Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey2025: Safe, Affordable, and Expert Care

Can you get surgery to be taller? Limb lengthening surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure designed to increase height, correct limb-length discrepancies, and improve overall leg symmetry. It is sought by patients who want cosmetic height enhancement as well as those needing medical correction.

In Turkey, limb lengthening surgery has become a popular and more affordable option compared to Western countries. With experienced surgeons, advanced techniques, and all-inclusive packages, costs typically range between $15,000 and $35,000 USD—often about 70% lower than prices in the US or Europe.

Turkey also maintains a strong safety profile, with success rates reaching 95% or more, supported by modern facilities and strict medical standards that help minimize risks such as infection, blood clots, or device-related complications.

Still, it’s important to understand that the recovery process is long. Patients should prepare for proper aftercare, family support, and a significant period away from work before making their decision.

For those looking to safely increase their height using advanced methods and premium medical care, International Clinics Istanbul offers expert guidance and free consultations. Book your appointment today.

What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Limb lengthening surgery is a height-increasing procedure performed to elongate limbs, usually legs, to increase a persons height by around 5 to 8 cm. It is an orthopedic procedure in which a bone is carefully cut, and the two ends are gradually separated to encourage new bone growth in the gap, allowing the limb to lengthen.  This is done using a specialized device, either an internal rod or an external frame, that is adjusted over time to slowly increase the bone’s length over several months. The surgery is also used to correct significant limb-length discrepancies and can help straighten deformed bones.

How Much Height Can Limb Lengthening Surgery Add?

Most patients can safely gain about 5–8 cm in height from one limb lengthening surgery, while those who undergo a second lengthening (on the femur and tibia) may achieve a combined increase of up to 12–15 cm, depending on bone type, technique, and surgeon assessment.

The amount of length you can gain from limb lengthening surgery depends on the bone being lengthened and the method used. Heres a realistic breakdown:

When both bones elongate, femur and tibia lengthening are performed separately, not in the same surgery. Typically, surgeons will start with the femur or tibia, allow full recovery and bone consolidation, and then proceed with the next bone if further lengthening is needed.

Types of Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey

Limb lengthening surgery in Turkey is primarily categorized based on the type of device used to stabilize and gradually lengthen the bone: external fixation, internal fixation, or a combined method. These techniques are widely offered in Turkish clinics for both medical correction of limb-length differences and cosmetic height increase.

External Fixation 

External fixation is a common method where a device with pins or wires passes through the skin into the bone to keep the limb stable. After the bone is cut, the external fixator is gradually adjusted to pull the bone ends apart, allowing new bone to grow. Devices like circular frames (Ilizarov) or straight bars are used. External fixation is effective for correcting limb-length discrepancies but may require careful maintenance and carries a risk of infection.

Internal Fixation 

Internal fixation involves placing a telescopic, motorized rod inside the bone. The rod is gradually lengthened using a remote-controlled magnetic motor, stimulating new bone growth. Systems such as PRECICE and Fitbone make the procedure discreet and more comfortable by avoiding bulky external frames. Not all patients are suitable for internal fixation, but it is increasingly popular in Turkey for cosmetic and medical limb lengthening.

LON (Lengthening Over Nail)

The LON method combines external and internal fixation. Initially, an external device lengthens the bone, then the frame is removed, leaving the internal rod to support the bone. This reduces the time spent in an external fixator and is effective for larger lengthening procedures, though it is a more complex surgery.

PRECICE Nail

The PRECICE nail is a telescopic, motorized internal rod gradually lengthened via a magnetic remote. It avoids external frames, offers a comfortable recovery, and is widely used in Turkish limb lengthening surgery clinics. Limitations include higher cost and patient eligibility.

Fitbone

Fitbone is an internal electronic rod system that lengthens the bone with precise external control. It eliminates the need for external frames and allows comfortable recovery, but it requires experienced surgeons and specialized equipment. It is the best option for high weight tolerability required allowing people to return to normal activity faster.

How Much is Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey in 2025

The cost of limb lengthening surgery in Turkey in 2025 ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 per leg, depending on the surgical technique, clinic, and the patient’s desired outcome. Many Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages, typically ranging from $18,000 to $35,000. These packages may cover the hospital stay, surgery, post-operative care, and physiotherapy. They are designed for international patients to make travel easier and to ensure the overall experience is affordable, seamless, and comfortable. The price of limb lengthening packages depends on several factors, including the type of procedure and technique, the limb being lengthened (femur, tibia, or both), the experience of the surgeon and clinic, and the services included in the package, such as the accommodation period.

Cost of Limb Lengthening in Turkey by Types of Procedure

For all procedure types, Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive packages ranging from approximately $18,200 to $35,000, which may cover the hospital stay, surgery, post-operative care, and physiotherapy. This makes Turkey a competitive and popular destination for both medical and cosmetic limb lengthening.

Cost of Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey vs. Other Countries

Limb lengthening surgery in Turkey is significantly more affordable compared to the US, UK, or Europe. In Turkey, costs generally range from $15,000 to $35,000, while in Western countries, prices can reach $50,000 to over $150,000. Turkish clinics offer modern facilities and often provide all-inclusive packages, covering surgery, hospital stay, post-operative care, and physiotherapy. Other countries, such as India, may offer lower costs, but the quality of care and availability of advanced techniques can vary.

 Cost comparison of limb lengthening surgery between countries

Why Turkey is an Affordable Option for Limb Lengthening Surgery

1. Affordable Prices:
   Turkey offers lower costs for limb lengthening surgery in Turkey due to reduced operating expenses, favorable currency exchange rates, and the availability of all-inclusive packages. These factors allow patients to undergo advanced procedures at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the US or UK.
2. High Quality of Care:
   Despite lower prices, Turkish clinics for limb lengthening surgery maintain state-of-the-art technology and employ experienced, internationally trained surgeons. This makes Turkey a safe and cost-effective choice for both medical corrections and cosmetic height increase.
3. Medical Tourism and All-Inclusive Packages:
   Turkey’s strong support for medical tourism has led to competitive pricing and comprehensive all-inclusive limb lengthening packages, which cover surgery, hospital stay, accommodation, and post-operative care. This makes costs predictable and affordable for international patients.
4. Best Surgeons and Clinics:
   Turkey is home to some of the best bone surgeons specializing in advanced limb lengthening techniques such as Fitbone and PRECICE 2, performing a high volume of these procedures. State-of-the-art clinics with strong reputations, modern facilities, positive patient reviews, and internationally accredited hospitals ensure both safety and high-quality care.

How Limb Lengthening is Performed?

Limb lengthening surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts 2–4 hours per bone, depending on the method used and the bone being lengthened. What you should know is that the surgery only involves cutting the bone and placing the device; it does not elongate the bone itself.  The actual bone lengthening begins during the recovery period, which passes through several stages and can take several months, sometimes up to 12–18 months. Limb lengthening surgery is a precise orthopedic procedure that involves three main stages: Osteotomy, Distraction, and Consolidation.

1. Osteotomy (Bone Cutting):
   The surgeon carefully cuts the bone to create two segments. This is done under general or regional anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety.
   
   
2. Distraction (Gradual Lengthening):
   A specialized device, either an external fixator (pins and rods outside the limb) or an internal telescopic rod (like PRECICE or Fitbone), is used to slowly pull the bone ends apart. This gradual process stimulates new bone growth in the gap, typically at a rate of 1 mm per day. Patients or surgeons adjust the device according to the treatment plan.
   
   
3. Consolidation (Bone Healing):
   Once the desired length is achieved, the new bone is left to harden and solidify. This phase can last several months, depending on the length gained and the patient’s healing capacity. During this time, physiotherapy helps maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.

What patients Expect During Recovery After Limb Lengthening

After limb lengthening, patients can expect a multi-month to year-long recovery involving a hospital stay of a few days, followed by weeks of limited weight-bearing and a strict regimen of physical therapy. 

Patients will need help with daily activities like dressing and bathing, and will need regular follow-up appointments to monitor bone healing. 

Recovery after limb lengthening surgery is a gradual process that depends on the amount of length gained, the bone treated, and the patient’s overall health.

The total recovery time is lengthy, often taking up to a year for full rehabilitation, with the patient potentially resuming normal activities in 4 to 5 months after surgery. 

The first stage, initial recovery, is primarily focused on healing from the surgery itself, allowing the bone and soft tissues to stabilize.

The next stage, lasting approximately 3–6 months, is the bone elongation period. During this phase, patients use either a manual or remotely controlled device, depending on the type of surgery. Following a schedule prepared by the surgeon, the device is adjusted daily to gradually lengthen the bone.

How the bone lengthens during recovery:
On average, bone lengthening progresses at about 1 mm per day. After the distraction phase, the consolidation phase allows the new bone to harden and strengthen. Typically, each centimeter of lengthening requires 1–2 months of total recovery, including both distraction and consolidation. For example, a 5 cm lengthening may take 5–10 months before the bone is fully stable.

During this period, the patient is not allowed to bear weight on the legs. Patients typically use crutches or walkers to reduce pressure on the operated limb during the initial weeks of distraction.

Gradual weight-bearing is permitted as the bone strengthens, usually during the next stage—the consolidation period. This phase is often closely monitored with X-rays and according to the surgeon’s protocol to ensure proper bone healing.

Physiotherapy During Limb Lengthening Recovery

Physiotherapy is a crucial part of recovery after limb lengthening surgery. It often begins as early as the first month to help maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and circulation.

A structured physiotherapy program typically includes gentle walking, mobility exercises, and targeted muscle strengthening. Its goals are to:

• Maintain joint mobility
• Strengthen surrounding muscles
• Prevent stiffness or contractures
• Support a safe return to normal activities

Risks Associated with Limb Lengthening Surgery

Like any major orthopedic procedure, limb lengthening surgery carries potential risks. Common complications include:

• Infection, especially at pin sites when using external fixators
• Delayed bone healing or nonunion, if the bone does not fully consolidate
• Nerve or blood vessel injury, which can occur as a complication during surgery
• Joint or muscle stiffness, often related to inadequate physiotherapy
• Blood clots, particularly in patients at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, especially during longer procedures
• Hardware problems with the lengthening device
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

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Why Choose International Clinics Istanbul?

If you are looking for a surgery to be taller, consider limb lengthening surgery in Turkey. At International Clinics Istanbul, we provide access to some of the leading bone surgeons, experienced in advanced techniques such as PRECICE 2 and Fitbone. Patients benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, personalized care, and internationally accredited hospitals, ensuring both safety and premium results. Take the first step toward achieving your height goals—book a free consultation with International Clinics Istanbul today and plan your personalized limb lengthening journey.