A cross section view of an intact penis (“ForeGen”)
In the United States there are a shocking number of guys that have little idea of what a foreskin is and many have never seen or experienced how one works and its natural function. Many men have the belief that the glans is the most sensitive part of the penis, however this is not true!
“The most sensitive location on the circumcised penis was the circumcision scar - the transitional region from the external to the internal prepuce (inner skin) is the most sensitive region of the uncircumcised penis and more sensitive than the most sensitive region of the circumcised penis.” - results of a 2007 medical study (“Sensitivity Study”)
One of my main goals with Stealth Retainers is to help men not only restore their foreskin, but to help inform and empower men to talk about this with other people that may have no idea what they are missing, as well as helping to protect future generations. This is why we have partnered with YourWholeBaby.org and donate 10% of our profits to help fund their information spreading mission about the harms of circumcision.
“The human foreskin is a specialized [nerve dense] bi-layer tissue. If it were unfolded to lie flat, it would take up 14 square inches (90 square cm) and have a butterfly shape.” (“ForeGen”)
There are 4 main components within the foreskin:
A illustrative view of the Outer Foreskin (“ForeGen”)
Outer Skin: “An essential continuation of the shaft skin, the outer foreskin protects the glans penis, retains sexual fluids, and maintains sensitivity so it is ever-ready to respond to stimuli. It acts as a roller-gliding bearing to mitigate friction and prevent painful intercourse.” (“ForeGen”)
When the foreskin is removed during circumcision, this protective layer of skin is removed exposing the glans to the elements, causing it to build a protective (and numbing) callous that can significantly reduce penile sensitivity. The skin located below your circumcision scar is similar to the foreskin's “outer skin” and will become the new outer for your restored foreskin.
A illustrative view of the Inner Foreskin (“ForeGen”)
Inner Skin: “The inner foreskin is smooth mucosal tissue much like the inside of the mouth. Packed with nerve endings, it is designed to stimulate the glans penis. The inner foreskin detects subtle variations in pressure, temperature, stretching, and texture.” (“ForeGen”)
In an intact penis, the inner skin is the inner layer of skin that hugs the glans when the foreskin is covering the glans. The inner skin is commonly regarded as one of the most sensitive and nerve dense areas of the foreskin and is nearly entirely removed during circumcision. Usually the area above your circumcision scar up to the base of your glans is a remnant of your “inner skin.” The amount of skin remaining here greatly depends on the method of circumcision used (graphic images).
Ideally during your restoration you would want to stretch as much of the skin in this area as possible to allow it to fully cover the glans again. As you grow more skin and keep the glans covered more frequently you will notice these areas will start to become more sensitive to the touch and even change color as the skin attempts to revert back to its natural state.
A illustrative view of the Ridged Band (“ForeGen”)
Ridged Band: “An essential continuation of the shaft skin, the outer foreskin protects the glans penis, retains sexual fluids, and maintains sensitivity so it is ever-ready to respond to stimuli. It acts as a roller-gliding bearing to mitigate friction and prevent painful intercourse.” (“ForeGen”)
The ridged band is what holds the tip of the foreskin closed, and provides a slight tension around the circumference of the penis when the foreskin is retracted, causing great pleasure. As you can imagine, this structure is entirely removed during circumcision and cannot be re-grown.
Many men that are fully restored have found that the loose skin at the tip of the foreskin naturally tightens up over time, however there are a few procedures that can tighten the opening further such as the “purse string” suture. It is not recommended to get this procedure in most cases, and especially not until you have significant flaccid and erect coverage.
A illustrative view of the Frenulum (“ForeGen”)
The Frenulum: “Another primary erogenous zone of the male body, the V-shaped frenulum on the underside of the head of the penis tethers the ridged band to the glans penis and is extremely innervated. It contains vascular structures to ensure proper blood flow.” (“ForeGen”)
The super sensitive frenulum is not always fully removed during circumcision, it depends on the doctor and method used. This area is so sensitive many intact men can orgasm by just gently tapping this area. As you can see in the image, it also connects the foreskin to the glans. If removed, the frenulum cannot be restored. A restored foreskin can still function normally without a frenulum.
As you can see many of the important structures and nerve endings that were removed during circumcision are gone and cannot be restored. BUT! By stretching what remains of your inner skin, and growing enough outer skin to fully cover your glans, your body will eventually break down the protective callus and revert your glans and some areas of your skin become very sensitive again. You will also gain skin mobility for reduced friction, and have a soft continuously moist glans that produces natural lubricants during sexual activities.
If you are looking for a great scientific deep dive into the anatomy of the intact penis and all of the functions that go along with it, I highly recommend this 19min NSFW video from youtube. The Prepuce: Anatomy and Physiology of the Foreskin
There are some incredible examples comparing intact and circumcised penises on the NSFW YourWholeBaby Intact Penis Page