For individuals seeking to enhance their height, leg lengthening surgery is a potential option. Advancements in medical technology have made height-increasing procedures more accessible. However, the risks, recovery process, and efficacy of these surgeries are major concerns for many and require accurate information.
As demand for height augmentation increases, innovative techniques such as leg lengthening surgery are becoming more common. While it is not a primary solution, it is considered a means to increase height for adults. The following article from Debametulam.com can provide guidance on the procedure and aid in making an informed decision
What is leg lengthening surgery?
Leg lengthening surgery is a medical procedure that involves cutting through bones and gradually increasing leg length using a non-moving nail, without damaging the bone membrane. In the past, the nail was cut through the bone and attached to an external frame, with the bone stretching about 1mm per day. This process could take up to 10 months with an extremely thin frame. However, with modern technology, the nail can now be fixed inside the medullary canal, and four additional nails can be added to the bone ends, resulting in a recovery process that is one-fourth of the time needed to reach the desired height. Once the desired height is achieved, the nail is removed.
Leg lengthening surgery is generally recommended for individuals with leg problems such as tall legs, low knees, bowed legs, and so on. With the increasing demand for height enhancement, many people opt for this surgery to achieve their ideal height. Medical experts suggest performing this surgery between the ages of 20 and 30 years, as bones are fully developed during this period. However, at the age of 35, when human bones begin to lose strength, this process is not ideal and can lead to complications.
How much longer can the leg lengthening process be extended?
With a doctor’s recommendation, a surgeon can perform leg lengthening surgery on both the lower part of the leg and the thigh. Ankle joint surgery can stretch up to 8 to 8.5 cm, while thigh surgery can increase height by up to 8 cm. Therefore, the entire leg lengthening process can increase height by up to 16.5 cm, which is a significant improvement. However, most height-increasing surgeries only focus on the ankle joint.
Doctors typically inform patients of the specific height increase they can expect. The ability to lengthen bones varies based on an individual’s physical condition. The doctor will advise patients on the recommended number of centimeters to achieve and when to stop to avoid complications and reduce recovery time.
Can leg lengthening surgery lead to complications?
During leg lengthening surgery, when bones are stretched, muscles, tendons, skin, and blood vessels also expand. After the surgery, for the first few days, the doctor will administer painkillers to reduce swelling. Other treatment methods include antibiotics and anti-infection drugs. The postoperative healing process can be excruciatingly painful for patients, and long-term pain can have negative effects on the body. Although complications are not significant, there may be negative long-term effects.
Total recovery time for joints and bones after leg lengthening surgery can take several months, even up to a year. Regular exercise is necessary to protect bones and joints, but strenuous exercise should be avoided as it can cause injury and lead to dangerous complications. After the recovery period, patients can return to normal activities, but joints and bones may begin to weaken over time.
Will your legs weaken after surgery?
Contrary to some beliefs, leg lengthening surgery does not have a significant impact on lifespan. However, soft tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and nerves require time to heal, which may cause a slower initial period and make them less likely to react to unexpected situations.
This is a risky procedure that directly affects crucial organs in the body. Joints and bones require more time to recover normal processes and mechanisms. Therefore, patients need to prepare themselves both physically and mentally before undergoing surgery.
Should you consider surgery to increase your height?
Height-increasing surgery should only be considered as a last resort when natural growth is not possible. The cost of surgery can be expensive, so patients should be aware of their financial situation to avoid negative consequences that could affect their outcome.
Furthermore, leg lengthening surgery can be mentally and physically uncomfortable. Pain can persist for months, and the healing process can take years. This requires perseverance and a serious commitment to the recovery process.
Nerve pain can cause stimulation, loss of appetite, or lack of sleep and can lead to weight loss, depression, and lack of motivation. After surgery, patients must remain still in bed and limit their movement. All daily activities require support.
For women with leg issues, scars on the legs can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort with their appearance. Therefore, before deciding on surgery, patients should thoroughly consider the procedure and the recovery process. Additionally, individuals can use normal clothing to create the illusion of height without resorting to complex surgical techniques.
The best method to increase height
While surgery may yield positive results, it also carries long-term risks and unpredictable complications for the body. Therefore, investing in the body to promote height growth from adolescence is essential. Here are some tips:
Follow a scientifically-balanced diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in a person’s chances of becoming taller, accounting for 32% of it. Especially during adolescence, a healthy and balanced diet is vital for the body’s development. Pay attention to healthy eating habits, ensure adequate meals, and supplement with calcium, vitamin D, K, magnesium, zinc, collagen, etc.
Regular exercise
Daily exercise is the most effective way to increase height. Make sure to engage in physical activity for 45-60 minutes daily. Activities such as basketball, swimming, badminton, volleyball, jumping rope, running, yoga, etc., can help increase height and strengthen bones and joints.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is the time when the body detoxifies and converts energy. During deep sleep, the pituitary gland produces a large amount of growth hormone that stimulates bone development. It is recommended to sleep for at least 10 hours at night and rest for 8 hours during the day.
