Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure designed to permanently increase a person’s height by surgically intervening in the leg bones. During the operation, the bone is carefully cut, and a gap is created. The body naturally fills this gap with new bone tissue.

With the help of special devices, the bone is lengthened by approximately 1 mm per day. This method is chosen for both aesthetic and medical purposes. Thanks to modern techniques, it has become a safe and effective procedure.

Throughout the process, regular doctor consultations, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation support are critically important for a successful recovery.

• Surgical Intervention: The surgeon selects either the upper leg (femur) or lower leg (tibia) bones and carefully cuts the chosen bone. At this stage, either an intramedullary nail is inserted or external fixators are applied.

• Lengthening Process: Beginning about five days after surgery, the bone is lengthened by 1 mm per day through precise adjustments performed by the patient.

• Healing and Consolidation Period: Once the lengthening is complete, a waiting period follows for the bones to consolidate and strengthen. During this stage, physiotherapy and regular medical check-ups are essential for helping the muscles, joints, and bones adapt.

• Removal of Nails or Fixators: After full bone healing, the internal nails or external fixators can be removed with a surgical procedure. This step depends on the patient’s preference and the doctor’s recommendation.

Limb lengthening surgery is generally suitable for healthy adults whose growth plates have closed. Potential candidates may include:

Medical Needs

• Individuals with leg length discrepancies (e.g., one leg shorter than the other),

• Those with genetically short stature (conditions like dwarfism or achondroplasia),

• People with bone deformities or losses caused by trauma.

Aesthetic Reasons

• Individuals experiencing low self-esteem due to short stature,

• Those requiring additional height for professional or social purposes (such as modeling or acting).

General Health and Age Requirements

• Adults between the ages of 18 and 55,

• Individuals without serious health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Eligibility is determined through comprehensive medical examinations, diagnostic tests, and the surgeon’s approval. The process requires both physical and psychological preparation.

Before surgery, a comprehensive evaluation process is carried out. The first step involves reviewing X-ray results to determine the required amount of lengthening needed to maintain body proportions and achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. At this stage, the planning of the materials to be used is also finalized.

During the physical examination, the doctor can estimate the maximum achievable lengthening.

If you have any chronic conditions, additional tests may be required. Otherwise, standard pre-surgical procedures include detailed blood tests, EKG, and anesthesia evaluations.

Once all tests are approved, the surgery date is set, and all necessary preparations are completed. This process is meticulously managed to ensure a safe and successful surgery.

LON Method – $22,850 (Includes Device Removal Surgery)

• Safe Lengthening: Combines internal nails and external fixators for a secure and controlled process.

• Height Increase: Achieves 5–7.5 cm in the lower leg and 8–10 cm in the upper leg.

• Mobility: Allows assisted walking for short distances during the lengthening phase.

• Recovery Time: External fixators are removed within 2–3 months; full recovery takes 9–12 months.

• Walking Support: Patients typically begin walking unassisted after 5–6 months.

• Preferred Method: The most commonly chosen option due to its reliability and affordability.

Precice 2.2 Method – $54,000

• Innovative Technology: Uses magnetic nails fully placed inside the bone, eliminating external devices.

• Height Increase: Achieves 6–7 cm in the lower leg and 8–8.5 cm in the upper leg.

• Comfort: Absence of external fixators provides reduced pain and a more comfortable experience.

• Mobility: Wheelchair use during the lengthening phase offers improved comfort.

• Recovery Time: Patients usually begin walking unassisted after 5–6 months; full recovery takes 9–12 months.

Both methods are performed by our experienced surgical team, who select the most suitable approach based on your age, flexibility, and bone quality. To ensure successful outcomes, we provide comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs throughout the process.

In limb lengthening surgeries, the goal is not only to increase height but also to preserve the proportions between the legs, arms, and torso, ensuring a natural and aesthetic appearance. For this reason, detailed measurements are carried out before the procedure. Ratios such as the leg-to-torso balance and the proportion between the tibia (lower leg) and femur (upper leg) are carefully calculated.

The golden ratio, an essential principle in aesthetic surgery, is also taken into account. This ensures that your legs remain in harmony with the rest of your body, preventing an excessively long or disproportionate appearance. In addition, the natural balance between your arm span and overall height is maintained, minimizing concerns about arms looking too short after surgery.

