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Height Increase Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, and Benefits and Side Effects

Last Updated: Jul 01, 2023

What is Height Increase Surgery?

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If you are looking to add a few extra inches to your height, you might want to consider limb-lengthening surgery, which may also be referred to as 'height increase surgery.' This kind of operation usually includes a few different surgical procedures in order to encourage bone growth in the legs.

The same procedures can also be carried out to correct any pair of legs that are of different lengths. For example, a doctor may recommend limb-lengthening surgery for a person whose one leg is significantly shorter than the other owing to a birth defect, an accident, or some other reason. So, apart from increasing height, another reason for a person to undergo limb-lengthening surgery is to correct legs that are uneven or not equal in length.

This approach to limb lengthening often involves multiple surgeries over a period of time to not only lengthen the bones in the legs but also the associated tendons. This can be a demanding and arduous process, but ultimately it can be very rewarding for patients who have always felt self-conscious about their shorter limbs.If you are considering cosmetic stature lengthening or height-increasing surgery, it's important that you first of all go into it knowing all of the facts. The ideal candidate for this procedure can be someone who is highly motivated and in good financial standing. The person must also be a non-smoker in good general health with fully developed bones.

Types of Height Increase Surgery:

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There are mainly two ways that a surgeon can lengthen a limb. The surgical approaches for both of these procedures involve general anaesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep during the surgery. The procedures discussed involve cutting the bone in a strategic area in order to insert metal pins and screws for stability. Have a look at both the procedures:

By inserting a nail into the bone (this is called an intramedullary nail):

Nails can be lengthened over time by following a specific care routine that includes regularly trimming and filing them down. This will encourage bone growth and aid in elongation. This is a process that happens gradually, and it can take months or even years for the full effect to be seen.

By attaching a frame to the outside of the leg with pins (this is called an external fixator):

Once the desired (or expected) results are achieved, the healthcare provider or surgeon will remove the pins. Moreover, there is usually a limit to how much a surgeon can lengthen the legs, which is typically around seven centimetres.

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Benefits of Height Increase Surgery:

  • Favourable height gain
  • Improved aesthetic appearance
  • Boosted confidence and self-esteem
  • Good riddance to a birth defect
  • Corrected or balanced gait
  • Improved quality of life
  • Low rate of major complications

Why is Height Increase Surgery Done?

Limb lengthening or height increase surgery is a corrective surgical procedure meant to resolve any discrepancies in limb length. The operation involves lengthening the bone in the patient's arm or leg. The surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments are also stretched to accommodate the new bone length.

The primary goal of leg lengthening surgery is to make the legs even in length in order to prevent or treat certain hip, back, and knee issues. Many people choose to have this surgery because it can result in a more symmetrical and level appearance. At times, the same procedure can also be carried out to increase the patient's height.

What Are the Risks of Height Increase Surgery?

Note: One of the best ways to avoid the risks associated with limb-lengthening or height increase surgery is to find experienced and trusted surgeons to perform the procedure. Pristyn Care is a great option for those looking for expert and experienced medical professionals whom they can trust.

How Do I Prepare for Height Increase Surgery?

Your healthcare provider or surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which may include:

  • Not to eat or drink after midnight the day before your surgery
  • Stop taking any medications or herbal supplements prior to your surgery (to avoid complications such as excessive bleeding)
  • Ask someone (a relative or friend) to accompany you to the hospital on the day of surgery
  • Apart from all that, here is a list of essential items one should not forget to pack for their hospital stay when going for the surgery, as suggested by expert healthcare providers:
  • A toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Non-skid shoes
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Other personal care items

How is Height Increase Surgery Done?

A surgeon can choose any one of the following two approaches to limb-lengthening surgery:

  • Applying a frame along with some pins outside the leg (this is commonly called an external fixator)
  • Inserting a nail (known as an intramedullary nail) into the patient's bone
  • The first step in these procedures is to make a cut in the bone in a key area. Next, metal pins and screws are applied to the bone. Finally, external metal devices are attached to the pins.
  • These devices are commonly referred to as fixators, and they are beneficial in helping to pull the cut area of the bone apart so that new bone growth can occur.
  • These fixators are made up of metal pins and/or wires that are placed into the bones above and below the treatment site. A doctor will remove the patient's pins once they have achieved their desired (or expected) results.
  • Furthermore, it must be noted that the nail used in the second procedure is specifically designed to support bone growth and elongation, and it can be lengthened over time. Both of these surgical approaches require general anaesthesia, where the patient is put under complete sedation (or sleep) for the entire duration of the procedure.

Before the Procedure

A surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery to ensure that the operation goes as smoothly as possible and with as few complications as possible.

Depending on the type of surgery you're having, you may be instructed to fast for a certain period of time before the surgery is scheduled, or you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before. You will also be given explicit directions on what you should and should not do on the day of the surgery in order to make sure that your body is in its optimal state.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will make an incision in the bone in a crucial area before applying metal pins and screws. Once these are in place, external metal devices will be attached to the pins to secure everything.Fixators are basically devices that are necessary for new bone growth as they essentially pull the cut portion of the bone apart. These devices are also useful in accelerating the healing process.

