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Foreskin restoration

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|pubmedCID=22083672
|DOI=10.1503/cmaj.109-4009
|accessdate=2023-10-10
}}</ref>
Foreskin restoration can be achieved via surgical and/or non-surgical means. Men take up foreskin restoration to restore [[Dekeratinization| sensation]] to the [[glans penis]] and to restore the [[gliding action]] of the natural [[penis]]. Another reason for restoring is a desire to create the natural appearance of an [[intact]] penis with the [[foreskin]] covering the [[glans penis]]. [[Jim Bigelow]] (1995) listed aesthetics, sensitivity of the glans, sexual stimulation and sexual function of a restored foreskin, and sense of wholeness as reasons that men give for desiring foreskin restoration.<ref>{{REFbook |last=Bigelow |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Bigelow |year=1994 |title=The Joy of Uncircumcising!: Exploring Circumcision: History, Myths, Psychology, Restoration, Sexual Pleasure, and Human Rights |url=https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Uncircumcising-Circumcision-Psychology-Restoration/dp/093406122X |editor= |edition=2 |volume= |chapter=Why Men Today Want to Uncircumcise |pages=113-4 |location= |publisher=Hourglass Book Pub |isbn=978-0934061223}}</ref> Foreskin restoration techniques are most commonly undertaken by men who resent having been [[circumcised]] as children, or who have sustained an injury.<ref name="ozer2020">{{REFjournal
|last=Özer
|first=
|DOI=10.1038/s41443-019-0223-y
|accessdate=2022-10-14
}}</ref> They are also used by [[intactregret men]] and by [[foreskinned]] men who simply desire a longer [[foreskin]] and by [[regret men]].
== History ==
=== Ancient history ===
Foreskin [[stretching]] (called "uncircumcision," or ''[[epispasm]]'') appears to have been a common practice among Hellenized Jewish men in Hellenistic and Roman societies,<ref name="Rubin">{{REFjournal
|last=Rubin
|volume=16
|issue=1
|pages=121-12424
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/restoration/rubin/
|quote=
}}</ref>
Key features of Hellenistic culture were athletic exercises in gymnasia and athletic performances in public arenas, where men appeared in the nude. While the [[penis]] sheathed in an [[intact]] foreskin was normal and acceptable, ancient Greeks and their Hellenistic successors considered the [[circumcised]] penis to be offensive, as it was perceived as a vulgar imitation of [[erection]], unfit for public display. The ancient Greeks and their Hellenistic successors considered the "ideal prepuce" to be long, tapered, and "well-proportioned." Removing it was considered [[mutilation]]. Men with a short foreskins[[foreskin]], a condition known as ''lypodermos'', would wear a leather cord called a ''kynodesme'' to prevent its accidental exposure.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Hodges
|first=Frederick M.
|accessdate=2011-09-23
|note=
}}</ref> Up until the 2th century, [[Jewish circumcision]] involved only partial foreskin removal. Rabbis of the 2th century mandated ''[[Periah| peri’ah]]'', or the complete ablation of the [[foreskin ]] in order to prevent Jewish men from engaging in foreskin restoration.<ref>{{REFbook
|last=Glick
|first=Leonard B.
