Height Increase Surgery in Turkey: Cost, Risks & Results

Many people struggling with their height look to increase their height, but exercises show no benefits. The most effective solution to get taller permanently is the height procedure. This orthopedic procedure carefully lengthens the leg bones, offering measurable and permanent results.

Height surgery is not a simple procedure; it is complex and time-consuming, requiring a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon and a strong commitment to prolonged aftercare. In Turkey, this surgery is performed by specialized centers with advanced techniques and modern devices, providing patients with safe procedures, comprehensive follow-up, and support throughout the recovery process.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about height increase surgery in Turkey, including how the procedure is performed, recovery, potential risks, costs, and expected results.

What is Height Increase Surgery?

Height increase surgery, also known as limb lengthening surgery or stature lengthening surgery, is a complex orthopedic procedure that permanently increases a persons height by lengthening the bones in their legs

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully breaks the bone through small incisions and attaches a specialized device, such as an external fixator or internal nail. This device gradually creates space between the bone segments. As the body heals, new bone tissue forms in the gap, effectively increasing leg length.

Unlike common misconceptions, height surgery is not performed on the heels, knees, or spine. Instead, it targets the leg bones, the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), or both, so the increase in height comes from the legs, not the spine.

This surgery can involve the knee area for precise adjustments and alignment, but it does not lengthen the heel or spinal column. Patients typically undergo a recovery period with physiotherapy to ensure proper healing and mobility. 

Who is the Best Candidate for Height Increase Surgery?

The best candidates for height increase surgery are healthy adults, usually over the age of 25, who are non-smokers, have realistic expectations, and are willing to commit to a lengthy and rigorous recovery process. Limb lengthening surgery can be performed for:

• Medical purposes: For individuals with limb length discrepancies or other skeletal conditions.
  
• Cosmetic purposes: For individuals seeking to increase their height.

Candidates should also consider practical factors such as the cost of surgery, post-operative care, and the time required off work.

Patients with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or immune-related issues, should consult their doctor to determine eligibility, as these conditions can affect safety and the healing process.

How Much Does Height Increase Surgery?

The cost of height increase surgery ranges from approximately $15,000 to $250,000, depending on factors such as the country, the type of lengthening device used, and which bones are being lengthened (femur, tibia, or both).

In Turkey, the cost is significantly lower, typically ranging between $30,000 and $50,000, which is only a fraction of the cost in the United States, where prices can exceed $200,000 depending on the surgeon and technique.

Factors Affecting Cost of Height Increase Surgery?

Factors affecting height increase surgery costs include the country (e.g., US vs. Turkey), the surgical method (internal vs. external fixators), the surgeon’s experience, the total number of centimeters to be gained, and the length of recovery. Additional costs such as physical therapy, accommodation, and post-operative care can also influence the overall price.

1. Country and  location

Costs vary significantly by region and country. For example, costs in the US are higher than in countries like Mexico or Turkey. Limb lengthening surgery in Turkey ranges from $30,000–$50,000 for both legs, while the same procedure in the United States can exceed $200,000, even with the same device and target height gain.

2. Surgical techniques (Internal vs. External Fixators):

Modern internal devices (e.g., nails) are usually more expensive due to advanced technology and materials.

A PRECICE internal nail in Turkey costs around $10,000–$15,000 for the device alone, whereas an external fixator may cost 50–60% less but requires a longer treatment and more follow-up.

3. Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation:

Highly experienced and reputable surgeons often charge more due to higher success rates and fewer complications.

4. Bones Involved (Femur, Tibia, or Both):

The total cost depends on whether the surgery lengthens the femur, tibia, or both bones.
Lengthening the tibia only may cost around $30,000, while lengthening the femur is slightly higher, and performing both bones can reach $50,000–$60,000 due to additional devices and surgical time.

Height Surgery Procedure Steps?

Height increase surgery, also known as limb lengthening surgery, is often considered a cosmetic procedure because it enhances height for aesthetic purposes. However, it is not a plastic surgery and is performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons, using precise techniques to safely lengthen the leg bones.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours. The procedure involves several key steps:

1. Bone Cutting (Osteotomy): The surgeon makes small incisions in the leg and carefully cuts the targeted bone.
   
2. Device Placement: A specialized device, such as an external fixator or internal lengthening nail, is attached to the bone segments. This device gradually pulls the segments apart.
   
3. Distraction Phase: Over several weeks, the device is adjusted to slowly separate the bone segments, usually about 1 millimeter per day. This controlled stretching encourages the body to produce new bone tissue in the gap.
   
4. Consolidation Phase: Once the desired length is reached, the bone is allowed to harden and fully heal. The device may remain in place during this time to support stability.
   
5. Rehabilitation: Patients undergo physiotherapy to restore strength, mobility, and proper alignment of the legs.

Types of Height Increase Surgery in Turkey

The main types of height increase surgery in Turkey are external fixation, internal fixation, and combined methods like the LON technique. Each method works differently and varies in cost, comfort, and recovery.

