Foreskin Restoration: Everything You Need To Know Before Starting

Last Updated 4/8/2023

Foreskin restoration has gained significant attention in recent years, as more and more men seek to regain what was lost during infancy. But what is restoration and why are they interested in it?

If you were circumcised as a child, you can undergo restoration to get your foreskin back. Some circumcised men, want to regain what they have lost. Why? Mostly for foreskin’s primary function, sensitivity and enhanced sexual intimacy.

There are a few foreskin restoration techniques which create penile tissue expansion such as surgical foreskin restoration and non surgical techniques using specialized skin-stretching devices.

While restoration cannot replace the erogenous tissue or nerves lost during circumcision, it can produce a penis that appears more natural. Many men who have been circumcised wish to regain what they have lost, especially the function of the foreskin.

How Foreskin Restoration Works

To understand foreskin restoration, we need to get acquainted with the basics. The human foreskin (prepuce) is a double-layered skin fold that covers the glans penis. In many cultures, newborn boys undergo circumcision to remove their foreskin.

Foreskin restoration seeks to regrow the remaining skin present to recreate a functional and aesthetically pleasing foreskin. It’s achievable through surgical or nonsurgical techniques.

A foreskin that has been restored performs its original function makes it possible for the glans’ epithelium to relax and revert to a much higher level of sensitivity.

The most common restoration technique involves gently and consistently applying tension to the remaining shaft skin without the use of surgery. The skin naturally produces new skin cells as a reaction to this tension. As a result, a foreskin develops through natural enhancement.

Stretching does require commitment and time, the same as guys who have used penis pumps to increase girth. Men who have had their relationships repaired say it was worthwhile, enhanced their sex life, and increased their self-esteem.

Reading about men in similar situations is also a great thing to do. A member of NORMUK discusses some of his experiences with restoration, in an article that was first published in NORMUK News.

Unfortunately, there are situations when non-surgical restoration is not an option due to anatomical factors, such as inadequate remaining shaft skin or hypospadias.

Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why men choose to restore their foreskins.

Why Do People Restore Their Foreskins?

There are several reasons why men with a circumcised penis attempt restoration, ranging from personal beliefs to medical motivations. Some men feel a sense of loss, believing they’ve been deprived of their natural anatomy. Others may experience decreased sensitivity or sexual pleasure due to the exposed glans, which can lead to frustration and a desire for change. In some cases, men may choose foreskin restoration for religious or cultural reasons, wanting to reconnect with their heritage and reverse a decision that was made for them at birth.

Restoring men do so for several reasons. Many men who have been circumcised wish to regain what they have lost, especially the function of the foreskin.

The next natural step in getting the penis as close to its original state as feasible is foreskin restoration.

Pros and Cons of Restoration

Benefits

Foreskin restoration offers a range of benefits, both physical and emotional. Restoring the foreskin can:

  1. Improve sensitivity: The newly formed foreskin protects the glans from constant friction and exposure, allowing it to regain some of its natural sensitivity. This can lead to enhanced sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
  2. Increase comfort: A restored foreskin can help alleviate discomfort caused by rubbing against clothing or during sexual activity.
  3. Boost self-esteem: Many men report feeling more confident and satisfied with their bodies after restoring their foreskins.
  4. Enhance appearance: Some men find that a restored foreskin gives their penis a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
  5. Reconnect with heritage: For men who were circumcised for cultural or religious reasons, foreskin restoration can provide a sense of reconnection with their roots and personal identity.

Risks

While foreskin restoration offers numerous benefits, it’s always good to be aware of potential risks. These can include:

  1. Infection: As with any procedure that involves skin manipulation, there’s a risk of infection. Practicing good hygiene and following a healthcare professional’s advice can help mitigate this risk.
  2. Scarring: Overzealous stretching or improper techniques can lead to scarring or skin damage.
  3. Uneven results: Some men may experience uneven growth or coverage, which can require further intervention to correct.
  4. Time and commitment: Non-surgical foreskin restoration methods require dedication and patience, as they can take months or even years to yield visible results.
  5. Surgical complications: Surgical methods carry inherent risks, such as anesthesia complications, bleeding, and infection.

NORMUK News is a free newsletter with restoration-related news, views, and commentary, is provided to NORMUK members.

Foreskin Restoration’s History

Foreskin restoration has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, an intact foreskin was considered a symbol of beauty, status, and masculinity.

During that time, Jewish men who were circumcised sometimes sought to restore their foreskins to blend in with their peers and avoid discrimination or persecution. This practice was known as “epispasm” and involved stretching the remaining penile skin to create a faux foreskin.

In recent times, the restoration movement gained momentum in the 70s. Online internet communities in the early 2000s allowed guys to share their experiences and success stories, fueling further interest.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Foreskin Restoration

There’s two foreskin restoration methods, surgical and non-surgical. Let’s explore each.

Non-Surgical

Non-surgical foreskin restoration involves gradually stretching the remaining penile skin over time to promote new skin growth and increase coverage. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as:

  1. Manual Tugging: Men can use their hands to gently perform foreskin stretching for several minutes throughout the day. This method is simple, discreet, and requires no special equipment.
  2. Taping: Taping involves securing the glans penis skin in a stretched position using medical or hypoallergenic tape. This method requires more preparation and maintenance but can be effective when done consistently.
  3. Restoration Devices: Devices apply constant tension to the penile skin, promoting growth. They can be worn under clothing and adjusted for comfort.

Surgical Foreskin Reconstruction

Surgical methods, or reconstructive surgery is less common and is usually men unwilling to commit time for non-surgical methods. Surgical options include:

  1. Skin Graft: Skin is grafted from another part of the body (usually the buttocks) and places it onto the penile shaft to create foreskin. This method carries the risk of scarring, infection, and graft rejection.
  2. Skin Flap Surgery: In this procedure, surgeons create a flap using skin from the shaft to repurpose it to foreskin. This method can provide more natural-looking results but also carries the risk of complications, such as reduced blood flow to the flap or flap failure.

FAQ

What is Foreskin Restoration?

Foreskin Restoration is the process that is used to restore the foreskin that has been removed through circumcision. The process involves stretching the remaining skin on the penis to create new skin cells and eventually restore the foreskin.

How to regrow foreskin?

Foreskin restoration is possible through stretching and other techniques, such as using a device called a foreskin restoration device. This process involves stretching the skin of the penis over time to create a new foreskin. It’s not possible to restore nerve endings so the sensation of the regrown foreskin won’t be the same as original foreskin.

What are the benefits of Foreskin Restoration?

Benefits of foreskin restoration include improved self-confidence, appearance, and urinary control. Additionally, some men report that foreskin restoration has helped them to reconnect with their bodies and their sexuality.

How to regain sensitivity in penis?

Other than foreskin restoration there are several ways to regain sensitivity in the penis. First, practice good hygiene. Avoiding rough or tight clothing can also help to reduce friction and irritation. Additionally, using a lubricant during sexual activity can help to reduce friction and increase sensitivity. Finally, using a penis health creme that contains natural ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can help to nourish the skin and increase nerve sensitivity.

How to get started with foreskin restoration?

The easiest way to get started is to purchase a foreskin restoration device. Once you have a device, formulate a stretching routine that works for you. This involves stretching the skin for a certain amount of time daily. Use lubricants and moisturizers to keep the skin healthy & reduce friction during the process.

How long does foreskin restoration take?

The exact amount of time it takes to restore foreskin depends on a number of circumstances, including the amount of skin remaining, the desired outcomes, the regularity with which restoration methods and routines are followed, and the individual’s anatomy.

For those who have been more tightly circumcised, foreskin restoration is a multi-year endeavor, often taking one to three years or more. However, most males begin to see results after a couple months.

How to get foreskin back quickly?