Since the surgical process is tailored individually for each patient, the risk of an imbalanced appearance is extremely low. With proper physiotherapy support and gradual lengthening techniques, your body adapts healthily to your new height. As a result, when performed by an experienced and specialized team, limb lengthening surgery ensures that your body proportions remain well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

We Currently Offer Two Advanced Methods:

• LON Method: $22,850

• Precice 2 Method: $54,000

These prices include:

• Airport pick-up upon your arrival in Istanbul

• VIP transportation throughout your entire journey

• 2-night stay in a 4-star hotel before the operation

• An English-speaking caregiver to assist you during your hospital stay

• A complimentary Istanbul city tour, including historical and touristic visits, a Bosphorus boat trip, and meals at renowned restaurants

• Pre-operative medical examinations

• Use of a specially designed anatomical nail during surgery (facilitates faster bone healing and allows for more comfortable movement)

• 4 days of hospitalization

• Assistance from a physiotherapist and required medications during hospitalization

• Provision of a walker, crutches, and wheelchair

• Limb Lengthening Patient Kit with a 40-page patient guide

• Free consultations with doctors and consultants whenever needed

• All hospital charges related to the operating and recovery rooms

• Fees for the hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and surgical assistants

At Wannabetaller®, our dedicated team provides personalized care and continuous support. From the moment you arrive until your full recovery, we ensure that every step of your journey is comfortable, safe, and successful.

The recovery timeline after limb lengthening surgery depends on the amount of lengthening, the patient’s overall health, and the method used. The process typically progresses as follows:

First Days After Surgery

Patients usually stay in the hospital for 4 days following surgery. During this time, pain management, wound care, light movements, and assistance with basic needs are provided.

Lengthening Phase

The lengthening begins about five days after surgery, with bones lengthened by an average of 1 mm per day. For example, achieving an 8 cm increase takes about 85 days.

Bone Healing and Unassisted Walking

Once lengthening is complete, a consolidation phase begins for the bones to strengthen and heal. Patients generally start walking unassisted 2–3 months after the lengthening phase ends.

Full Recovery and Return to Daily Life

Starting from the fourth month, patients gradually return to their daily routines. Over time, they can lift heavier weights, improve their balance, and increase mobility.

Recovery progress is closely monitored with X-rays and regular doctor evaluations.
High-impact sports, running, and professional-level physical activities require fully healed bones, which usually takes 9–12 months.

➡️ Throughout recovery, regular doctor visits, physiotherapy, and patience are essential for achieving a safe and successful outcome.

Limb lengthening surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon with careful planning. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. Common risks include:

• Infection:
  Poor hygiene in the surgical area may cause infection.
  Solution: Regular wound care, strict hygiene protocols, and antibiotics can effectively manage it.

• Delayed Bone Healing:
  Poor nutrition, genetics, or smoking may slow or prevent bone consolidation.
  Solution: Bone grafting, PRP, stem cell therapy, or additional surgical procedures may be required.

• Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage:
  Rare but possible during surgery.
  Solution: Physical therapy, nerve-healing medications, and surgical repair if necessary.

• Muscle and Tendon Tightness:
  Muscles and tendons may take time to adapt to lengthened bones.
  Solution: Regular physiotherapy and stretching exercises help relieve this issue.

• Blood Clots (DVT):
  Prolonged immobility may lead to vein clot formation.
  Solution: Blood thinners, compression stockings, and regular activity can prevent clots.

• Psychological Stress:
  The long recovery process and limited mobility may cause anxiety or loss of motivation.
  Solution: Psychotherapy, connecting with other patients, and motivational activities are recommended.

➡️ These risks can be significantly minimized through meticulous surgical techniques, regular follow-ups, and strict adherence to medical advice.

Post-Operative Pain Management in Limb Lengthening Surgery
Post-operative pain during limb lengthening surgery is generally manageable and may occur at different stages:

• Initial Post-Surgery Days:
  Pain is most intense during the first few days due to the surgical intervention. However, this phase is managed with strong painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

• Lengthening Phase:
  As bones are lengthened by an average of 1 mm per day, mild to moderate pain may occur due to the stretching of muscles and nerves. Regular physiotherapy and appropriate medication help minimize this pain.

