Weird question...

[earthmommy2]

Is it possible that my circ'd son could have his foreskin growing back?? I know it sounds odd...but I swear it looks like it. I am totally ok with it if its the case, just shocked!

[PlainandTall]

The phrase "foreskin grow back" is quite common... in fact some doctors might even use it... it means nothing. The human body does NOT spontaneously grow back lost anatomy- we are not starfish.

Because the foreskin is not a specific part of anatomy with a beginning and an end ... a dotted line to cut- a circumcision is not a precise operation- it's just a random removal of a section of the middle of the long sheath of skin that covers the penis. In almost all cases the specialized anatomy at the tip of the foreskin is removed, possibly the frenulum too... and where the variation happens in in the amount of the relatively homogeneous penis shaft skin left.

If the baby develops a thick pad of fat on their pubis- the body of their penis may sink into that- and the remaining sleeve of skin covering their penis may be pushed forward- up over the glans. This is not evidence of the foreskin growing- rather it's evidence of the rest of the penis retreating into it. When a boy reaches puberty and his penis grows and his body slims down- it's likely that his penis will get the typical circumcised look. Many parents wrongly assume that "not enough was taken off" and recircumcise their toddler sons- who are then left with not enough skin to cover their adult erections comfortably.

Also- be warned about the possibility that adhesions and skin bridges could form now that his glans is in contact with skin- especially if it's the scarline of the circumcision. I am not going to tell you how to avoid this- I have mixed feelings - but I will say that the regular instructions for intact children may not be applicable because your son's original adhesions were all torn during the circumcision- and the presence of scar tissue is a complicating factor. I just want to warn you that lots of parents are SHOCKED when they take their baby to the ped for a well baby- and adhesions are discovered and then immediately- before the parent can even absorb the news or react- painfully ripped apart by the Dr as the child screams and bleeds... this SHOULD NEVER happen- and if adhesions need to be treated- that needs to be a consented to procedure that has been understood and discussed and pain relief administered. Don't get surprised by that one. It happens so often.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

No it really isnt possible for it to grow back. It is possible however if he had a loose circ that the foreskin is trying to cover the glans again and making it appear that it is growing.

[earthmommy2]

Thank you for your information!! I found out actually after posting this, from a friend who came over and has an intact son, that he has what would be called a partial circ? So he does still have foreskin just not all of it. Good to know, since I was worried that I did need to be concerned of maybe some sort of sore from the circ. I feel much better, although I am still carrying sorrow in my heart for letting DH talk me into circing, especially when I felt so strongly...I was too emotional after delivery (family drama plus delivery equals mommy in a bad place.) to stand my ground.

[QueenOfTheMeadow]

Originally Posted by earthmommy2

Thank you for your information!! I found out actually after posting this, from a friend who came over and has an intact son, that he has what would be called a partial circ? So he does still have foreskin just not all of it. Good to know, since I was worried that I did need to be concerned of maybe some sort of sore from the circ. I feel much better, although I am still carrying sorrow in my heart for letting DH talk me into circing, especially when I felt so strongly...I was too emotional after delivery (family drama plus delivery equals mommy in a bad place.) to stand my ground.

It is so hard to be firm when you are so depleted from birth and drama. There are a lot of women on here who have had a similar experience. There is a whole thread dedicated to regretting circuncising their sons. And many have gone on not to circ other sons. So now that you know, you can be stronger earlier and not have to make that decision right after you give birth.

[earthmommy2]

Originally Posted by QueenOfTheMeadow

It is so hard to be firm when you are so depleted from birth and drama. There are a lot of women on here who have had a similar experience. There is a whole thread dedicated to regretting circuncising their sons. And many have gone on not to circ other sons. So now that you know, you can be stronger earlier and not have to make that decision right after you give birth.

Thank you so much for your words. It was a horrible affair and imo took from the joy of the day...While we think we are done, I told my DH absolutely no way in the world I would let anything get me like that and DEF no circ!!!