Who Is Suitable for Cosmetic Height Lengthening Surgery?
Cosmetic height lengthening surgery has become a highly preferred advanced orthopedic procedure in recent years, mainly due to aesthetic concerns. It is typically sought by individuals who experience confidence issues because of short stature or disproportionate body structure. Understanding who is suitable for this surgery is crucial both for achieving successful outcomes and ensuring patient safety.
Height lengthening surgery involves a process that begins with the controlled cutting of the bone, allowing new bone tissue to gradually form. The Ilizarov method and modern external fixators are commonly used techniques in this field. Additionally, these surgeries are not only performed for aesthetic reasons but can also be applied to address height deficiencies related to developmental or traumatic causes.
Who Is Suitable for Cosmetic Height Lengthening Surgery?
1. Individuals with Realistic Expectations
Height lengthening surgery is not a miracle solution. On average, patients can expect an increase of 5-8 cm in height. This process demands months of patience and discipline. Therefore, ideal candidates are those who are mentally prepared for the challenges of surgery and have realistic expectations.
2. Those with Healthy Bone and Muscle Systems
During height lengthening surgery, the bone is cut and extended, requiring the surrounding muscles, tendons, and blood vessels to adapt to the new length. Therefore, bone quality and overall health are very important. Individuals with conditions such as osteoporosis or bone infections are not suitable candidates.
3. Fully Physically Mature Individuals
Adolescents still have open growth plates, and performing surgery at this stage can interfere with their natural growth process or fail to deliver the expected results. Consequently, patients over 18 years of age with completed bone development are generally preferred.
4. Psychologically Prepared Patients
The height lengthening process is difficult both physically and psychologically. Patients should be ready to cope with post-operative pain, limited mobility, the rehabilitation process, and changes in their social life. Evaluations by psychiatry or psychology specialists can be beneficial.
5. Individuals with Disproportionate Body Structure
Some patients are more concerned about body proportion imbalances rather than height alone. Cosmetic height lengthening, combined with limb reconstruction surgery, can provide a more proportional and aesthetic appearance.
Important Considerations During the Surgical Process
Prior to surgery, thorough examinations, including X-rays and CT scans, must be performed. The patient’s overall health, bone structure, vascular system, and nerves should be meticulously evaluated. Surgical planning follows, where the segment of bone to be lengthened, the amount of lengthening, and the duration are determined.
The operation is typically carried out under local or general anesthesia. The bone is monotonously and controllably fractured and stabilized with an external fixator device. The lengthening process is performed at a rate of 1mm per day. During this period, regular patient follow-up, infection risk management, and physiotherapy are critically important.
Proper patient selection, surgical experience, and a multidisciplinary approach reduce the complication rates associated with cosmetic height lengthening surgeries. Nevertheless, risks such as infection, nerve damage, and joint stiffness always exist. Therefore, being an ideal candidate and having close monitoring by an expert team are decisive factors for the success of the treatment.
In summary, cosmetic height lengthening surgery is a safe method for healthy and psychologically prepared individuals who seek aesthetic improvement. Correct patient selection and surgical protocols increase success and patient satisfaction. It is essential to get comprehensive information from relevant specialists and make an informed decision after careful evaluation.