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2022年世界杯名单猜测

'it's just to make me a happier person': pricey surgery to increase height is becoming a trend

limb-lengthening entails having both femurs broken and two adjustable rods implanted into the thighs which are then extended one millimetre each day.

by karen hawthorne

published oct 06, 2022

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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it's mostly men who have limb-lengthening surgery

cosmetic limb lengthening is reportedly taking off in canada. getty

cosmetic surgery has boomed since the start of the pandemic with many people investing in their looks (after seeing their faces constantly on zoom screens) and having the time to heal because they were working from home, says the american society of plastic surgeons. but what about adding inches to your height?

cosmetic limb lengthening is reportedly taking off in canada — although some clients fear social backlash and keep it a secret, according to the toronto star.

cosmetic surgery has boomed with the pandemic

the surgery, originally performed for children born with one leg shorter than the other, entails having both femurs broken and two adjustable rods or “nails” implanted into the thighs. the nails are made of titanium, which is both sturdy and flexible much like bone, and a remote device extends them one millimetre a day, stretching the thigh bones to a maximum of eight centimetres. (watch how it’s done in this inside edition report.)

the lengthening takes about three months, after which the bone is able to heal and the nail is removed. the lower leg bones can also be lengthened, and some people get both done for even more height. months of recovery follows, including physical therapy to rehabilitate the limbs.

“i had fears it would be painful, but the ends justify the means,” john, a 26-year-old ontario-based engineer, told the star about his decision to have the surgery. he asked the reporter not to use his real name. “i don’t (want to) have that thought for the rest of my life, that i’m shorter than average,” he said. “it’s just for personal fulfilment, just to make me a happier person.”

john paid $85,000 for the procedure that will add another three-plus inches to his 5’5” frame.

his surgeon, dr. marie gdalevitch at the canadian limb lengthening center in montreal, is the only doctor offering cosmetic limb lengthening in canada. she told the star that she’s performed the surgery for 10 years, but started offering it as a cosmetic procedure in 2018. about 90 per cent of patients are men between 5′ and 5’6′ — although some patients who request the surgery are five foot nine. and most are successful men who feel height-insecure, mostly around other men.

“it’s really when they’re in social environments — particularly with men — that they feel like they’re not at the right height group,” says gdalevitch.

‘taller people have it easier’

gq recently interviewed john lovedale of pennsylvania who had the surgery done in las vegas to change his height from 5’8′ 1/2 to 5’11” 1/2. “i noticed that taller people just seem to have it easier,” he said. “the world seems to bend for them.”

while the surgery is considered relatively straightforward — a review published in bone and joint research called the rate of serious complications “low”— pain, difficulty sleeping and joint stiffness are some possible problems post-surgery.

also, the titanium nails can only support 50 to 75 pounds, so falling and breaking a nail could result in a lot of pain and repeating the procedure. and there have been instances where the bones don’t heal properly, or a blood clot could form in the legs and move into the lungs (a less than one per cent risk).

when all goes according to plan, people have long-term success with bones that are as strong and functional as the rest of the leg bones. in fact, one study that looked at forty-six patients who had 60 limb segments lengthened found that “the original goals of surgery were achieved in 57 of the 60 limb segments treated, while patient satisfaction was achieved in 94 per cent of 46 cases.”

karen hawthorne is a toronto-based writer.

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karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

'it's just to make me a happier person': pricey surgery to increase height is becoming a trend

limb-lengthening entails having both femurs broken and two adjustable rods implanted into the thighs which are then extended one millimetre each day.

cosmetic surgery has boomed with the pandemic

what the heck is tommy john surgery?

max pacioretty of the carolina hurricanes undergoes surgery for torn achilles

‘taller people have it easier’

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'it's just to make me a happier person': pricey surgery to increase height is becoming a trend

limb-lengthening entails having both femurs broken and two adjustable rods implanted into the thighs which are then extended one millimetre each day.

cosmetic surgery has boomed with the pandemic

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‘taller people have it easier’

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