|note=
}}</ref>
=== Modern history ===
During World War II, some European Jews sought out underground foreskin restoration operations as a way to escape Nazi persecution.<ref name="Tushmet">{{REFjournal
|last=Tushmet
|DOI=
|date=1994
|accessdate=2024-06-13
}}</ref>
The National Organization of Restoring Men ([[NORM]]) was founded in 1989 in San Francisco, as a non-profit support group for men restoring the appearance of a [[foreskin]]. It was originally known as RECAP, an acronym for the phrase Recover A Penis. In 1994 UNCIRC was incorporated into this group.<ref name="NORM history">{{REFweb
|quote=
|url=http://www.norm.org/history.html
[[Image:Foreskin restoration diagram.jpg ‎|thumbnail|right|550px| A series of steps for non-surgical foreskin restoration. ]]
Nonsurgical foreskin restoration is the most commonly used method of foreskin restoration. It is accomplished through [[tissue expansion]] and involves pulling on the remnants of the [[foreskin]]. <ref>{{REFjournal |last=Zöllner |first= |init=AM |author-link= |last2=Holland |first2= |init2=MA |author2-link= |last3= |first3=Honda |init3=KS |author3-link= |last4=Gonain |first4= |init4=Ak |author4-link= |last5=Kuhl |first5= |init5=E |author5-link= |etal=no |title=Growth on demand: Reviewing the mechanobiology of stretched skin |trans-title= |language= |journal=J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. |date=2013-12 |volume=28 |pages=495-509 |url= |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=23623569 |pubmedCID=3758413 |DOI=10.1016/j.jmbbm.2013.03.018 |accessdate=2024-08-09}}</ref> Both the skin of the penile shaft and the [[mucosa]]l inner lining of the [[foreskin]], if any remains after [[circumcision]], may be expanded. The skin is pulled forward over the [[glans]], and tension is applied manually, by using weights or elastic straps. In the latter two cases a device must be attached to the skin; surgical tape is often used.
[[Image:Tlctugger applied.jpg|thumbnail|left|150px| TLCTugger device applied to a [[circumcised]] penis for non-surgical foreskin restoration.]]
An example of a device using elastic straps is the T-Tape method, which was developed in the 1990s with the idea of enabling restoration to take place more rapidly. Many specialized [http://intactwiki.org/wiki/Category:Foreskin_restoration_devices restoration devices] (like the [[TLC-X|TLC Tugger]] shown in the picture) that grip the [[skin]] with or without tape are also commercially available. Tension from these devices may be applied by weights or elastic straps, by pushing the skin forward on the [[penis]], or by a combination of these methods.
The amount of tension produced by any method must be adjusted to avoid injury, pain or discomfort, and provides a limit on the rate at which new tissue can be grown. There is a risk of damaging tissues if excessive tension is used, or if tension is applied for too long. Websites about foreskin restoration vary in their recommendations, from suggesting a regimen of moderate amounts of tension applied for several hours a day,<ref name="NORM regimen">{{REFweb
|date=1997-10-15
|accessdate=
}}</ref> Unlike conventional skin expansion techniques, however, the process of nonsurgical foreskin restoration may take several years to complete. The time required depends on the amount of [[skin ]] available to expand, the amount of skin desired in the end, and the regimen of [[stretching]] methods used. Patience and dedication are needed; support groups exist to help with these (see External links section). The act of [[stretching]] the skin is often described informally as "tugging" in these groups, especially those on the Internet.
[[Intact]] men who would like to have a longer [[foreskin ]] may use these same techniques of [[tissue expansion]] to lengthen a short [[foreskin]]. Benefits include improved protection of the [[glans penis]], improved [[gliding action]], and improved physical appearance.
It is impossible to predict how long it will take one to restore because there are many variables. The time is measured in years, but the time to enjoy one’s restored foreskin is measured in decades.
===Results===
Results of non-surgical methods vary widely, and depend on such factors as the amount of skin present at the start of the restoration, degree of commitment, technique, and the individual's body. Foreskin restoration by [[tissue expansion]] successfully restores sensitivity to [[glans penis]] and restores the [[gliding action]]. Certain parts of the natural [[foreskin ]] cannot be reformed. In particular, the [[ridged band]], a nerve-bearing tissue structure extending around the [[penis]] just inside the tip of the foreskin,<ref name="Taylor interview">{{REFweb
|quote=
|url=http://www.intact.ca/taylor.html
|accessdate=
|note=
}}</ref> cannot be recreated. Restored foreskins can appear much looser at the tip and some men report difficulty in keeping the [[glans ]] covered. Surgical "touch-up" procedures exist to reduce the orifice of the restored foreskin, recreating the tightening function of the band of muscle fibers near the tip of the foreskin, though they have not proven successful in every case.<ref name=Joy-touchup>{{REFbook
|last=Bigelow
|first=Jim
}}</ref> A loose effect can also be alleviated by creating increased length, but requires a longer commitment to the restoration program. In addition, several websites claim that the use of O-rings during the restoration program can train the skin to maintain a puckered shape.