• Recovery Phase:
  As the bones consolidate, slight discomfort may be experienced. With increasing mobility, pain decreases significantly, and most patients report noticeable relief within 4–6 weeks.

• Physiotherapy Stage:
  Mild pain may occur during stretching and strengthening exercises, which is a natural sign of muscles adapting to the lengthened bones.

📌 For patients who follow their doctor’s and physiotherapist’s recommendations, pain is generally not a major concern. However, if pain persists or worsens, it is essential to consult your doctor.

The amount of height gained after surgery depends on the method used, as well as the patient’s bone structure, age, and overall health. On average, the following increases can be achieved:

Lengthening Capacity

• A single surgery can provide 6–9 cm of height increase.

• For patients seeking greater height, additional surgeries may bring the total to 12–16 cm.

By Method

• Precice Method: Maximum 8–8.5 cm.

• LON Method: Up to 9–10 cm.

For Higher Requests

• Greater height gain extends the timeline and requires additional physiotherapy.

• For instance, 8 cm of lengthening takes about 85 days, while 10 cm takes about 105 days.

📌 The amount of height gained depends entirely on the patient’s muscle and nerve flexibility and bone healing speed, rather than the doctor’s skills or the surgical method itself.
At Wannabetaller®, our experienced team provides ongoing physiotherapy and support to ensure successful outcomes. Many of our patients have achieved over 8 cm of height gain by diligently following medical recommendations.

Thanks to modern surgical techniques, scarring after limb lengthening surgery is minimized. However, the visibility of scars depends on the surgical method and the patient’s skin type.

Scarring by Method

• Precice and Precice Max: Since these methods do not use external fixators, scars are very small, usually only a few centimeters, and they fade significantly over time.

• LON and Ilizarov: Because external fixators are used, more noticeable scars may remain at the fixation points.

Aesthetic Treatments

Post-surgery, creams, silicone strips, or laser treatments recommended by your doctor can help reduce scar visibility.

Advantages of Modern Surgical Techniques

• Advanced suturing methods allow smoother healing of incision sites.

• Proper wound care and dressing accelerate scar recovery.

📌 Most patients report that scars do not significantly affect their daily lives. If you have aesthetic concerns, discuss scar treatment and management options with your doctor.

Physical therapy is essential for successful recovery and long-term mobility after limb lengthening surgery. The process progresses in several stages:

Initial Post-Surgery Weeks

• Light exercises are introduced to improve mobility.

• Basic stretching and flexibility movements prevent muscle stiffness.

Lengthening Phase

• During the daily bone-lengthening process, regular stretching, flexibility, and strengthening exercises help muscles and tendons adapt.

• Physiotherapist-supervised exercises prevent stiffness and maintain mobility.

Bone Healing Phase

• After the lengthening is complete, the focus shifts to balance and coordination exercises.

• Weight-bearing activities strengthen both bones and muscles.

Full Recovery Phase

• Gradual transition to unsupported walking, followed by running and sports activities.

• Physical therapy at this stage aims to enhance body balance and endurance.

📌 Physical therapy is vital not only for muscle and bone health, but also for pain management and regaining freedom of movement after surgery. Consistent participation in physical therapy significantly improves surgical outcomes and overall quality of life.

When choosing between tibia (lower leg) or femur (upper leg) lengthening in height surgery, the decision is entirely yours. It is important to assess this choice from an aesthetic perspective while also discussing the potential medical outcomes with your doctor during consultation.

Advantages of Lower Leg Lengthening

• Less pain is experienced.

• With the LON method, patients can sleep on their side during the process.

• Provides greater mobility.

Disadvantages of Lower Leg Lengthening

• Offers less lengthening (average 5–8 cm).

• Higher risk of nerve damage due to the dense distribution of nerves.

• Increased risk of “Ballerina Syndrome” since the Achilles tendon may struggle to stretch.

Advantages of Upper Leg Lengthening

• Provides greater lengthening (6–10 cm).

• Lower risk of infection.

• Faster bone healing due to better blood circulation in this area.

Disadvantages of Upper Leg Lengthening

• More pain is experienced.