1. External Fixation: This method uses an external device—such as the Ilizarov frame—attached with pins or wires. It is the most affordable option and allows gradual bone lengthening through daily adjustments.

2. LON (Lengthening Over Nail): A combined technique that uses an internal rod for stability along with an external fixator for the initial lengthening phase. It offers faster recovery and requires the external frame for a shorter period.

3. Internal Fixation: Fully internal systems, such as the PRECICE nail, use a motorized telescopic rod placed inside the bone. This method avoids external hardware, providing greater comfort and easier mobility during recovery.

Recovery After Height Increase Surgery

Recovery after height increase surgery is a lengthy process that takes up to a year, involving an initial hospital stay, several months of physical therapy, and a gradual return to normal activities. 

Patients can expect to use crutches for several weeks but may be able to walk without assistance in about 4-5 months, with a full return to strenuous activities often possible after about 6 months, though this can vary. 

Healing requires patience, strict adherence to physical therapy, and regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor bone growth and healing. 

1. Immediate Post-Operative Recovery (First Days at Hospital): Patients remain in the hospital for 3–5 days for close medical monitoring. This periods focus is on pain management, basic mobility, and gentle movements of the feet and knees.

2. Early Recovery at Home (Distraction Phase): After discharge, the distraction phase begins, during which the limb lengthening device gradually separates the bone segments. The device is adjusted daily, typically about 1 millimeter per day, to stimulate new bone growth. Patients are allowed to walk with crutches or walkers according to the surgeon’s instructions, but should avoid heavy activities and strenuous tasks

3. Late Recovery and Consolidation Phase: Once the desired leg length is achieved, usually in 3 to 6 months, the consolidation phase begins. In this period, focus shifts to intensive physiotherapy to restore strength, balance, and proper alignment of the legs and the device may remain in place to support stability while the bone fully hardens. Patients gradually resume normal daily activities and, eventually, sports, following the surgeon’s guidance.

Height Increase Surgery Before and After Results and Photos

Height increase surgery involves lengthening the leg bones to increase overall height, with before and after results showing noticeable height gain, improved body proportions, and enhanced confidence.

Before the procedure, patients are typically of average or below-average height and may feel self-conscious about their stature. After surgery and a prolonged recovery process, patients are taller and often report feeling more proportional, which can lead to improved self-esteem and overall satisfaction.

Height increase surgery can result in an additional 5 to 8 cm of height per bone (femur or tibia), with a total of up to 10–15 cm possible if both the femur and tibia are lengthened. 

The success rate of height increase surgery in Turkey ranges between 90% and 98%. Patient reviews indicate high satisfaction, with most reporting successful height gain, minimal side effects, and a positive overall experience.

Risks and Complications of Height Increase Surgery

Height-increasing surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon, and when patients are ideal candidates who commit to post-operative care instructions; however, risks are still possible.

Risks of height increase surgery include infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, poor bone healing, and joint or muscle stiffness. Patients may also experience significant pain, a prolonged and difficult recovery, and complications from the internal or external devices used. Long-term issues can include chronic pain, joint problems, and persistent nerve sensitivity.  Common complication of height increase surgery are:

• Infection: Can occur at the surgical site or around the device; usually managed with antibiotics.
  
• Poor Bone Healing (Nonunion or Malunion): Bones may heal slowly or in the wrong alignment, potentially requiring additional treatment.
  
• Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage: Rare, but can cause numbness, tingling, or circulation issues.
  
• Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis): Risk during prolonged immobilization; prevented with medication and mobility exercises.
  
• Joint and Muscle Stiffness: Temporary or long-term limitation in movement; improved with physiotherapy.
  
• Device Complications: Problems with the external fixator or internal nail may require adjustments or replacement.
  
• Long-Term Issues: Persistent pain, joint stiffness, or altered gait may occur in some patients; physiotherapy helps minimize these effects.

The rate of complications varies significantly depending on several factors, including the amount of lengthening (small vs. large percentage of the original bone length), the type of device used, the surgeon’s experience and the center’s expertise, and post-operative follow-up.

Recent studies, especially those using advanced devices or techniques, such as internal lengthening nails, tend to show lower complication rates and higher success rates compared to older methods.

Why Choose Turkey for Height Increase Surgery

Turkey has become one of the top global destinations for height increase surgery thanks to its strong medical expertise and its specialization in complex orthopedic procedures like limb lengthening.

The country offers an ideal combination of experienced orthopedic surgeons, advanced limb-lengthening techniques, and more affordable pricing compared to the US and Europe. Many of the best centers are located in Istanbul, where clinics use modern systems such as internal magnetic nails and hybrid methods, providing safer procedures and structured rehabilitation programs.

Patients also prefer Turkey because clinics offer comprehensive packages that include accommodation, transport, and medical follow-up, creating a smooth and supportive experience for international visitors. For adults looking for height increase surgery with lower costs and high success rates, Turkey remains one of the most reliable options today.

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