Believe it or not, it is possible to deal with a short stature through surgery. This only means that you can choose to undergo the knife if you are unhappy with your height, just as if you are not proud of your nose, lips, or eyes. The name of the procedure is limb lengthening surgery.
Also, sometimes referred to as leg lengthening surgery, it is a type of invasive medical procedure that is designed to make the leg bones longer, thus causing a height increase.
What makes limb lengthening surgery so enticing is that it can make a person grow in height considerably. For instance, some of those who underwent it are now about three inches taller.
Also, the height increase that this surgery can produce is the permanent kind. You can enjoy your new height until the day that you stop breathing.
However, just because limb lengthening surgery can change yourlife doesn’t mean that it is the perfect solution to your problem with your height.It can certainly make you a taller person, which is its main benefit. However,limb lengthening surgery also comes with a few disadvantages.
For instance, it doesn’t come with a cheap price tag. Later on in this article, we will mention how much you will have to pay to go through it. So don’t stop reading now if you are interested in going through limb lengthening surgery.
But here’s a preview: undergoing limb lengthening is like buying a high-end Tesla car! Another downside to having the procedure is that it can be very painful. It can also take several months before you heal from it.
Despite the cons mentioned above, are you still considering payingfor limb lengthening surgery? Then read on. Below you will come across some ofthe most important matters that you need to know about it. They include how itis performed, how much it costs, and what are its side effects as well ascomplications.
Once you get to the end of this article, don’t forget to sharethis on social media. This is especially true if you have family and friendswho are unhappy with their height, and they are looking for solutions to theirproblem.
A Brief History of the Procedure
Limb lengthening surgery has been around for a long time already. Do not assume that this is a relatively new procedure that can help short people to reach new heights, literally.
The surgical procedure for making the bones of the legs longer was invented right after World War II. It’s by a Russian orthopedic surgeon named Gavriil Ilizarov.
He thought about developing limb lengthening surgery back in 1954. This was when he was treating soldiers who fought during World War II and were suffering from broken bones.
Gavriil Ilizarov noticed that bones could grow new tissue in gaps created by fractures due to trauma or accidents. He also realized that the same happened when the gaps were created artificially, such as by means of surgery.
This is how he came up with limb lengthening surgery, as well as the device that is necessary to carry out the procedure. The said device is referred to as the external fixator.
Doctors of today also refer to it as the Ilizarov fixator or the Ilizarov frame. Yes, the device he invented for limb lengthening surgery is still being used these days.
Other than the external fixator that Gavriil Ilizarov invented,the limb lengthening surgery that he developed pretty much remains the same.So, in other words, if you choose to undergo limb lengthening surgery, your surgeonwill perform a procedure that first came into being right after World War II.
In a few, we will discuss how surgeons perform limb lengtheningsurgery. Keep on reading if you want to know what will happen on the operatingtable should you choose to undergo it.
Who Can Benefit From It
Based on the brief history of limb lengthening surgery discussed above,it is clear that it was not primarily meant to make short people grow taller.First and foremost, it was intended to help World War II soldiers recover fromfractures.
However, the time came when limb lengthening surgery that Gavriil Ilizarov developed was also being used to help kids and teens with problems with their limbs. No, it is not intended for those who are having problems with their growth spurts. Rather, it is for those who have congenital defects of the limbs.
When we say congenital defects, these are problems that are present at birth. Limb lengthening surgery, in other words, is being used to deal with congenital defects that are affecting the ability of kids and teens to walk. It is also for improving the appearance of their limbs.
Limb lengthening surgery may also be done on kids and teens withpolio. Those who incurred growth plate injuries that affected the normal growthand development of the legs may go through it as well.
These days, however, adults who wish to add a few inches to their height may benefit from undergoing limb lengthening surgery, too.
That is if they have the money for it, and also the guts to put up with the pain as well as possible risks and complications. Needless to say, the procedure is not for every adult who is unhappy with his or her height.
If you can afford it and you are willing to go through somesacrifices, then limb lengthening surgery may be right for you. Keep on readingto learn more about it before you look for a surgeon who can perform it.
Reasons to Consider Undergoing the Knife
Are you thinking about having limb lengthening surgery? It may be because you are frustrated that none of the things that you have tried to make yourself grow taller were able to give you the height of your dreams.
