Why Do People Prefer to Limb-Lengthening Surgery?

Why do people prefer to limb-lengthening surgery? Discover the Motivations Behind Aesthetic, Psychological, Medical, Sports and Career Reasons, Along with the Details of the Surgery Process.

 

1.Overview of Limb-Lengthening Surgery

Height increase surgery also known as limb-lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure performed to increase leg length for aesthetic or medical reasons. This procedure involves the technique of "distraction osteogenesis," where bones are gradually lengthened in a controlled manner.

During the surgery the bone in the leg or arm that will be lengthened is first cut transversely through a surgical operation. The two ends of the cut bone are slowly moved apart. In this stage the gap between the bones is gradually widened daily and the body fills this gap with new bone tissue. This process continues until the bone reaches the desired length.

In the past height increase surgeries were used to treat congenital deformities such as one leg being shorter than the other, trauma, or dwarfism. However, in recent years with the advancement of medical treatment methods, this surgery has also been preferred for aesthetic concerns. Particularly among men height increase surgeries are becoming more popular due to aesthetic concerns and lack of self-confidence.

Limb-lengthening surgery is a significant surgical procedure preferred for both aesthetic and medical purposes. These surgeries are increasingly being performed not only because of advancing medical techniques but also due to the growing importance people place on their physical appearance. While short stature is not considered a disease in the absence of an underlying cause, it can lead to psychological and functional limitations. It can negatively impact many aspects of a person's life, including career opportunities and success, interpersonal attraction and mate selection.

 

2. Aesthetic and Psychological Reasons

Limb-lengthening surgery  can be chosen due to concerns about physical appearance and its psychological effects. Short stature can lead to self-confidence issues both in social life and personal relationships. This section will address the psychological effects of short stature and the motivations of those who limb-lengthening surgery due to aesthetic concerns.

Psychological Effects of Short Stature and Self-Confidence Issues

Short stature can lead to psychosocial problems and self-confidence issues for many individuals. In modern societies where physical appearance holds significant value, short individuals may face various challenges from childhood to adolescence. A study assessing the psychosocial functioning of short individuals found that these individuals experience significantly lower self-confidence compared to their taller peers. For more detailed information on this topic, you can refer to the study by Kranzler et al. (2000), "Is short stature a handicap? A comparison of the psychosocial functioning of referred and nonreferred children with normal short stature and children with normal stature."

 

Research also shows a significant relationship between height and self-esteem. Especially as height decreases, a decline in a person's self-confidence can be observed. Booth's (1990) study examined the relationship between height and self-esteem and how this relationship affects self-consciousness. The results revealed a non-linear relationship between height and self-esteem with self-consciousness being a critical mediating factor. According to this study a significant reason for the lack of self-confidence in short individuals is the societal pressure on physical appearance. For more information you can look at Booth's study: "The Relationship between Height and Self-Esteem and the Mediating Effect of Self-Consciousness."

 

Research by Gillis and Avis (1980) found that the norm that men should be taller than women is a significant factor in mate selection. The study showed that among married couples, the probability of women being taller than their husbands was 1 in 720. This increases the likelihood of self-confidence problems in short men. For more information you can examine “The Male-Taller Norm in Mate Selection.”

Those Limb-Lengthening Surgery Due to Aesthetic Concerns

Discontent with appearance is one of the significant reasons for choosing limb-lengthening surgery. Short individuals may perceive themselves as physically inadequate or not accepted by society. Social media and popular culture create an idealized body image, leading to intense discontent in short individuals.

Limb-lengthening surgery is seen as a solution for those who are dissatisfied with their appearance and want to improve their social status, self-confidence or quality of life. The desire for self-confidence and social acceptance plays an important role in choosing such cosmetic surgeries. However, it is crucial to seek professional advice at this stage. The source of dissatisfaction may be due to a condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is a psychological disorder characterized by an abnormal over-perception of physical defects. When considering limb-lengthening surgery it is essential to consider the psychological and aesthetic motivations of the person and make a decision accordingly.

 

3. Health Reasons

Limb-lengthening surgery  is also a surgical procedure preferred to solve serious health problems in addition to aesthetic concerns. In some cases short stature can lead to health issues and surgery may be considered a treatment option. Here are the health reasons for choosing limb-lengthening surgery:

Possible Health Effects of Being Short

Height increase surgery is a surgical procedure preferred not only for aesthetic concerns but also to solve serious health problems. In some cases short stature can lead to health issues and in such cases, surgery can be considered a treatment option. Here are the health reasons for choosing height increase surgery.

- Leg Length Inequality: In short individuals one leg may be shorter than the other, causing uneven load distribution on the legs. Over time this can lead to wear and tear in the knee and hip joints resulting in pain.

- Postural Problems: Short stature can cause posture problems and spine health issues, leading to limited movement and pain.

- Genetic Disorders: Limb-lengthening surgery is often used to treat genetic disorders like achondroplasia that cause dwarfism. Such disorders happen due to genetic mutations affecting bone growth. In these cases surgery can improve the patient's quality of life.