As the [[shaft skin]] expands and gets longer the [[circumcision scar]] will travel down toward the tip and eventually turn under and be concealed inside the restored foreskin, thus producing a very natural appearance.
When the [[glans penis]] is habitually covered by the regrown foreskin, the increase in protection, plus moisture and oil from [[transudation]] provided by the new [[foreskin ]], will result in [[Keratinization#De-keratinization_treatment| de-keratinization]] of the [[glans penis]] and increase in sensation.
== Surgical techniques ==
}}</ref>
The process of foreskin restoration seeks to regenerate some of the tissue removed by [[circumcision ]] by [[Tissue expansion| expansion of residual tissue]], as well as providing coverage of the [[glans]]. According to research, the [[foreskin]] comprises over one-half of the skin and [[mucosa]] of the human penis.<ref>{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref>
By growing more [[penile skin]], foreskin restorers recover the skin mobility that was eliminated by their circumcision. The ability to [[gliding action|glide the skin of the penis over the glans]] constitutes a mechanical component of the stimulation mechanism of the [[penis]].
In some men, foreskin restoration may alleviate certain problems they attribute to their [[circumcision]]. Such problems, as reported to an anti-circumcision group by men [[circumcised ]] in infancy or childhood, include prominent [[Circumcision scar|scarring]] (33%), insufficient [[penile skin]] for comfortable [[erection]] (27%), erectile curvature from uneven skin loss (16%), and pain and [[bleeding]] upon [[erection]]/manipulation (17%). The poll also asked about awareness of or involvement in foreskin restoration, and included an open comment section. Many respondents and their wives "reported that restoration resolved the unnatural dryness of the circumcised penis, which caused abrasion, pain or [[bleeding]] during intercourse, and that restoration offered unique pleasures, which enhanced sexual intimacy."<ref name="Hammond">{{REFjournal
|last=Hammond
|init=T
|accessdate=2010-10-02
|quote=The ancient Greeks were against the practice of circumcising their males and possessing a generous foreskin was a significantly important part of their culture.
}}</ref> The [[circumcision scar]] is now completely concealed by the longer skin which relocates the scar to the inside. As the restored foreskin gets longer and extends beyond the [[glans penis]], the [[acroposthion]] is reformed.
# The presence of a foreskin and [[gliding action]] usually provides a more satisfactory [[Vagina| intra-vaginal experience]] for the female partner.
== Emotional, psychological, and psychiatric benefits ==
Foreskin restoration has been reported as having beneficial emotional results in some [[circumcised]] men.<ref name="Greer"/><ref name="Goodwin"/><ref name="Penn">{{REFjournal
|last=Penn
|first=Jack
|journal=British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|volume=16
|issue=287-8 |pages=287-8
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/restoration/penn1/
|quote=The result was satisfactory physically and the patient was completely rehabilitated psychologically.
|pubmedID=14042759
|pubmedCID=
|date=1963
|accessdate=2019-09-29
}}</ref><ref name="Boyle">{{BoyleGJ GoldmanR SvobodaJS FernandezE 2002}}</ref> Watson & Golden (2017) recommend recommended non-surgical foreskin restoration as a treatment for negative feelings in some many adult men about their involuntary infant [[circumcision]].<ref name="watson2017">{{REFjournal
|last=Watson
|first=Lindsay R.
== Regeneration of the foreskin ==
Recently [[Foreskin regeneration| there has been growing interest in regenerative medicine ]] as a means to regenerate the human male [[foreskin]]. This is a completely different process from foreskin restoration by [[tissue expansion]] as described above. This option, if successful, unlike non-surgical foreskin restoration, would result in a true human male [[foreskin ]] being regrownregenerated.
