Limb lengthening surgery, performed with advanced techniques offered by modern medicine, has become a method chosen for aesthetic purposes today. However, lengthening surgery has many difficulties both physically and psychologically.
One of our aims in discussing this surgery, which we have seen frequently on the internet, especially in recent periods, is to offer a comprehensive perspective to individuals considering surgery. Here’s everything you need to know about lengthening surgery…
Let’s start from the beginning: What exactly is lengthening surgery?
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Height enlargement surgery, technically known as “distal femoral osteotomy” or more generally “bone lengthening” operation, refers to a procedure that aims to increase the height of individuals through surgical procedures.
This surgery is especially preferred by people who want to overcome the obstacles caused by being short in their personal or professional life. Essentially, the process involves cutting bones and then slowly lengthening them, based on the principle that new bone tissue fills this gap, thus increasing the length of the individual. The application is usually performed on the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone) in the legs.
Historically speaking, lengthening techniques were first used in the mid-20th century. With developing technology and medical knowledge, these surgeries are becoming more safe and effective today.
How is limb lengthening surgery performed?
Height enlargement surgery is a very complex and careful process. The surgery is performed by a specialist orthopedic surgeon under general anesthesia. The procedure basically consists of two main stages: osteotomy (bone cutting) and distraction osteogenesis (bone lengthening).
osteotomy
In this surgery, which involves the surgeon carefully making cuts on the bone to be lengthened, the procedure is usually performed in the middle part of long bones such as the femur or tibia. The formula is determined according to the needs of the patient and the purpose of the surgery.
Distraction Osteogenesis
Placing the bone lengthening device into the bones after the cut is made, which is called distraction osteogenesis. The device is usually a frame that can be adjusted from the outside or a rod that can be adjusted from the inside.
After the surgery, the settings of this device are changed regularly and the cut bone gap is slowly opened. The process is necessary to give new bone tissue time to fill this gap. Distraction is adjusted to a few millimeters per day and can last for several months.
Before surgery, patients go through a comprehensive evaluation process.
Before this surgery, whether it is plastic surgery or health-related surgery, the patient’s general health condition as well as his bone structure and suitability for surgery are checked. Especially those who have it done for aesthetic purposes also undergo psychological control. Additionally, patients; They are informed about the possible risks of the surgery, the recovery process and expectations.
After the surgery, patients stay in the hospital for a while. This, of course, varies depending on the patient and the surgery process. After the bone lengthening process begins, patients regularly go for medical check-ups. During this process, the settings of the bone lengthening device are checked and adjustments are made if necessary.
Although the recovery process varies from individual to individual, patients generally cannot walk for a few weeks and use a wheelchair or crutches for a while.
What are the benefits of lengthening surgery?
Lengthening surgery has some potential benefits. These benefits can be both physical and psychological and are among the important sources of motivation for individuals considering surgery.
The most obvious benefit of the surgery is that the length of the individual can be extended. Although this increase is usually limited to a few centimeters, it makes a big difference for many people. In some cases, lengthening surgery is also used to correct body proportions. In cases where the legs are disproportionately short, it is possible to achieve a more balanced body structure with this surgery.
Of course, it also has psychological benefits for the patient. Lack of self-confidence due to short height is a significant problem for many people. The increase in length achieved after surgery can make individuals feel more beautiful and increase their self-confidence.
Considering that height is often associated with positive qualities in our society, people who have height increase surgery can have more positive experiences in their social interactions or personal ties.
What are the harms and risks of lengthening surgery?
In addition to the complexity of the surgery and the long recovery process, there are also risks that must be taken into consideration. In every surgical procedure, complications such as infection, bleeding or anesthesia may occur. However, specific complications may occur in lengthening surgery, such as problems with the bone lengthening device or the bones not growing as expected. Nerve damage and stiffness in joints or muscles are also among the risks of lengthening surgery.
It is also a known fact that the process causes significant pain and discomfort. For this reason, patients may need strong painkillers. The fact that the recovery process is often long and severe delays the return of patients to their daily activities and work life.
Height enlargement surgery is quite costly.
The experience of the surgeon, the country and hospital where the surgery is performed, the technology and materials used, as well as the length of physical therapy and follow-up processes required after the surgery are factors that significantly affect the cost. The cost of lengthening surgery varies between 75 thousand and 280 thousand US dollars worldwide.
The price of lengthening surgery in Turkey varies depending on whether it is performed for aesthetic and health problems. In cases such as dwarfism or one short leg, insurance can cover some expenses. But again, this varies depending on the seriousness of the situation. Aesthetically targeted lengthening surgery is not covered by health insurance.
As a result, lengthening surgery may not be a suitable option for everyone. This procedure is usually recommended for individuals within a certain age range, whose bone development is complete and whose general health condition is suitable.
However, those who want to undergo this aesthetic surgery must undergo a comprehensive health evaluation and be ready for the physical and psychological consequences of such an operation.
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