Some of them may have made you taller, but only for a while. For instance, the use of elevator shoes or height increasing insoles can only make you a tall person only while you are wearing them. Once you remove them, you are back to being short.
Undergoing limb lengthening surgery may also be on your mind because you want to grow taller faster. Surgeons who can carry out the procedure say that a patient can grow a little over three inches in height in just three months.
Compared to other solutions, limb lengthening surgery can yield results quickly as well as dramatically.
On the other hand, some solutions that are available for short people may take years before they bear fruits. A few examples include eating foods that are rich in calcium, engaging in certain types of sports, and taking supplements that are for increasing the height.
They may not yield the same results for all of those who give them a try. That’s because the body of one person may react differently to them from the body of another person.
Limb lengthening surgery may be the right solution for your heightproblem if you have tried everything, but you were not pleased with theoutcome. It may also suit you if your short stature is causing you seriousproblems with your self-confidence, dating life, and also career.
But then again, you should have the budget for such an expensive medical procedure. It is also a must that you are willing to subject your body to it. This is most especially true for your legs.
That’s because it is not as easy as injecting fillers in the lips, cheeks, or chin in order to improve the appearance. Let’s now talk about what happens on the operating table when someone is going through limb lengthening surgery.
How Limb Lengthening Surgery is Done
Most of the time, limb lengthening surgery is done in order to deal with congenital defects in kids. Such is to allow them to be able to walk with the help of crutches.
As a result, they can be saved from being trapped in their wheelchairs or beds. The surgery is also being performed on adults after being in accidents that had resulted in leg fractures.
Currently, some surgeons carry out limb lengthening surgery forpatients who are not happy with their height. No matter the reason forundergoing the knife, the procedure remains the same from start to finish.
To perform limb lengthening surgery, first, the legs will be fitted with an external fixator. The role of this appliance is to make sure that the leg bones will remain stabilized as well as aligned after they are broken by means of surgery.
Further, an external fixator is the one that makes it possible for the leg bones that are pulled apart to stay in place as new bone tissue grows and solidifies in the gap.
Once an external fixator is put in place, the surgeon who is performing limb lengthening surgery will use special tools to break the leg bones. Sometimes the femur, which is the bone of the upper leg, is the one that is broken.
There are instances in which the one that is broken is the tibia, which is the larger of the two bones of the lower leg. In some cases, both the femur and tibia are broken at the same time.
A small piece of metal apparatus will be driven into the gap between the bones. Per day, the external fixator is adjusted to widen the gap by one millimeter.
It is of utmost importance to separate the bones by exactly one millimeter per day. Otherwise, problems may come into being. If the gap created is shorter than one millimeter per day, the desired lengthening of the bone may not take place.
Such is due to rapid bone tissue formation. On the other hand, creating a gap that is wider than one millimeter per day may cause the leg bones to collapse. This may also cause the leg muscles to contract.
Such is because new bone tissue may fail to properly grow and harden. In other words, limb lengthening surgery is precise as well as a slow process.
What Happens After the Procedure
Being on the operating table in order to go through limblengthening surgery is just half the battle. Many things take place immediatelyafter the surgery, too. They can last for several weeks or a few months.
For the next two days after limb lengthening surgery, severe pain can be expected by the patient. It is for this reason exactly why local anesthetic agents will be administered to help deal with the pain after surgery.
Most patients, after this period, will be provided with painkilling drugs that are taken orally. They will usually have to keep on taking them even after being discharged from the hospital. This is because the pain can be expected to intensify at night as well as during physical therapy.
Speaking of which, someone who underwent limb lengthening surgery will have to go through regular physical therapy. This is important as it helps the patient to recover faster from the surgical procedure.
Physical therapy also teaches the patient how to use crutches the right way. It instructs the person how to walk unassisted by crutches, too. This is particularly true after the surgeon says that it is time to stop the use of crutches.
Going through regular therapy is needed, while the desired height is not yet achieved. The gap in the bone will have to be increased by one millimeter by adjusting the external fixator.
Generally, it can take about three months to increase the length of the leg bones by eight centimeters or a little over three inches. After this period, it may take two more months for the person to be able to walk without the use of crutches.
As you can see, increasing your height by means of limb lengtheningsurgery is not a simple process. It requires constant communication with yoursurgeon and also undergoing physical therapy.
Side Effects and Complications
Because of the number of inches that it can add to a person’sheight, going through limb lengthening surgery can be very tempting. It seemslike it is the answer to the prayers of someone who believes that being shortis getting in the way of having a wonderful dating life and a lot of success.
Unfortunately, limb lengthening surgery is not a perfect solution.No, it’s not because it can keep you from having the height of your dreams.It’s because the procedure is known to have various side effects andcomplications, too.
Severe pain is one of the main side effects of going through limb lengthening surgery. This is why earlier in this article, we mentioned that for the first few days, local anesthetics would have to be injected into the surgical site.
Then they will be replaced by oral painkilling drugs. They will have to be taken by the person for an indefinite period. We also mentioned earlier that the pain tends to worsen during bedtime as well as while having physical therapy.
Just like any other form of surgery, the formation of scars is also a common side effect. Scars tend to appear not only because of the incision made by the surgeon, but also the external fixator used.
The good news is that limb lengthening surgery of today involves the use of instruments that help to reduce scarring.
Other than the side effects, there are some complications that may take place, too. The risk of them happening is present no matter the surgical procedure. In the case of limb lengthening surgery, some of the problems that may arise usually have something to do with the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles.
It is also possible for the legs to become deformed. The incision site may become infected, too, which is something that can cause a local infection. This may become a systemic infection if it is not put under control right away.
Amount of Money That Needs to be Shelled Out
You can think of limb lengthening surgery as some form of plasticsurgery. That’s because it helps to improve your appearance. As a result, ithelps to boost your self-confidence and make a lot of opportunities to comeyour way.
However, limb lengthening surgery is not as easy on the pocket as liposuction, tummy tuck, nose job, or breast augmentation. These days, a lip implant can cost $2,000. A facelift, on the other hand, can cost up to $12,000.
Limb lengthening surgery is several times more expensive than any plastic surgery that you can think of. If you want to have the procedure in order to be a taller person, then you have to be ready to spend up to $100,000!
Yes, limb lengthening surgery can be a very expensive solution to your height problem. It doesn’t really come as a big surprise since it is a very complicated surgical procedure.
What’s more, not a lot of surgeons on the face of the planet are performing it. With so many people who wish to grow taller and with so very few orthopedic surgeons that can make their dreams come true, limb lengthening surgery doesn’t come cheap.
Because the goal of going through the limb lengthening procedureis to enhance the appearance and not to improve one’s
physical functioning, insurance companies rarely pay for it. Thisis why you have no choice but to pay for limb lengthening surgery using money thatcomes straight from your pocket.
In a nutshell, many things can get in the way of going through limb lengthening surgery. There are more concerns than just looking for a reliable surgeon who performs it, going through severe pain for weeks, undergoing physical therapy, and praying that complications may not happen.
You will also need to accept the fact that you should be able to afford the steep price tag that limb lengthening surgery comes with.
Before You Undergo the Procedure
Limb lengthening surgery can certainly make you grow taller. However, some downsides come with this medical procedure for adding inches to the height.
Make sure that you carefully weigh the pros and cons before you decide whether it’s the best solution for your height problem or something else.
What’s Next?
If you are looking for my story and want to know how I got taller, I recommend checking the my article:
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FAQs
Does height lengthening surgery have side effects? ›
Are there risks associated with limb lengthening? Dr. Kasser: There are some serious risks. Limb lengthening puts patients at risk of nerve damage, muscle damage, joint contracture, dislocations, and arthritis.
Is height increasing surgery safe? ›In my experience, limb lengthening surgery is a safe procedure with a very low risk of complications.
Is height surgery expensive? ›People looking to gain up to six inches of height are able to seek elective cosmetic height surgery—a procedure that has seen a rise in popularity. According to recent news reports, one patient paid over $90,000 for the surgery, which increased his height from 5 '9 to 6 '0.
What happens when you get surgery to be taller? ›The reconstructive surgeon performs a surgical osteomy (breaks) on the femur and/or tibia through small incisions in the affected leg. A magnetic lengthening rod and pins are inserted into the bone which allows the leg to have controlled lengthening over a period of time.
