Penis Research and Penis Enlargement - Circumcision and Foreskin Restoration

CIRCUMCISION

Alternative names

foreskin removal; excision of penile foreskin; removal of foreskin

Definition

Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Description

Circumcision of a newborn boy is usually done before he leaves the hospital. A numbing medication (local anesthesia such as Xylocaine) is injected into the penis to reduce pain. Ring-type clamps are placed around the foreskin, tightened like a tourniquet to reduce bleeding, and the foreskin is removed below the clamp. The clamp may be metal or plastic (Plastibell). The Plastibell will fall off in 5 to 8 days, after the surgical site has healed.

Circumcision of older and adolescent boys is usually done while the child is completely asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia). The foreskin is removed and stitched onto the remaining skin of the penis. Stitches that will dissolve (absorbable sutures) are used and will be absorbed within 7 to 10 days.

Indications

The common indication for circumcision is cultural or religious desire for circumcision.

Other indications (rare):

treatment for inability to pull back the foreskin completely (phimosis)
infection of the penis (balanitis).

Expectations after surgery

For both newborns and older children, circumcision is considered a very safe procedure with complete healing expected.

Convalescence

Healing time for newborns usually takes about 1 week. Apply petroleum jelly after diaper changes to protect the healing incision. Some initial swelling and yellow crust formation around the incision is normal.

Healing time for older children and adolescents may take up to 3 weeks. In most instances, the child will be discharged from the hospital on the day of the surgery. Suggestions for home care for older children include:

Avoid vigorous exercise during the healing time.
If the wound bleeds during the first 24 hours after surgery, apply pressure with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
Use ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling and pain.
Bathing and showering are usually permitted. The incision may be gently washed with mild, unscented soap.
Change the dressing at least once a day and apply an antibiotic ointment. If the dressing gets wet, change it promptly.
Use prescribed pain medicine as directed. Pain medication should not be needed longer than 4 to 7 days.

Call your pediatrician or surgeon if:

fresh bleeding occurs
the entire penis looks red and swollen
pus drains from around the incision
pain becomes severe or lasts for more than expected.

FORESKIN RESTORATION

The term foreskin restoration does not refer to the restoration of the original foreskin. It is not possible to recreate the tissue that was removed at circumcision. What is possible, however, is to expand and develop the remaining shaft skin forward, so as to restore to the penis a retractable hood of skin over the glans that will resemble a natural foreskin (albeit not 100%), will cover and protect the glans, and will provide the mechanical gliding action of a foreskin. This skin is referred to as the restored foreskin.

Non-surgical foreskin restoration is based on TWO fundamental and well-documented dermatological principles, to which the skin of the penis is no exception:

Skin is an adaptable tissue, capable of expansion and development over time, if moderate tension is applied to it regularly, over several hours at a time;

In the course of this gradual and progressive expansion process, the total number of skin cells increases, resulting in a net gain in skin, and not merely a thinning-out.

The most common example of these two basic principles at work is that of a person who gains weight: their skin increases in surface area, without becoming thinner.

It is interesting to note that foreskin restoration has a history dating back millenia, and is even mentioned in the Old Testament. However, the non-surgical methods using gradual stretching techniques have been greatly improved in approximately the last decade.