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Leg Lengthening Surgery in Turkey

Osteotomy or leg lengthening surgery is a procedure to increase the length of the bones in the legs. The surgery works for people with short height and unequal leg bones as a birth defect or due to an injury. The surgery is no longer just a medical procedure but is also performed for cosmetic purposes. Leg lengthening as a cosmetic procedure is performed for adding a few inches to a person’s height.

More men prefer this surgery than women because height is a noticeable feature in men. Height is considered an important physical attribute for men and short height is often a cause of insecurity for many men. The leg-lengthening procedure works by using the body’s ability to regenerate new bone structure. It is a step-by-step procedure that takes a few weeks and sometimes months or up to a year. The length of your leg bones, femur (thigh bone) tibia (shinbone), soft tissues, and other structures increases gradually in this procedure. On average, leg lengthening surgery is performed 200-300 times a year in the US, Germany, South Korea, etc. Around 30-50 leg lengthening surgeries are performed in Turkey, Italy and Spain. Since it is a complex procedure, it is available only in limited hospitals. In Turkey, leg lengthening surgery is performed in various hospitals including Liv Hospital Istanbul, Florence Nightingale Hospitals, and Optimed International Hospital.

What is leg lengthening?

Limb lengthening or leg lengthening is a surgery for increasing the length of the leg bones. The procedure involves your leg bones, femur (thigh bone) tibia (shin bone), and surrounding structures. The patient can choose to lengthen either the tibia or the femur. Your doctor helps you make the right choice according to your leg shape. Leg lengthening is medically necessary for people with unequal legs (anisomelia) as it can lead to bigger problems such as scoliosis and other spine conditions. It also helps individuals, mostly men, grow 3-5 inches taller than their original height. It is relatively a longer procedure but it gives durable and life-changing results.

What is the history of the leg lengthening procedure?

The procedure did not exist until the 1950s when a Soviet Orthopedic Surgeon, Gavriil Ilizarov came up with an apparatus for lengthening limb bones. The apparatus is more commonly known as the “external fixator system” or “Ilizarov frame”. The Ilizarov orthopedic theory is that severing two halves of a bone and holding them in place leads to bone regeneration. It is a natural process that demands careful planning and execution. Ilirazov apparatus is an adjustable device with several pins that are attached to metal rods. Surgeons place the frame outside the legs and connect it through the unbroken part of the leg bone. It helps to keep the bone in place and to gradually reduce the distance between the broken bone. Ilizarov Frame is still in use but medical advancement has led to newer, more modern ways of bone regeneration.

Who can get leg lengthening surgery?

Limb lengthening is a complex procedure so a thorough medical analysis is necessary to be sure if it would suit you. Here are the general requirements for eligibility:

You are over 18 years of age.
You are healthy and do not have any serious medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Short height affects your confidence and other aspects of your life such as professional life and love life.
You grew up with a sense of inferiority due to your height.
Your legs are unequal in length and it affects your spine.
You have realistic goals in mind and you do not want the same height as someone else.
You are ready to commit to the long surgical procedure.
You can afford the treatment and can follow your doctor’s advice for recovery.

Is leg lengthening surgery safe?

Leg lengthening is a major procedure and it is very crucial to choose the right doctor to ensure your safety. Here are the general qualifications you must look for in a plastic surgeon for your medical treatment:

Board certification (American Board of Plastic Surgery)
Health ministry certification
Field specialization
Online ratings and reviews
Prolonged experience in the field
References

How does leg lengthening surgery work?

The leg-lengthening procedure takes place in four stages. It is a relatively more complex procedure but gives substantial results:

Stage 1: Osteotomy (separation of the bone)

This is the most important part of the leg-lengthening procedure. During the Osteotomy stage, the doctor cuts your leg bone (femur or tibia) into two parts. After the separation of the bone, an internal or external fixator is attached to the leg. The internal fixator is placed inside the leg whereas the external fixator or Ilizarov frame stays on the outside of the leg. Metal and pins attached to the devices are tightened every few days to pull the bones apart. The distance between the bones leads to bone regrowth.

Stage 2: Rest period

After the surgery, you are given a rest period of 5-7 days. During this period, patients are meant to rest and avoid any physical movement.

Stage 3: Distraction period

After the rest period, your surgeon asks you to come in for the adjustment of the lengthening device. The surgeon pulls the two bone segments apart by 0.75 to 1 millimeter in every sitting. Typically, the bone can lengthen by 1 inch at least every month.

During the adjustment phase, you’ll need regular physiotherapy and exercise for joint mobility. You will need 3-5 physiotherapy sessions every week with an experienced physiotherapist.

Stage 4: Merger of the bones

After the adjustment period, the two bones begin to grow and eventually merge. Eventually, the bone begins to calcify and gets thicker. Your doctor encourages you to put equal weight on both legs with a walker or crutches. By putting weight on each leg, the bone strengthens and adjusts further. Doctors also ask patients to consume a lot of protein and bone-strength supplements during this phase.

Medical Benefits of leg lengthening:

Limb lengthening, especially for the legs is medically necessary in certain situations. Short leg syndrome or leg length discrepancy is a condition in which one leg is shorter than the other. It can lead to many medical issues such as scoliosis, and back, shoulder, hip, and knee pain. Leg lengthening shows marked improvement in scoliosis patients because it stabilizes the spine. It improves your overall quality of life and gives you improved mobility.

Cosmetic and Psychological Benefits of leg lengthening:

Aside from its medical benefits, leg lengthening offers cosmetic benefits as well. Short height can be a source of insecurity and low self-confidence, especially among men. Leg lengthening surgically increases the height of a person up to 5 inches.