What are the dangers of height lengthening? ›...
Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:
- Allergic reaction to medicines.
- Breathing problems.
- Bleeding, blood clot, or infection.
The lengthening itself is not painful for most patients, though your child's muscles may feel sore or tight. Physical therapy or occupational therapy (depending on your child's age) will help stretch the tissues in the limb and maintain mobility of your child's joints.
Can you run after height surgery? ›Regardless of the technique, for most patients, it takes six to nine months from the time of surgery to the time you are back to running and jumping.
At what age can you do height surgery? ›Limb lengthening surgery can be done safely and effectively in both children and adults–including those in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s.
What is the safest height surgery? ›The total recommended lengthening is 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in the thigh bone (femur). Lengthening more than 3 inches in one bone is associated with higher complication rates, and our doctors put patient safety first.
How much is height surgery in us? ›The consultation fee will be applied towards the total cost of a bilateral femur lengthening which is $100,000. This includes the cost of two lengthening devices, the surgical procedure, a two-night hospital stay, two weeks of physical therapy after surgery, and all post-operative appointments.
How much does limb lengthening surgery cost for 5 inches? ›
Cost of Limb Lengthening in India
8.5 lakhs. In metro cities of India, the cost can range from Rs. 4.95 lakhs to Rs. 6.11 lakhs if done at a private hospital.
What is the recovery time for limb lengthening surgery? The initial recovery in the hospital takes about three days. Full recovery from limb lengthening takes several months. During this time, you will gradually do more activity and gain more strength.
How to be taller naturally? ›What can I do to become taller? Taking good care of yourself — eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest — is the best way to stay healthy and help your body reach its natural potential. There's no magic pill for increasing height. In fact, your genes are the major determinant of how tall you'll be.
How to gain height naturally? ›- Eat a balanced diet. During your growing years, it's crucial that you get all of the nutrients your body needs. ...
- Use supplements with caution. ...
- Get the right amount of sleep. ...
- Stay active. ...
- Practice good posture. ...
- Use yoga to maximize your height.
Summary: For most people, height will not increase after age 18 to 20 due to the closure of the growth plates in bones. Compression and decompression of the discs in your spine lead to small changes in height throughout the day.
Can I increase height after 25? ›While leading a healthy lifestyle can support growth, there is not much that a fully grown adult can do to increase their height. About 80% of a person's height depends on their genetics. After a person has reached adulthood, most tricks to increase height — such as good nutrition — will not work.
Can I still play sports after limb lengthening? ›Patients who had undergone bilateral cosmetic tibial lengthening may expect almost full recovery of daily and light sports activities at post-operativetwo years. However, several patients may feel some limitation in moderate-to-strenuous sports activities.
Will you be weak after leg lengthening surgery? ›Conclusions: This study suggests that there is a small residual decrease in muscle strength and power after limb-lengthening surgery but that these do not adversely impact on a patients' ability to perform everyday functional activities.
What height surgery is FDA approved? ›LimbplastX utilizes the FDA-approved Nuvasive® PRECICE Intramedullary Nail System for cosmetic limb-lengthening height surgery, which is the most advanced system available in the world.
How many inches is height surgery? ›Leg-lengthening surgery is available in more than a dozen countries, with some patients able to increase their height by up to five inches (13cm).
Can you get plastic surgery for height? ›
Though it's a serious surgery, it can usually be achieved with one one-inch incision and three 1/2-inch incisions for femur lengthening. Tibial lengthening, which must be done later if the patient wants to grow up to six inches taller, requires two additional small incisions to implant the device.
Which country is cheapest for height surgery? ›Turkey is one of the top countries for surgery destinations in the world. Given the same level of technology and services, limb lengthening surgery in Turkey is 90% less expensive than in other nations. A growing number of tourists head to Turkey each year for health care and treatment.
What age do girls stop growing? ›At what age do girls stop growing? Girls tend to have a major growth spurt between the ages of 10 and 14. Most will have reached their adult height by the time they are 14 or 15 years old. This major growth spurt happens during the phase of physical and psychosocial development known as puberty.
