Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery

Cosmetic height surgery refers to procedures that aim to increase a person’s height for aesthetic reasons. These surgeries are also known as limb lengthening or leg lengthening procedures. They involve surgically breaking the leg bones and implanting a telescopic rod device that can gradually extend the bones as they heal. This allows the legs to be lengthened over time through a process called distraction osteogenesis Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery  

The first modern limb lengthening surgeries were developed in the 1950s by Russian orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gavriil Ilizarov. His techniques involved external fixators attached by pins drilled into the bones. During the 1970s, an Italian surgeon named Dr. Codivilla introduced the concept of internal lengthening devices that could be implanted inside the legs. This helped improve patient comfort and mobility during the lengthening process. Significant advances in the technology have occurred since then, with both internal and external devices used today.

While still considered controversial, cosmetic limb lengthening surgeries have grown in popularity for people wishing to increase their height for personal or professional reasons. The procedures are extensive, requiring months of recovery, therapy and careful monitoring. But they can add several inches of permanent height if successful. Most patients pursue an increase of 2-4 inches.

Reasons for Seeking Cosmetic Height Surgery

Many individuals, mostly men, seek cosmetic height surgery due to dissatisfaction with their current height. They may feel that being taller will improve their confidence, success in careers and relationships, and status among peers. 

Some common motivations include:

– Dissatisfaction with current height – Some individuals are extremely unhappy with their height and feel it significantly detracts from their quality of life. They may have been teased about their height or believe it limits their social, romantic, or professional opportunities.

– Desire to be taller for confidence and success – Many believe that taller height is associated with greater confidence, authority, and respect from others. Men in particular may think being taller will improve their career prospects and make them more attractive. 

– Peer pressure – Height norms and expectations set by peers can drive the desire for cosmetic height surgery. Some may feel pressure to get the surgery after seeing the benefits friends or competitors experienced after getting taller.

The underlying reasons tend to stem from societal perceptions that taller height is more desirable and leads to greater success and status Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Though cosmetic procedures carry risks, some view the potential benefits of increased height to be worth it.

Lengthening Procedures

Limb lengthening surgery involves surgically breaking the bones of the legs to allow new bone to grow and fill the gap. This allows the legs to become longer. There are two main techniques used:

External Fixators

External fixators involve fitting an external frame around the leg attached by pins drilled into the bone above and below the break. The frame has adjustable struts that can gradually separate the two sections of bone, allowing new bone to grow and fill the gap. This is the more traditional and better studied technique. The external fixator frame remains on the leg during the entire lengthening process and for some time after to allow the new bone to consolidate and strengthen Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery.

The procedure begins with surgically breaking the leg bones at the desired location. Then the external fixator frame is attached to the leg. After about a week of initial healing, the struts on the frame are adjusted a small amount daily, such as 1 mm per day. This slowly separates the two ends of the bone, allowing new bone to grow and bridge the gap.

Potential complications include infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, delayed bone healing, and joint stiffness. The external fixator frames can be cumbersome and uncomfortable Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery.

Intramedullary Nails

Intramedullary nails are a newer technique. It involves inserting a telescopic nail down the center of the bone. The nail contains a mechanism that can be lengthened gradually, similar to the external fixators. However, the nail is fully internal and less invasive. Rehabilitation may be quicker with this method. However, there is less ability to control or monitor the lengthening process once the nail is implanted. The nail must also be surgically removed after the lengthening is complete Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. There is less data on outcomes and complications with this newer technique compared to external fixators.

Recovery Process

The recovery process for cosmetic height surgery can be lengthy and challenging. After the surgery, patients will need to follow strict protocols to allow the bone to heal and regenerate tissue in the gap created by the surgical lengthening. 

The initial recovery timeframe is about 1-2 weeks after surgery. During this time, patients will need to strictly follow limitations on bearing weight or putting pressure on the operated limb Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. They will likely need to use crutches or a wheelchair for mobility. Pain and discomfort are common during the initial recovery period.

Once the bones have begun to heal, the lengthening process starts. This involves the patient or physician adjusting the external fixator daily to gradually lengthen the bone. Each day, the bones are lengthened by approximately 1mm. This small incremental lengthening is necessary to allow regeneration of bone and soft tissue in the gap created by the surgery. The lengthening phase lasts 1-2 months on average Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. During this time, patients will work with physical therapists to maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy. Physical therapy is a crucial part of the lengthening process Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery.

After the desired length has been achieved, the bones are left to finish consolidating and hardening. This consolidation phase lasts several months, during which time the external fixator remains in place to stabilize the bone. Weightbearing and physical activity are restricted during consolidation. Once imaging tests confirm the bone has consolidated, the external fixator can be removed. This usually occurs 3-6 months after the initial surgery Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. 

At this point, physical therapy becomes extremely important to regain strength and range of motion. Therapy focuses on stretching, strengthening exercises, balance training, and gait retraining Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. It may take 6 months to a year to fully recover strength and function in the lengthened limb. Most patients can resume normal activities around 12 months after surgery. However, the operated limb may remain weaker and less flexible long-term.

Results

Cosmetic height surgery can increase a person’s height by several inches through leg-lengthening procedures. The average increase is typically 2-4 inches, though gains of 3-6 inches are possible in some cases Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. However, the amount that can be gained depends on multiple factors like age, initial height, and body proportions. 

Most patients report high satisfaction rates with the end results of cosmetic height surgery. The increased height provides an immediate boost to their confidence, self-esteem, and body image. Patients often feel more comfortable in social situations and less self-conscious about their stature. The height gain allows them to reach things more easily and fit better in clothes and furniture Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Some report feeling more respected in professional settings after adding inches to their height.

The impact on confidence and self-perception is one of the biggest benefits patients experience from cosmetic height surgery. The results can be life-changing for those who previously felt held back by their shorter stature. Being taller makes them feel more “normal” and less embarrassed or insecure about their height. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations, as increased height alone may not resolve all self-esteem issues.

Psychological Considerations

Many individuals seeking cosmetic height surgery have underlying psychological motivations that should be addressed through counseling. Surgeons recommend that patients undergo psychological screening and receive counseling prior to surgery to determine if body dysmorphic disorder or other mental health conditions are present Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. 

Body dysmorphic disorder involves an obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance that is either minor or not observable to others. People with this condition may become preoccupied with the desire to change their height through surgery Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. However, their distress is unlikely to be resolved through the procedure alone. Counseling can help patients develop a more realistic perspective.

Surgeons caution that patients motivated by perceived social stigmas, discrimination, or romantic rejection related to their height may not achieve the expected psychological benefits from surgery. Addressing the root insecurities through counseling is preferable to undergoing a series of painful, expensive, and potentially risky procedures Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery.  Patients should explore their motivations and expectations thoroughly to determine if their goals are realistic. Counseling can help patients work through any underlying issues prior to pursuing permanent surgical alterations to their bodies. This allows for fully informed consent regarding the impacts of surgery.

Controversies

Cosmetic height surgery raises several ethical concerns and controversies. Many argue that limb-lengthening procedures reinforce discriminatory beauty standards and perpetuate heightism in society. They believe the surgery promotes the notion that taller people have inherent advantages and privileges over shorter individuals Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Critics say cosmetic height surgery sends the wrong message – that you must change your body to fit narrow beauty ideals rather than accepting yourself. 

Others counter that height surgery simply helps people overcome insecurities, similar to other cosmetic procedures. Proponents believe height should not determine someone’s worth or opportunities in life. If surgery can help people gain confidence and reduce height bias they face, it can be ethical Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Still, some experts argue there are less invasive alternatives to surgery that may help people struggling with height insecurities, like counseling and self-acceptance practices. 

The debate around cosmetic height surgery reflects broader discussions on lookism and height discrimination in areas like dating, careers and leadership. More advocacy and education around height bias could alleviate pressures some feel to surgically alter their height. Ultimately there are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue, which remains ethically complex.

Cosmetic height surgery, also known as leg-lengthening surgery or limb-lengthening, is a controversial procedure undertaken by some seeking to increase their height for personal or professional reasons Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. While the surgeries can increase height by several inches, they come with significant costs, risks of complications, and lengthy recovery.

The procedures involve surgically breaking the leg bones and implanting metal rods attached to a frame. Over time, the bones regenerate and fill in the gap, lengthening the legs Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Patients undergo months of physical therapy and rehabilitation. The entire process can take over a year. 

In summary, cosmetic height surgery can deliver noticeable increases in height for those willing to take on the physical and financial burdens. However, the procedures remain controversial due to the risks, costs, and questions around necessity Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery. Critics argue height should not be viewed as something to “fix” for purely cosmetic reasons. 

For individuals considering the surgery, the decision involves weighing the potential boosts to confidence and career against permanent changes to one’s body for non-medical reasons. Patients must consider the risks of complications that can impact mobility and health long-term. As the procedures continue evolving, their safety and accessibility may improve. However, height surgery will likely remain controversial given the ethical debates around cosmetic procedures versus reconstructive surgery. Those seeking extra height must thoroughly research the pros, cons, costs, and risks first before making such a permanent and life-altering decision Legging It to New Heights: A Look at Cosmetic Height Surgery.