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts when it comes to restoring foreskin. The process is different for everyone but usually takes months to years. The best way to restore foreskin is a restoration device which gently stretches skin over time. Additionally, you can also use manual stretching techniques, such as the “OK Grip” or the “jelqing” technique, to help speed up the process. Finally, be consistent because results don’t happen overnight.

Do I need to buy a device to succeed?

No, you do not need to buy a device to succeed in restoring. It’s completely possible to restore using tapes and homemade tools. However, many commercial devices are more efficient.

Can I have surgery to tighten my restoration?

Yes, you can have surgery to tighten your restoration. However, there is a risk of making it too tight or too loose, so it is preferable to keep repairing until some overhang is obtained. Most of the time, the restoration will tighten naturally with non-surgical treatments.

How much does foreskin restoration surgery cost?

Foreskin restoration surgery costs range between $2,000 & $7,000. It varies on the type of procedure you choose, as well as the doctor doing the procedure.

Is surgically restored foreskin a quick fix?

No, surgically restored foreskin is not a quick fix. It can never appear as natural as the foreskin that was present before circumcision. Non-surgical repair is a better option for restoring foreskin, as many people are dissatisfied with the results of surgical restoration. We propose non-surgical tissue expansion as a better option, as it allows the penile shaft skin to be extended to cover the glans without causing scars, discoloration, or surgical problems. While some methods may guarantee that the foreskin’s gliding function is preserved, surgical repair of the foreskin often involves grafting skin from other parts of the body, which can result in scars, discoloration, and hair loss. Surgically reconstructed foreskin won’t restore the feel of natural foreskin, and lack the gliding capabilities.

I am tightly circumcised, will I be able to achieve a non-surgical restoration?

Yes it’s possible, but it will take considerably longer than it does for people not as tightly circumcised.

Is it safe to restore while sleeping?

Prior to restoring while sleeping, it’s recommended that you’re able to use the device without numbness for more than 6 hours without taking a break. Therefore, it’s important to have a good grasp on your capabilities before you attempt to restore while sleeping.

Extra caution should be applied if you plan to implement it into your protocol. Even though it’s safe to restore while sleeping, make sure that you don’t obtain an erection while using the device, as this can cause discomfort.

Why does my restoration device begin to ache after use?

The most common cause of discomfort when using a restoration device is wearing the device incorrectly. This can cause the skin to be folded, wrinkled, or not applied uniformly, which can be painful. Additionally, excessive tension or inflation pressure can also cause discomfort. Ensure the device is properly fitted to avoid discomfort. A restoration device could cause discomfort due to the strain it’s putting on the penis. The device must clamp some skin between the bell and the gripper, which can cause constriction of blood and lymph fluid flow, leading to diminished circulation in the afflicted location. This can induce transient hypoxia/ischemia, which can cause pain and discomfort. Additionally, too much tension or air pressure used to drive cell division can cause the skin to expand excessively, leading to skin fatigue and discomfort over time.

How to make t-tape for foreskin restoration?

T-tape is a type of tape used for foreskin restoration. It’s a flexible tape similar to medical grade silicone. To make t-tape, cut a strip of the material to the desired length and width. Secure the ends of the strip together with a small piece of tape. T-tape should be applied in a circular motion. Start at the base and work up towards the tip. Make sure to leave some slack in the tape so that it can move freely. Leave it on for a few hours.

I am tightly circumcised, can I still restore?

Yes, you can still restore even if you are tightly or even partially circumcised. You can do this by selectively working more on one side of the shaft than the other. This can help to lessen the curve or even fix it.

My penis is bent on erection due to Peyronie’s Disease, can I still restore?

Yes, you can still restore. While Foreskin Restoration may help increase your confidence with the Peyronie’s, it’s unlikely to alter the curvature of the penis. Surgery is the only option that can restore to its original shape. However, surgery is not always successful and can have potential complications. Speak with your doctor to discuss your best treatment options.

Restoration leaves me with hair up the shaft, what can I do about this?

If you are experiencing hair up the shaft after a restoration, you may want to consider electrolysis. This uses an electric current to kill hair follicles. It’s an easy way to permanently remove unwanted hair. However, if you’re looking for a less permanent treatment, shave the area instead.

