How many inches can I grow with limb lengthening?

An important question for those who want to have lengthening surgery is, of course, "How many inches can I grow with limb lengthening". Naturally, patients want to know the limits of the procedure. Before explaining all of these, first, we want to talk about the golden ratio and its importance. 

The golden ratio is a natural mathematical marvel. The golden ratio can be found in flower petals, shells, and honeycombs. Many people believe that the closer a man's waist to shoulder ratio is to 1:1.6, the closer he is to perfect proportions. 

In reality, the ideal body proportions are determined by the average proportions of the population and what most people find attractive. If you decide to grow with limb lengthening you should know what are the arm and leg Golden Ratios. Arm-to-body, leg-to-body, and intra-limb (upper-to-lower bone in the same limb) ratios can be used to determine this. 

What does the Wingspan-to-Height (Arm-to-Body) Ratio mean? 

The arm-to-body ratio (ABR) is one method for determining if your body is proportional. The distance between the fingertips of both outstretched hands is used to calculate the wingspan. 

Arm length, on the other hand, is measured from the ball of the shoulder to the wrist. The ABR is more accurate than the wingspan-to-height ratio because it is calculated by dividing arm length by height. 

What Is a Leg-to-Body Ratio? 

LBR has a much larger influence on attractiveness than ABR. Legs that are 5% longer than average are thought to be the most attractive by both men and women. LBR considers men with slightly longer torsos and shorter legs to be more attractive. 

Are Ratio and Proportion Preferences Universal? 

No. Preferences for these ratios differ due to differences in average ABR and LBR across geographical and ethnic groups. Legs and arms that are closer to the average are considered more attractive, while those that differ greatly are considered unattractive.

There are also opposing viewpoints, such as the Himba in Namibia. In this population, women with lower LBRs are viewed as more desirable. Men, on the other hand, are preferred if their LBRs exceed the national average.

Are Femur-Tibia Proportions Important? 

On its own, the femur-to-tibia ratio has no discernible effect on attractiveness. Both the upper and lower arm bone ratios affect how a man is perceived when they are altered. 

The average femur-tibia ratio is 0.743, and heterosexual women appear to prefer men with legs that are close to this average. However, in the long run, the leg-to-body ratio has a far greater influence on attractiveness. 

How Do Femur and Tibia Ratios Affect Limb Lengthening? 

Because it is less complicated, femur lengthening is generally a safer option for leg lengthening surgery than tibial lengthening. Different surgeons will use different methods to decide which bones to extend. Keep in mind that surgeons can only safely lengthen the tibia up to 5 cm, whereas the femur can be safely lengthened up to 8-10 cm. 

Limb lengthening surgery is almost always successful and can improve your body's balance and proportion. Even if your femur has already been lengthened, you may be bothered if your legs appear disproportionate. Whether you're considering tibial lengthening or simply height surgery, you can have the body you want.

Before deciding to undergo limb lengthening surgery, it is critical to have rational and reasonable expectations of the procedure's limits and limitations. The surgery cannot make someone a foot taller, but it can increase their height by more than half, depending on the surgical plan chosen. 

We'll go over the maximum height increase or lengthening from each surgical option, as well as whether the surgery is a cure-all for height dysphoria (dissatisfaction with one's height).

 

Does limb Lengthening make you disproportionate? 

There is no absolute limit to how tall you can grow, but most doctors will only allow a maximum height increase of 6.3 inches over multiple surgeries. Depending on the bone that is operated on, you will typically gain 2-3.25 inches of height with a single surgery. You can also use our free online consultation service to learn about the limitations of lengthening surgery and the reasons for these barriers and can find much more in the leg lengthening surgery forum and blog page. 

Limb Lengthening Types

The difference between height surgery types is determined by which bone is lengthened - the femur or thigh bone or the tibia or calf bone. 

Only Femur or Tibia Extension 

These procedures involve either the femur or the tibia being lengthened, but not both. You can gain up to 3.25 inches of height in about a year with femur lengthening, and 2 inches with tibia lengthening. 

Despite the fact that the height gained is roughly half that of the combined femur and tibia option, having surgery on one segment is less expensive and has a faster recovery time. If everything goes as planned, you should be fully recovered 3-4 months after the lengthening procedure. 

Tibia Lengthening Following Femoral Lengthening 

Despite the fact that the total time for this surgery, including recovery, can be up to 4 years, you can gain up to 5.25 inches. There is a one-year gap between the femur surgery and the tibia lengthening, followed by a one-year recovery period. 

This is a longer process, but it allows the femur to reach its full potential because the tibia is lengthened later. 

Femur and Tibia Lengthening Combined 

You can gain up to 4 inches if you have a single combined femur and tibia lengthening procedure. You can, however, opt for a second procedure. Our doctor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Öç,  recommends patients to wait minimum of 6 months after the first surgery for their second one. The reason for this is that patient's bone union should be completed and the patient should be able to weight bear fully.

Because both sets of bone heal simultaneously, the recovery time is shorter than if the femur and tibia were lengthened separately. 

Why does Limb Lengthening Surgery have a limit? 

Because soft tissues and muscles cannot calcify and heal like bone, limb lengthening surgery has a limit. Tightness of the tissues is a common complication during this process. Physical therapy is an effective method of reducing tightness and maintaining mobility, but it has limitations. 

As one's length or height increases, so does the risk of complications. A 5 cm growth in one joint is deemed safe, 5-8 cm is risky, and anything more than that is not advised. That's why blending tibia and femur surgery to raise the height by 10 cm is far better than standard lengthening the femur.

Is there a minimum height requirement for leg lengthening? 

There is no height requirement for leg lengthening! The Wanna Be Taller Team believes that the patient's perception of themselves determines whether or not they require this surgery. According to a study that looked at the relationship between height and height dysphoria (also known as height neurosis). Because there are patients at both ends of the spectrum, you don't have to be objectively short to suffer from height dysphoria. 

A Danish person may feel short in the height range in which another person from another country may feel too tall and thus dissatisfied with himself. It varies depending on the culture where such a person lives and themselves. 

Height Restrictions for Limb Lengthening Surgery 

Limb Lengthening Surgery should be regarded as a cosmetic procedure. It can definitely enhance confidence and relieve mental health in so many clients, but, as with cosmetic procedures, not every procedure is successful in making the patient feel better about themselves. 

While limb lengthening surgery is a huge success, maintaining a level head, understanding your motivations, and approaching it pragmatically is critical. Do your research and don't be afraid to talk to our doctor about your intentions or the operation itself. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

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