What is normal leg length? ›Occasionally, some shops will describe the leg length as 'Short', 'Regular', and 'Long' instead of specifying exact leg length. In most cases, a 'Regular' is around 32 inches. A 'Short' leg length is around 30 inches and a 'Long' leg length will be 34 inches.
How to have model legs? ›- High Knees. Do 20 on each side, and get your knees as high as possible. ...
- Butt Kicks. Do 10 for each leg. ...
- Side Hop. Do 8 hops on each side, and go as far as you can. ...
- Squat Jumps. Do 8 reps. ...
- Mountain Climbers. Do 8 reps. ...
- Lunge Jumps. Do 8 lunge jumps on each side.
The majority opt for the standard three inches, which can be expected if you get only your femurs done—a process that takes about a year—but six inches is possible if doctors later do your tibias as well. You then have to get the nails surgically removed, which costs an additional $14,000 to $20,000.
Is leg lengthening covered by insurance? ›If the leg-lengthening procedure is medically necessary for you or your child, your health insurance may cover most or part of your expenses. This will depend on the type of coverage you have. You'll also need several physical therapy sessions a week after you finish your surgery.
Does limb lengthening worth it? ›Limb lengthening is not a new procedure, but its use for cosmetic reasons remains as controversial as ever. The operation carries an element of risk and should be offered only when necessary, such as to patients with unequal limb lengths, said Dhananjay Gupta, a member of the Delhi Orthopaedic Association.
How can I get 6 inches taller? ›- Eat A Healthy Breakfast. A healthy breakfast plays an essential role in maintaining proper growth and development of your body. ...
- Avoid Growth-stunting Factors. ...
- Get Plenty Of Sleep. ...
- Eat Right Foods. ...
- Increase Your Immunity. ...
- Exercise Your Body. ...
- Practice Good Posture. ...
- Small And Frequent Meals.
- Exercise. According to research, bones adapt to mechanical load and become stronger. ...
- Get 7-8 Hours Sleep. ...
- Improve Body Posture. ...
- Have a Balanced Diet. ...
- Drink Plenty of Water. ...
- Take Vitamin D. ...
- Hanging. ...
- Cycling.
How do you reopen growth plates? ›
Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing and high-intensity activities like running, jumping, and strength training, can stimulate bone remodeling and increase bone density, which can help people grow taller.
Can I grow taller after 21? ›Although a few people may continue growing even in their early 20s, most adults cannot increase their height after age 21 if their growth plates close.
What age do boys stop growing? ›Changes in Boys
The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls. By age 16, most boys have stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.
Although minor problems may occur with pins and stiffening in the joints, serious complications from limb lengthening surgery are rare.
What is the complication rate of leg lengthening? ›Ninety-eight complications categorized as serious or severe occurred, for a total major complication rate of 72%. The percentage of major complications began to drop after 30 lengthenings to a current rate of 25%.
How long does it take to recover from height lengthening surgery? ›What is the recovery time for limb lengthening surgery? The initial recovery in the hospital takes about three days. Full recovery from limb lengthening takes several months. During this time, you will gradually do more activity and gain more strength.
How long does leg lengthening surgery last? ›In a typical case of a 5-cm (2-inch) lengthening, it will take about 2 months to achieve the length but an additional 2 to 3 months for the new bone to solidify. In this example, the lengthening device would stay in place for at least 4 to 5 months.
Can I run after leg surgery? ›Once the healing process is complete and the patient has regained sufficient strength and mobility, they can gradually return to running. It's important to start with low-impact activities such as walking or using an elliptical trainer before transitioning to running.
How many inches is safe to leg lengthening surgery? ›The total recommended lengthening is 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in the thigh bone (femur). Lengthening more than 3 inches in one bone is associated with higher complication rates, and our doctors put patient safety first.
What is the success rate of leg lengthening? ›Bone lengthening is completely successful about four out of 10 times.
What are the benefits of leg lengthening surgery? ›
...
Benefits of Limb Lengthening
- Height proportion.
- Balanced gait and walk.
- Psychological impact.
- Physical impact.
The first sign of a nerve problem is called referred pain. This is pain in the foot or hand that occurs during the lengthening phase (when the fixator is adjusted to slowly stretch the bone). The pain is often in the top of the foot or hand, or in a location where there are no pin sites.