Skin Back

Dear Doctor Dear
By Doctor Dear (Obviously)

I think my father got it wrong when he had me circumcised – I couldn’t tell him this then (I was only six when I was cut), and I can’t tell him this now (he’s too old to be worrying about things like this, methinks), but the error of what he did is what I continue to believe, anyway.  I was deprived of, first and foremost, the decision to do what I want to with my body; and, subsequently, the joys that I, perhaps, could have had I not been circumcised.
Now I’m considering if going back to the olden times (pre-circumcision, for me) is possible.

RAPHAEL Q.
Naga City

The uncut guy I had sex with said that whatever he does with his dick, simply feels good, even great.  I know how good the dick can make any man feel, but, in all honesty, I do not have an inkling what he was talking about – for as long as I can remember, I have always been cut.
Is there any way for me to experience what he says he is experiencing?

J. CASAMAYOR
Kidapawan City

When I was circumcised, it was done the traditional way – my penis on a chopping block, and this albularyo, hand somewhat shaking from old age, pulling the skin, then – WHOOP! – the skin’s gone.  I have always felt lucky nothing bad happened to my penis; I mean, it was just the skin that was cut, considering I know of others whose penises were accidentally partially, if not largely, cut, too.  But that feeling of luck is tinged by this feeling of loss.  I lost a part of me.
Is there a way to feel – even if only to feel – whole again?

MICHAELANGELO N.M.
Makati City

Foreskin restoration.

That’s what we’re talking about.

Any “method recreating a facsimile of a foreskin (prepuce) to cover the head of the penis (the glans) for men who have lost their original foreskin due to circumcision,” according to CIRP.org in Foreskin Restoration for Circumcised Men.  “This can be done either by surgical means, or non-surgically, by gradual stretching (tissue expansion).”

Restoration isn’t exactly accurate, though, simply because you cannot restore what I not there anymore (ever wonder where all those cut foreskin went?).  A more accurate term may be FORESKIN RECONSTRUCTION, because with these processes, you simply re-make a “new” one (a pretend foreskin, actually), and, sans the original nerve ending, et cetera cut away from you with the circumcision, you can never get the feel, if you may, of those whose penises were never cut in the first place.

Anyway, you get the point.

Now how this is done.

On the one hand, surgically, “skin (can be grafted) onto the penis, either from the penis itself or from elsewhere on the body, to reconstruct something that looks and functions like a foreskin,” CIRP.org noted, adding: “Surgical reconstruction can be expensive and painful (and) numerous complications have been reported (even if) some men have reported satisfaction with it.”  Thus, “non-surgical restoration is generally considered safer and to give superior results as compared to a surgical procedure.”

Quick question on why this is the case (going surgical having more cons than pros)?  Arguably because “consulting a physician about foreskin restoration is likely to be helpful, for instance, if your physician knows about and understands tissue expansion.  However, most physicians receive no training about foreskin restoration, and many may never have heard of it.  There is almost nothing published in the medical literature on the subject, (so) it is likely that many physicians will be unable to help you, may discourage you, and may in fact give bad advice.  Your mileage may vary.”

Therefore, with on this one, while “it seems prudent to suggest that one should consult with a physician before undertaking any such procedure,” consultation becomes a must for men “with preexisting skin conditions, skin allergies, diabetes, open sores, et cetera (to) consult with a physician beforehand,” CIRP.org states.

Thus, too – and on the other hand – going non-surgical may be preferred.  Here, the emphasis is on tissue expansion, already something used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists to cause the skin to expand (some say grow). 

“The principle of tissue expansion is to maintain constant, safe, gentle tension on skin tissue, resulting in growth of new skin cells.  This is often done in advance of restorative surgery by implanting balloons under the skin, which are inflated to stretch the skin and cause it to grow over a period of time.  Because new cells are created, the increase in the quantity of skin is permanent.  It does not shrink or snap back like a rubber band,” CIRP.org states.

Think of how the body accommodates breast implants (they sag, too, don’t they?), and you get the point.

To tug (tugging is the term used by practitioners), “tape and weights, elastic straps, a traction device, or even manual stretching can be used to exert a gentle outward tension on the shaft of the penis to induce the skin to grow, to make the most of what was left after the circumcision.”  Without recommending any one gadget/instrument/equipment/et cetera in particular, though, the best way to go about this is to ask around as there are already many who did this, and are willing to share their stories to like-minded men.  Having stated this, foreskin restoration can, obviously, take time, so only those really, really interested (or really, really monied, for those going surgical) succeed on this.

Those who had their foreskins reconstructed reported such benefits as: return of the “gliding action” of the penis (now seeming like a rocket, considering the sheathed shape it takes); reduction of chafing during sexual encounter (with the foreskin providing the needed protection); and increased sensitivity (the glans bared by circumcision becomes “thicker,” so is no longer very sensitive – something those with foreskin can get back, supposedly).

Yes, this doesn’t exactly deal with your issues with your father on his getting you cut (he probably doesn’t know any better, he was just cut by his father, himself) – that’s something you have to discuss with your psychiatrist (if not with your father, himself).  Or with the veracity of the claims of those who had their foreskins reconstructed – that’s for you to experience, if/when you decide to follow suit.  Or serve as a medical advice on what methodology/ies to best use to get that foreskin back – again, see your doctor, or those who already reclaimed their foreskins.