecessary chemical ingredients.

Many discussion threads on this topic are available on the community websites linked at the bottom of this page.
 

Cleanliness Is Very Important
Any time the urethral opening is in prolonged contact with a device, lotions or other products, dirty hands, etc., there is a chance of contracting a urinary tract infection. Be sure to keep all body parts and devices clean, daily. Some people are more susceptible to infection than others. It is up to each individual to understand their personal risk and take appropriate precautions. Any developing UTIs should be treated immediately.
 

3) Is True Foreskin Regeneration In The Future?

A possible third main category may be an option in the future: regeneration. Some scientists in the relatively new field of regenerative medicine are focusing their research efforts on the foreskin, with the hope to one day provide patients with a complete and true replacement foreskin, genetically matched to their own body. Although this is still years (decades?) away from reality, the basic theoretical procedure would be to obtain an “intracellular matrix” (possibly from a donor’s foreskin) and utilize that as the base structure for induced stem cells (processed from the recipient patient himself) to grow into the complete foreskin within a lab culture. Then when the lab-created foreskin is ready, surgically attach it to the recipient patient.

Again this is a potential future solution, where although many of the individual steps are already possible, there has not yet been a successful run of the entire process, let alone for this specific body part. As with the other methods already described, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this potential procedure – but that this is even a possibility this cutting-edge technology (forgive the pun) does provide a level of excitement and anticipation for many men seeking to regain their whole intact body, their whole sexual experience.
 

 

Links for Further Reading

Inclusion of a website, community or product in this list is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the product, nor the views/content of the respective publisher(s) / manufacturer(s). Content Warning: Many but not all of these websites include NSFW (not safe for work) content and images, and may not be suitable for viewing by all ages. You have been warned; tread carefully if avoiding such things is a concern for you....

Communities, Forums & Discussion Boards

 

Restoration Devices & Other Products

 

 

* Necessary legal disclaimer: Every person has a unique set of conditions, considerations, health, risk factors, susceptibility to infection, acute conditions, healing ability, etc., which are unknown to the author. This site provides information, but should not be considered medical diagnosis or advice for a specific person in a specific situation. Pursuit of foreskin restoration by any means, whether described here or otherwise, is done at one's own risk. Consult with and be under supervision of a trusted medical professional before and during any body modification process.