Why do intact guys have less inner skin than restored guys?

Intact guys have less inner skin than restored guys because the frenulum, which is a band of tissue that connects the foreskin to the glans, prevents the skin from retracting.

When the foreskin is removed, the frenulum is also removed, allowing the skin to be rolled back further. This prolonged rollback of skin is one of the distinguishing traits of a repaired foreskin. Rolling back the inner skin feels like having another glans, which is why restored guys have more inner skin than intact guys.

Which foreskin restoration method is best?

The best restoration approach is to find a method that works best for you. The most frequent methods used are dual tension restoration (DTR) and tension-based restoration. Inflation-based methods such as HyperRestore can also be effective, but it is important to be consistent and persistent with whichever method you choose.

What is dekeratinization in foreskin restoration?

Dekeratinization is the process of reducing keratin in the epidermis. This can be caused by chronic stress or trauma, such as modifications in sex and/or masturbation habits. Dekeratinization can also occur naturally as a result of foreskin restoration, as the shaft skin of the penis is unaffected by the process and remains with a fully normal layer of keratin. The goal of dekeratinization is to reduce the chronic stress and damage to the skin, resulting in decreased keratinization.

Is more time per day stretching better?

No, there is no empirical evidence to suggest that more time per day stretching is better. In fact, over time, the skin can thicken under persistent strain, leading to huge tension and discomfort. No research studies have been conducted to determine optimal stretching time. The only anecdotal findings offered by restorers suggest that short, frequent stretching sessions every hour may be more beneficial than longer, less frequent sessions, as this mimics a constant tension.

Should I take days off?

Yes, it is important to take days off from tugging to allow your skin to rest and recover. Taking regular breaks from tugging can help reduce stress and minimize the strain on your skin. Additionally, skin cells are constantly being replaced through cell division, so taking a break from tugging can improve gains, not hinder the process.

Is foreskin restoration safe?

Yes, foreskin restoration is generally safe when done correctly and with caution. It is important to follow some common-sense rules when restoring your foreskin, such as always stopping when you’re in pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing something wrong, so it is important to stop and fix the problem. Don’t restore while sleeping unless you’ve tested your device enough to make sure it’s safe to do so, especially during erections.

What does CI-1 mean?

CI-1 means Coverage Index 1. The coverage index that is used to measure the accuracy of coverage of foreskin restoration. It is used to keep track of progress and to make sure that the area has adequate coverage.

How to measure progress and coverage of foreskin restoration?

One way is through measuring the length of the foreskin and the amount of coverage it provides. Another way is to measure the degree of sensitivity that has been restored. This can be done by using a device to measure the sensitivity of the glans and the inner foreskin. Progress can also be measured by observing foreskin movement, as well as the overall appearance. Each penis is unique, so the way it develops and responds to foreskin restoration varies.

Foreskin Resources

NORMUK occasionally references other websites in the hope that our visitors will find them useful and interesting, we are not liable for their content.

New to Restoration? Check out all our posts on Foreskin Restoration.

Summary

Foreskin restoration is a personal journey that can offer physical and emotional benefits to those who choose to pursue it. Patience, commitment, and a positive mindset are crucial components of a successful restoration journey. Ultimately, the decision to restore one’s foreskin is a personal choice. Everyone should weigh the benefits and risks.

By understanding the benefits, risks, and methods of foreskin restoration, you can make an informed decision and embark your journey. As you progress, reach out to the online communities and resources available for support. You’re not alone on this path to rediscovering your natural self!

Dr. Stefan Gonzales, DO

About the Author

Stephen Gonzales

Stefan took interest in writing for NORM UK after reading our blog. He found us while researching the ramifications of circumcision before his first son was born.

The intent of all NORMUK content is to provide knowledge for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be interpreted as medical or legal advice . Always speak with a physician before applying any recommendations seen on NORMUK, or anywhere else on the internet.

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