In early 2010, [[Foregen]], a non-profit organization dedicated to funding a clinical trial for the purposes of regrowing the human male foreskin, had been founded. A clinical trial had been scheduled for late 2010, but there were insufficient donations to follow through.<ref>{{REFweb
}}</ref>
[[Foreskin regeneration ]] is only theoretical as of 20232024. No foreskin has ever been regenerated. There is no assurance that foreskin regeneration would actually be successful, if attempted.
[[Foregen]] has had announced its desire to conduct trials on human volunteers in April 20232025.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://www.foregen.org/research
|title=Research
== Videos ==
==== Wayne Griffiths - Foreskin Restoration & Human Rights ====
[[R. Wayne Griffiths]], {{MS}}, co-founder of [[NORM]], discusses foreskin restoration and human rights in 2009.
 
<youtube>v=qWIyipxe2uE</youtube>
====Circumcised at 46====<youtube>v=pZ3n8CtcmRY</youtube>==== Foreskin Restoration ====
[[Ron Low]], a manufacturer of a foreskin restoration device, discussed foreskin restoration.
 
<youtube>v=7B98RAGbJkc</youtube>
====Why some men cannot orgasm after being circumcised - tight cut versus regular cut====<youtube>v=xGRpOFSrDes</youtube>
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Basics of foreskin restoration]]
* [[Epispasm]]
* [[Foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin Restoration - video]]
* [[Gliding action]]
* [[Intact Again Podcast]]
* [[Literature about foreskin restoration]]
* [[Manual tugging]]
* [[Medical literature about foreskin restoration#Articles 2|Medical articles]]
* [[Penis]]
* [[Psychological issues of male circumcision]]
* [[Restoration]]
* [[RestoringMan]]
* [[Restoring for Men]]
* [[Ridged band]]
* [[Surgical foreskin restoration]]
{{LINKS}}
* [http://www.norm.org NORM - National Organization of Restoring Men (U.S.)]
* [httphttps://www.cirp.org/pages/restore.html php CIRP Foreskin restoration for circumcised males]* {{REFnews |title=The Great Uncircumcision Debate |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-11-02_time_b.php |last=Lee-St. John |first=Jeninne |init= |author-link= |publisher=Time Magazine |website= |date=2007-11-11 |accessdate=2024-07-28 |quote=As the number of newborn American boys who get circumcised appears to be declining, the number of men uncircumcising themselves seems to be rising. }}* {{REFweb |url=http://www.savingsons.org/2009/10/foreskin-restoration.html |title=Foreskin restoration |publisher=Saving Our Sons |accessdate=2023-12-17}}
* [https://foreskinrestoration.men/ Foreskin restoration information website]
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_eBZN-MBow5XrMIN_PdM4JPU4nFqMrtp/view Benefits of Foreskin Restoration]
|accessdate=2021-06-15
}}
* {{{REFweb
|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jFXHq45OB8Jbu176xHeD6tCkW8nY23ti/view
|title=Foreskin Restoration
|DOI=10.1136/bmj.309.6955.676a
|accessdate=2019-11-26
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/foreskin_restoration/comments/zw9ejb/anyone_else_aiming_at_partial_coverage_as_their/?rdt=49190
|title=Anyone else aiming at partial coverage as their end goal ? (Post-voluntary circumcision issues)
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=REDDIT
|date=2023
|accessdate=2024-06-08
}}
* {{REFweb
|DOI=10.1002/ca.22600
|accessdate=2022-05-02
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://www.darboninstitute.org/foreskin_restoration
|title=Foreskin restoration
|last=
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=Darbon Institute
|date=
|accessdate=2024-09-12
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://foreskinned.com/pages/foreskin-restoration-frequently-asked-questions
|title=Foreskin restoration - Frequently Asked Questions
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=Foreskinned Air
|date=2024
|accessdate=2024-09-24
}}
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