- Growth Hormone Deficiency: Growth hormone deficiency in childhood can prevent a person from reaching a normal height. In cases where medical treatments are insufficient limb-lengthening surgery can be an effective solution.

- Post-Traumatic Short Stature: Shortening of the leg length may occur after accidents or fractures. In such traumatic situations, limb-lengthening surgery can be significant both aesthetically and functionally.

- Bone Diseases and Deformities: Bone diseases or deformities that develop congenitally or later can cause short stature. In such cases height increase surgery can help correct deformities and equalize leg length.

Benefits of Limb-Lengthening Surgery on Health

After surgery, patients experience reduced bone pain and improved posture, thereby enhancing their quality of life. Limb-lengthening surgery should not only be considered a cosmetic operation but also a medical necessity.

 

4. Sports and Career Reasons

Limb-lengthening surgery can be chosen not only for aesthetic concerns or medical necessities but also to support sports and career goals. Since height provides a significant advantage in some professions and sports, individuals who want to advance in these areas may prefer for limb-lengthening surgery. Before beginning this section, we want to point out that there is insufficient information about professional athletes returning to their previous performance levels 100% after limb-lengthening surgery. However, returning to intense exercises and professional activities should always be under the supervision of a specialist doctor. Staying within the body's and muscles' maximum extension limits can make a 100% return to such sports possible.

Limb-lengthening Surgery for Athletes: Performance Improvement and Advantages

In the sports world, height can be a determining factor for performance. Questions like "Can I run after limb-lengthening surgery?" or "Can I play sports after surgery?" are frequently considered. However, it is possible to return to sports after the recovery period is completed. Additionally in some sports (like basketball, volleyball, swimming) height can offer athletes certain advantages:

- Competitive Advantage: Taller athletes are known to have advantages over their competitors, especially in sports such as basketball and volleyball. Greater height allows for covering a wider area both in defense and offense.

- Better Performance: Longer legs can increase running and swimming speed in athletics and swimming, directly affecting performance.

 

Importance of Height in Career Life

Height is considered a crucial factor in some professions and career fields. Particularly in modeling, acting and some sales or management positions, taller height can be a more preferred trait. For this reason limb-lengthening surgery may be seen as an opportunity for career development in such professions:

- Height Factor in Modeling and Acting:  In modeling taller height allows for better posture on the runway or in photoshoots. In acting especially in cinema and television productions taller actors are often preferred. As a result celebrities who have undergone height increase surgery exist. Those who undergo limb-lengthening surgery can have more opportunities in their careers

- Perception Management in Sales and Management Positions: In the business world, especially in leadership and sales positions, height is sometimes associated with reliability and authority. A study by the BBC found that taller men and women are perceived as more 'leader-like' and they are considered more intelligent, dominant and healthy. Consequently promotions and salary increases may be related to height.

Limb-lengthening surgery can be preferred by athletes and individuals with specific career goals due to the advantages mentioned above. The increased height after surgery can boost personal and professional confidence and facilitate achieving career goals. However, this is not applicable to every profession as some careers might be hindered by the limb-lengthening surgery. Factors such as the risks, costs and recovery process of the surgery should be considered and decisions should be made after evaluating these elements.

 

5. Limb Lengthening Surgery Process and Risks

Limb-lengthening surgery is a complex orthopedic surgery aimed at increasing leg length. The process can be summarized as follows:

Process:

1. Pre-Operative Preparation: The patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation before the surgery. Tests such as blood tests, X-rays and MRI scans are performed. The general health status of the patient and the suitability for the surgery are evaluated in this stage. The patient should also discuss their desires and the after operative process in detail with the doctor.

2. Surgical Intervention: Limb-lengthening surgery is usually performed using the "Precice 2 Method" or "LON Method." These surgical techniques involve breaking the bone and lengthening it with special devices placed on the legs. The extension process is based on the principle of slowly lengthening the bone tissue and creating new bone tissue. This procedure is performed millimetrically and a small amount of extension is achieved daily.

3. Recovery Process and Rehabilitation:  The post-operative recovery period is a long and meticulous process. Patients must participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs after the surgery. This process helps patients regain their normal walking abilities and strengthens the lengthened bone. The recovery time varies between 9 to 18 months. The variation in the recovery process depends on the amount of lengthening achieved, the person's bone quality, bone healing speed, age, and physical condition. This varies depending on the patient's general health status and the extent of the surgery.

Risks:

Limb-lengthening surgery generally yields positive results but it carries various risks since it is a surgical procedure. Potential patients must be aware of these risks and make an informed decision against them. Here are the possible risks of limb-lengthening surgery:

- Risk of Infection: There is a risk of infection during or after surgery. Infection risk increases especially when external devices are used. Therefore hygiene and care are crucial after the surgery.

- Nerve and Vascular Damage: Nerves or blood vessels may be damaged during surgery which can cause post-operative pain, loss of sensation or weakness. Having the surgery performed by specialist surgeons is essential to minimize such risks.

- Bone Non-Union or Fracture: There is a risk that the bones may not unite properly or break again after surgery. Such situations may require additional surgical interventions or prolonged rehabilitation.