After the Procedure

Your doctor or healthcare provider will let you know how active you can be after your surgery. In fact, you will get specific instructions from them. The hospital will be your home for a while, depending on the type of surgical procedure you are having. Your length of stay will also be based on how well you recover post-op.

In some cases, patients may need to stay a few days before and after surgery for observation and physical therapy. Most people will be instructed to take it easy for several days after surgery and will be confined to light activity. They will likely have to use crutches (or other supports) to get around during the period of their recovery.

In addition, the doctor usually recommends taking vitamin D and calcium supplements to help with bone growth. People with certain medical conditions may require braces and splints. Also, there may be a need for your doctor to perform a 'distraction' to lengthen the legs.

How Much Does Height Increase Surgery Cost?

The cost of height-increase surgery in India is more expensive in metropolitan cities, ranging from Rs 4.95 lakhs to Rs 6.11 lakhs, particularly if the surgery is performed in a private hospital. However, it must be noted that the cost mentioned here is simply for reference and may not be accurate. For an accurate estimate of the cost of limb-lengthening or height increase surgery in India, please get in touch with our team of experts.

What to Do After Height Increase Surgery?

Your doctor will begin to see you for follow-up appointments several days after you have surgery. You may need to come in for additional adjustments during this time.

Some people may need to wear splints and braces after surgery. The doctor will also perform 'distraction' to lengthen the legs. This is basically the process that moves the nail or fixator.

As your body continues to heal, your doctor may recommend that you begin to engage in full weight-bearing activities. They may also suggest that you begin physical therapy in order to improve your overall activity levels.

What to Eat After Height Increase Surgery?

Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure in which bones are cut and new bone tissue fills in the gap between the cut bones. The arteries, veins, muscles, and tendons must also adapt to the all-new size. That being the case, it is really important for the patient to give preference to foods that are known to strengthen bones and muscles and can promote their growth at the same time.

You must drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated (for quicker recovery) and eat a diet rich in protein and vitamins. This should be part of the daily diet plan. It must be noted that eating a healthy diet will not only accelerate bone growth, but it will also speed up your recovery process.

Is Height Increase Surgery Safe?

The surgery to lengthen or increase the height of limbs (also known as 'height increase surgery') can be done with great success for patients of any age, both children and adults. However, when choosing to have this surgery done, it is important to select a reputable and trustworthy healthcare provider or surgeon.

Is Height Increase Surgery Painful?

Many people may experience some pain in their limbs for the first few weeks post-surgery, but you should not worry about that! Your clinical team will help you manage and ease your pain until it eventually goes away.

The actual lengthening process doesn't usually cause pain for patients at first, but you may feel some discomfort in your muscles or joints afterwards. Doctors usually recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy to help stretch the tissues in the limb and prevent stiffness in the joints.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Height Increase Surgery?

Patients usually have to spend at least a week in the hospital following limb-lengthening or height increase surgery. In some cases, a leg cast is required for three to four weeks following the surgical procedure. Complete healing usually takes place within eight to 12 weeks, and the person can resume their regular activities around this time.

What Are the Side Effects of Height Increase Surgery?

  • Skin pain
  • Soft tissue tightness
  • Joint stiffness
  • Increased risk for bone fractures

Note: Like any other surgical procedure, limb-lengthening or height-increasing surgery can be risky, but there are ways to minimise those risks, one of which is by finding experienced surgeons or healthcare providers that you can trust with closed eyes. Pristyn Care is a great option for those looking for expert, experienced, and most importantly, trustworthy medical professionals.

Height Increase Surgery Aftercare

For the first six to eight weeks post-op, you will most likely need to use either crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair, depending on what your care team has instructed. Furthermore, because the leg has an internal lengthening device, you should avoid putting any weight on it during this initial period. Some other things that you should keep in mind to speed up your recovery process are as follows:

  • Follow all your doctor's instructions strictly
  • Stay away from strenuous activities
  • Do not consume any alcoholic drinks while you are still recovering
  • Strictly avoid consuming any tobacco products (including cigarettes)
  • Eat only healthy food
  • Avoid consuming any kind of junk food
  • Don't stress your body or mind
  • Get ample rest
  • Sleep well
  • Stay positive

Conclusion

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), limb-lengthening (or height increase) surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. This surgery involves breaking the ulna and the humerus bones in the forearms and legs and then inserting metal pins into the bones. The pins are then attached to an external device that is gradually stretched over time, which results in an increase in height.

So, if you are really looking to add a few extra inches to your height and feel more confident in life, you must consider limb-lengthening or height-increasing surgery! Furthermore, we hope that this article on height increase surgery was helpful to you! If you have any questions or concerns that were not covered in this article, please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you for reading!

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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