• Provides less mobility.

📌 Both methods can be tailored to your aesthetic goals and medical expectations. A detailed consultation with your doctor will guide you to the option that best suits your needs.

During recovery, patients may choose to stay in a hotel under the supervision of our experienced healthcare team, where they can also meet other patients from different countries. Alternatively, they may opt for more affordable company-affiliated apartments, where all medical and daily needs are provided by our team.

Some patients prefer to arrange their own accommodation in apartments or hotels near our Istanbul center. Those who wish can also recover at home while staying in contact with us and being remotely monitored.

📱 Before surgery, we create WhatsApp groups that allow controlled follow-ups with the surgeon’s assistant, physiotherapists, nurse, quality control officer, and patient representative.

If you decide to recover at home, please inform us in advance about any external healthcare services you plan to use. In particular, for physiotherapy and nursing services, we want to ensure that our team coordinates with the provider to confirm that all instructions are properly understood.

Throughout this journey — until you fully adapt to your new height — we are here to ensure that your recovery remains careful, controlled, and safe.

Limb lengthening surgery is a major procedure that requires advanced expertise and experience. Choosing the right center not only increases the success rate but also minimizes risks. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision:

Expertise and Experience

• The surgeon’s qualifications and experience are crucial. Review their credentials, the number of surgeries they have performed, and patient satisfaction.

• Ask about the techniques they use and confirm if they are skilled in modern surgical methods.

Hospital and Technology

• Verify whether the hospital has international accreditations (e.g., JCI).

• The hospital’s technological infrastructure and the reliability of surgical equipment are critical factors.

Transparent Pricing

• Understand exactly what the quoted price covers. Ensure that all services are clearly listed to avoid hidden costs.

• Check whether accommodation, transfers, physiotherapy, and doctor follow-ups are included.

Post-Surgery Support

• Services such as physiotherapy, wound care, and regular doctor check-ups play a vital role in recovery. Evaluate the extent of these services.

• Additional support such as psychological counseling can also make the process smoother.

Patient Experiences and References

• Read feedback from former patients and, if possible, reach out to them directly to learn about their experiences.

• Social media platforms and institutional references can also provide valuable insights.

Location and Health Tourism Services

• Check if the center provides airport transfers, accommodation, and interpretation services for international patients.

• Understand how the center organizes the process to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Hygiene and Safety Standards

• Pay attention to hygiene protocols and sterilization of surgical equipment.

• Ensure that proper measures are in place to minimize infection risks before and after surgery.

📌 In conclusion, carefully evaluate each step when selecting a center and do not hesitate to ask questions. The right center will not only manage the surgery itself but also guide you through the entire process with maximum safety and comfort.

Our Difference as Turkey’s First Limb Lengthening Center
As Turkey’s first limb lengthening surgery center, we stand out with our experience and patient-centered approach. Here are the main reasons to choose us:

Pioneering and Experience

With years of expertise and the trust of hundreds of patients, we carefully and meticulously manage every stage of the process.

Advanced Technology and Modern Methods

We use the most modern and effective techniques in height surgery, such as LON and Precice, which are internationally recognized for their safety and comfort.

Patient Satisfaction and Empathy

We focus not only on physical treatment but also on emotional support. Our empathetic approach ensures guidance, encouragement, and motivation throughout the journey.

Post-Surgery Care and Follow-Up

We do not leave you alone after the operation. With regular doctor visits, physiotherapy programs, and continuous communication, we ensure a healthy and smooth recovery.

High Service Standards

Our surgeries are performed in a world-class hospital accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), EFQM, and TURQUALITY, guaranteeing both safety and satisfaction.

Up-to-Date and Effective Solutions

By keeping up with the latest medical advancements, we offer innovative and effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Cost-Performance Balance

We provide the highest standards of treatment at a cost-effective balance, ensuring you receive excellent results within your budget.

Hundreds of Happy Patients

Our proven track record of hundreds of successful surgeries and positive patient feedback highlights the reliability and success of our center.

📌 By choosing us, you are not just choosing a surgery — you are choosing an experienced team, modern infrastructure, and a personalized treatment plan that makes this challenging process easier. We are here to help you safely achieve the height of your dreams. Let’s plan this journey together!