Foreskin restoration is a therapeutic measure undertaken by men who wish to regain a foreskin lost to circumcision. Restoration does not replace the original nerve endings removed by circumcision, nor can the original ridged band be restored, but the process does provide the appearance of a foreskin and some of its protective functions.
Even though foreskin restoration is a physical process, most of the benefits of restoration are emotional, with increased sexual enjoyment stemming from a sense of peace with one's genitalia and not from improved nerve endings. There are relatively unsuccessful surgical methods of restoring the foreskin, most employing a costly skin graft from the scrotum. Non-surgical methods are generally more successful and involve stretching remaining penile skin to cover the glans.
Stretching can be accomplished using weights, elastic, or holding the skin stretched in place. Weights can be uncomfortable if the wearer is moving or if the weights swing. Many of the devices used to hold the penile skin in place can be expensive, difficult-to-use contraptions, as well as being somewhat painful. Due to the monetary investment and potential discomfort involved in these methods, many people choose to start off with a process involving medical tape and elastic.
The most common, inexpensive, and effective method of foreskin restoration involves using t-tape with elastic. T-tape is simply two pieces of medical tape connected both to each other and wrapped around the penis to connect with itself again. The tab formed by the tape is attached to the elastic band, which is attached to another part of the body, and thereby tension is achieved. In order to maximize the effects of this method, the tape is typically applied at the point of equilibrium on the penis, which is found by experimenting with the tension of the skin on the penis. It is also important that the tape is properly fitted, which is typically done at home and measured before the tape is cut.
There are a variety of reasons a man decides to undergo foreskin restoration. The most common rational revolves around the sense that the man has been denied a part of his sexual self. In this case the man may have feelings of mutilation, violation, or severe anger surrounding his circumcision. When lack of a foreskin has become a fixation, restoring the penis to a state of perceived intactness can aid in ceasing related negative activities such as substance addiction or sexual dysfunction.
The process of foreskin restoration is highly personal, deeply emotional, and often frustrating, so there are many support groups for men who have decided to restore foreskins, providing encouragement and helping men complete foreskin restoration, as well as offering extra support when the process seems to be going slowly. For men who are so deeply affected by a circumcision, foreskin restoration and the support of other men undergoing the same feelings and procedures can be therapeutic not only on a sexual level, but also working to cure emotional wounds.