Why Leg lengthening surgery in Turkey?

Turkey offers a wide range of benefits and perks, particularly if you are coming for medical treatment. Here are a few factors that give Turkey an edge over other nations for medical treatments:

Visa-Free Access to most countries

One of the benefits of coming to Turkey for medical treatment is that you do not have to deal with long visa queues. Most foreigners, particularly Europeans can enter Turkey without a visa and just with a valid ID card. It saves a lot of time and you can plan your trip without any worries.

VAT (Value added Tax) Exemption

The Turkish Health Ministry announced VAT exemption for foreigners who visit Turkey for medical treatment in 2018. It is a state incentive to boost medical tourism in Turkey and to provide convenience to foreign patients.

Established Medical Tourism Sector

Turkey offers a well-established medical tourism sector that thrives due to a web of hospitals, clinics, and agencies that meticulously plan every aspect of your journey. Travel packages for medical tourism cover everything from hotel reservations to airport transfers, hospital transfers, and other important aspects. In 2023, around 7,46,290 people have already chosen Turkey as their medical destination. The total profit earned so far in 2023 by the medical tourism sector in Turkey is $1,033,942.

Quicker Appointment System

Another perk of coming to Turkey is that you don’t have to wait for months or years for your appointment. Despite receiving hundreds and thousands of patients every season, every patient is given the same level of attention and care. The appointment process is fast and hassle-free.

Holiday Destination

A staggering 1.2 million Europeans visit Turkey for various medical procedures. The costs of medical procedures here are substantially lower, often up to 80% less, than in other countries.

Transit Hub: Turkey’s renowned metropolitan city, Istanbul is a popular transit destination. It is convenient to find flight connections to almost anywhere in the world from Istanbul. Furthermore, most flights from European countries to Istanbul are only 3 hours long. Therefore, you can find a sense of ease in traveling to Turkey as you can easily find a flight back home.

Leg Lengthening Surgery in Istanbul

Dixi Health perform leg lengthening surgery.

Both holiday and treatment.

How can you come to Turkey for limb lengthening?

If you are considering Turkey for a leg-lengthening procedure, here is a step-by-step guide on how to book an appointment for the treatment of your choice:

Step 1: Get in touch with our representative and share your details

The first step to start the process is reaching out to us and sharing your information.

One of our team members will take down your details including your contact details and medical history.

Here are the tests our representative will ask you to share with them via WhatsApp or email:

A complete blood profile
Chest X-ray
Coagulation tests
BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)
TSH, T3, T4 (Thyroid)
BHcG (pregnancy test)
Leg X-ray

Step 2: Travelling to Turkey and Hospitalization

Once our doctors are satisfied with your test results, we will help you sort out your flight to Turkey and your itinerary.

It doesn’t matter which airport you land at we will be there to pick you up and take you to the hotel.

We will arrange your hotel transfers as well to make sure you are sorted throughout your trip.

Step 3: Pre-surgery Check-up

Once you arrive at the hotel, our doctors will welcome you and prepare you for certain tests.

Although we have asked you for certain tests before, our doctors run another set of tests to be safe.

The following tests will be performed before the surgery:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
ECG Test

Step 4: Surgery

If the doctors are satisfied with your test results, they prepare you for the surgery.

On the day of the surgery, you are transferred to the hospital and welcomed by the staff at the hospital.

Step 5: Recovery

After the surgery, you may have to stay in the hospital for a short while for doctors to monitor your condition.

This is just a preventative step to make sure you are recovering fine.

You may have to revisit after a few days for a follow-up appointment with the doctor.

Step 6: Hotel Transfer

Once you are given a go-ahead by your doctor, we will transfer you to your designated hotel.

The hotel provides a wide range of amenities and luxuries to make sure you are comfortable throughout your stay.

What services do our packages include?

Here is a complete list of services our packages include:

Preliminary Tests
Anesthesia Examination
Initial Examination
Leg lengthening Surgery
General Anesthesia or Local Anesthesia
Post-surgery Examinations
Post-surgery hospital stay
VIP hotel and hospital transfers
3-5 days hotel accommodation

Why leg lengthening surgery?

Limb lengthening or leg extension surgery is a life-changing surgery for people with short-height issues due to genetics, dwarfism, or injury.

What is leg lengthening surgery cost?

Leg lengthening is a major and lengthy procedure so it can be a bit pricey. The average cost of leg lengthening in the US is $120,000 to $150,000. The cost can increase or decrease according to how many inches the patient wants to grow. There can be additional costs during follow-up appointments and if revisions are needed. Insurance does not cover this procedure unless it is medically necessary for the patient so it is important to check with your insurance provider.

What is leg lengthening surgery cost in Turkey?

The cost of leg lengthening in Turkey is substantially lower than in the rest of the world. The average cost of leg lengthening in Turkey is $12,000 to $25,000 including hospital and medical expenses. Extra costs for travel and accommodation may increase the price by 10% to 20%.

What are the risks of leg lengthening surgery?

Leg lengthening is a major surgery and carries certain risks like any other procedure. Here are the most common risks associated with this procedure:

Anesthesia risks such as breathing issues and digestive problems.
Bleeding during or after the surgery
Infection
Poor and slow healing of the bone
Nerve injury and dislocations
Blood clots that can slow down blood flow to major organs.

Will I be able to walk again after leg lengthening?

You can go back to your normal life and normal routine after a few months with consistent physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

FAQ‘s Leg Lengthening Surgery

Here are the most frequently asked questions about leg lengthening surgery: