Are you struggling with insecurities because of your height? Is your confidence shattered every time someone towers over you? Or you just feel deep in your heart that your height isn’t just right for you? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, w eare able to help.

What is Cosmetic Limb Lengthening?

Limb lengthening is a surgical procedure that lengthens the bones in the leg or arm. There are many medical reasons why such a procedure might be indicated; when it is done in the legs for the mere purpose of increasing the body height of an otherwise functionally healthy person it is called “cosmetic”.

How it is done?

The lengthening of the bone is done with a principle called “distraction osteogenesis”. The principle is not new, it has been around since the 1950’s. In the last 20 years, with the development of sophisticated orthopaedic implants it became much more comfortable, predictable, and safer.

The principle of Distraction osteogenesis dictates that when a long bone (thigh or shin) is surgically broken (osteotomized) in the operating room and, in the following weeks, the two parts of the bone are slowly (with a rate of around 1mm per day) pushed away from each other (distracted), new bone tissue is gradually formed in the developing gap. The new bone identical to normal, healthy, bone; with the same quality and strength. Distraction osteogenesis is basically harnessing a natural healing response of the human body, i.e., the ability of a broken bone to heal with new, normal bone and directing it towards a desired outcome (lengthening of the bone).

The surgery is done under general or spinal anaesthesia or a combination of both. After the bone is osteotomized, it is held in place (fixed) with orthopaedic implants or devices that provide stability for the patients to mobilize but also guide the gradual distraction of the two parts of the bone.

What to expect after the surgery?

  • After the surgery it takes approximately 2-3 months for the lengthening to complete. During this period, minor problems like joint stiffness and muscle atrophy may occur; these are usually temporary and easily managed.
  • You may experience mild to moderate pain during short periods of the day (i.e., after physio, or if you walk too much or sometimes in the night but it is usually easily managed with painkillers.
  • With x-os nail or external frames you can remain independent.
  • Desk based job can be resumed 2 weeks post-surgery.
  • During this phase you will need to exercise daily at home and at a physiotherapy center 4 times per week. You will need to do exercises and see the doctor every 2-3 weeks to monitor your progress and recovery. You will take medications for the pain, bone healing and blood clots.
  • After the completion of lengthening the bone continues to harden and consolidate and the muscles gradually adapt to the new length. – For usual lengthening goals you should anticipate that it will take 5-6 months (from surgery) before you are back to your normal routine of daily activities the way you know it now and 10 months for sport activities.

Should I Get Height Enhancement?

Anyone unhappy with their height should consider cosmetic limb lengthening. Shorter stature often causes body image anxiety and low self-esteem. The effects of height dysphoria affect the social, professional, and romantic aspects of a persons’ life. If your short stature has become an unmanageable psychological burden, you could be benefited from cosmetic limb lengthening.

Am I a good candidate for cosmetic limb lengthening?

On a physical level you must be healthy, a non- smoker, and have a fully matured skeletal system.

On a mental level, it is important to be well prepared, motivated, and committed to the surgery as well as the recovery process.

Candidates are thoroughly assessed, both physically and mentally, before they are accepted for treatment. This is done with appropriate medical questionnaires, x-rays, and scans. Generally speaking, if you are healthy without a significant medical history of conditions which could compromise your body’s defences or healing potential, you are not smoking and you do not suffer from mental conditions which could affect your capacity for decision making and your ability to comply with instructions, then you could be a good candidate for cosmetic limb lengthening.

How can I prepare for cosmetic limb lengthening in Taller.Me Clinic?

The procedure starts with an introductory free 15 min consultation via skype or zoom, you can also visit the doctor in person. During this consultation our doctor gets to know you and discusses introductory information in order to help you understand how to approach the whole treatment. Any burning questions you might have will also be discussed.

After that, the standard pre-op consultation follows. This can be done either online or physically; you are welcome to come visit us in advance. It can be done anytime between 11 months and 6 weeks before your preferred timeframe for surgery. When you book your appointment, we will ask you to complete medical questionnaires about your physical and mental history and current condition. During the consultation a doctor will discuss your options about implants and devices, the surgery, the timeline of recovery, lengthening goals, and body proportions, expected outcome, potential risks and how we prevent them and any other question you might have.

After your consultation we will email you our suggested treatment plan, a price quote, available dates for treatment, and other useful information about your trip. X-rays and other scans may be requested at this stage if the doctor deems it necessary. When the treatment plan is agreed, you will start preparing for your trip to Athens. Most patients search and book their own flights. We can help you find an accommodation in the city.

Recovery after surgery

Following the surgery, you will go through the latency phase which lasts 6 to 9 days. During this stage the bones are given the time they need to initiate the healing process.

Following the latency period comes the distraction (or lengthening phase, i.e., the phase when your bones lengthen, which lasts 2,5-3 months.

Once you have achieved the desired amount of lengthening, the distraction phase is completed, and the consolidation phase begins. During this time the new bone (it is called “regenerate”) is allowed to harden, in a process that takes approximately 6 months.

Our doctor will be monitoring you during each phase, ensuring everything goes as planned.

During the lengthening phase in Taller.Me, you will see the doctor and do x-rays every 2-3 weeks. After your repatriation you will still need to do x-rays every 2 weeks.