- Joint Stiffness and Limited Movement: Post-surgery joint stiffness, immobility or restricted movement range may develop. Physical therapy can help alleviate this condition but full mobility may not be achieved in some cases. Therefore following the doctor's instructions carefully is crucial.

- Psychological Effects: A long and challenging recovery process can cause psychological stress and anxiety in patients. In such cases it will be beneficial for patients to seek psychological support.

 

6. Real Patient Experiences and Success Stories

Limb-lengthening surgery can help many people achieve their dreams. However, this process is different for every individual. Real patient experiences and success stories are essential for those who want to understand the potential outcomes of this surgery. Here are the success stories and experiences of our patients who underwent limb-lengthening surgery:

 

1.John's Limb-lengthening Surgery Journey from America

Our patient, Mr. Doe, who came to Turkey from the USA, extended his height by 11.5 cm reaching from 174 cm to 185.5 cm. Sharing his happiness with us and potential patients considering the surgery, he said, “You must do what makes you feel good. There is no right or wrong answer in life. It’s just important to make a well-researched decision. The financial cost will be the least of your worries. The process is painful and the recovery is long. However, if you do it, it can make a world of difference in your life. Would I do it again if I had to? Yes!”

Source: https://wannabetaller.com/everything-about-limb-lengthening-surgery-patient-interview/

 

2.Limb-Lengthening Surgery for a 58-Year-Old Patient

Our 58-year-old patient shared that his biggest dream since childhood was to increase his height. Due to his short stature he faced psychological problems and lost self-confidence. Since his military service years, he had been researching limb-lengthening surgery. Our patient stated that in the business world especially for men height criteria compete with intelligence. In his initial tests osteoporosis was observed so we postponed his surgery and started bone treatment. After three months of bone treatment, he underwent Femur Limb-Lengthening Surgery using the Combined Method. After achieving a 5 cm increase, our patient underwent a voluntary device removal surgery and reached his dream height of 170 cm. This story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late for your dreams.

Source: https://wannabetaller.com/58-year-old-patient-getting-femoral-limb-lengthening-surgery/

 

3.Japanese Patient Achieved 13 cm Height Increase with Two Surgeries

Our Japanese patient, who decided to have limb-lengthening surgery in his 40s, achieved a total of 13 cm increase after two separate surgeries. Our patient, who felt bad for being shorter than his peers since childhood gradually developed a desire for limb-lengthening surgery in later years. When asked about the changes in his quality of life after the surgery, he replied “Before the surgery, I was shorter than the average height for men in my country. Because of this people sometimes described me as a short person, which wasn’t a pleasant trait. Now I often receive compliments about my height and long legs and communicate with people confidently.”

Source: https://wannabetaller.com/13cm-growth-with-2-limb-lengthening-surgeries/

 

7. Conclusion: Who Is Suitable for Limb-Lengthening Surgery?

Limb-lengthening surgery is a procedure that can be chosen for personal and medical reasons. It may be a solution for individuals whose growth plates have closed and will no longer experience a change in height except through surgery. However, it is essential to determine whether this surgery is suitable for everyone. Here is a guide on who might be suitable for limb-lengthening surgery:

1.Those Who Meet Physical and Health Criteria

 Candidates for limb-lengthening surgery usually need to meet specific health criteria. Bone development and general health status are among these criteria. Young individuals may be suitable for this surgery once their bone development is complete. Also people in good general health and who accept the risks of surgery can undergo the operation.

2. Those with Psychological and Aesthetic Motivations:

Limb -lengthening surgery can be preferred for aesthetic and psychological motivations. Individuals who are not satisfied with their appearance or think their height affects their quality of life may undergo this surgery. However, being psychologically prepared for this process and having realistic expectations is also important. Receiving psychological counseling can help manage this process more healthily.

3. Those with Certain Health Conditions:

Limb-lengthening surgery can also be preferred for medical reasons. For example certain genetic or medical conditions can cause short stature. Individuals with such health problems can consider this surgery by evaluating its suitability with their doctors. Medical evaluation plays an important role in determining the necessity and risks of surgery.

4. Those Who Understand and Accept the Risks of Surgery:

Limb-lengthening surgery may involve some risks and complications. Understanding the potential risks and complications and accepting these risks is essential for the surgery's success. Those who decide to undergo this procedure after considering the changes and recovery process it will bring may be more informed and prepared.

5. Those Who Can Handle Long-Term Outcomes:

Limb-lengthening surgery can have long-term outcomes. Understanding the physical and psychological effects of surgery should be considered when deciding on this procedure. Making a decision with long-term effects in mind can help you adapt to the changes the surgery will bring.

 

Limb-lengthening surgery is suitable for individuals who meet specific health, aesthetic and personal criteria. Therefore, it is crucial to know who cannot have limb-lengthening surgery. Determining who is suitable for this surgery depends on factors such as personal health status, motivations and long-term outcomes. A detailed evaluation and information process before surgery can help you make the right decision. For more detailed information and evaluation, you can contact our patient representatives and follow our updated informative videos on our YouTube account.