10 Biggest Myths About Limb Lengthening Surgery: Facts vs. Reality

Limb lengthening surgery is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to increase their height for cosmetic or functional reasons. However, a lot of misinformation online can create unnecessary fear and confusion. Below you can find the 10 most common myths about limb lengthening and the real facts behind them.

1) Myth: Limb lengthening surgery is extremely dangerous.

Fact: With modern techniques and experienced surgeons, complication rates are significantly reduced. Proper patient selection, careful planning and structured follow-up make the procedure much safer than most people think.

2) Myth: I will never be able to walk again after surgery.

Fact: In reality, most patients start walking with assistance the day after surgery. Walking begins in a controlled, supported way and is gradually increased as the bone and soft tissues adapt.

3) Myth: The pain is unbearable.

Fact: Thanks to modern pain management protocols (medications, nerve blocks, controlled distraction rate), the process is usually tolerable. Pain levels vary from person to person, but many patients report that it was less severe than they expected.

4) Myth: Limb lengthening always causes permanent nerve damage.

Fact: Nerves are sensitive to excessive stretching, but this is exactly why the daily distraction rate is carefully adjusted. Regular neurological assessments allow early detection of warning signs, and slowing or pausing the lengthening can protect the nerves from permanent injury.

5) Myth: People will immediately notice that I had surgery and my walking will be permanently abnormal.

Fact: With proper technique, balanced lengthening and consistent physiotherapy, the goal is to restore a natural gait pattern. Permanent limping is not expected when the protocol is followed correctly and rehabilitation is completed.

6) Myth: Limb lengthening will ruin my body proportions.

Fact: Before surgery, body proportions such as leg-to-torso ratio and femur-to-tibia ratio are carefully evaluated. There is a safe and aesthetically acceptable range for lengthening. Staying within this range helps maintain a natural overall appearance.

7) Myth: The more I lengthen, the better.

Fact: Excessive lengthening increases the risk of complications involving nerves, muscles, tendons and blood vessels. It can also negatively affect bone healing. For most people, 5–8 cm per segment is considered a reasonable and safe target.

8) Myth: All methods are the same; only the price is different.

Fact: LON, Precice and other systems differ in comfort, cost, weight-bearing, infection risk and impact on daily life. The best method depends on your budget, expectations, medical condition and lifestyle, and should be chosen individually.

9) Myth: Once lengthening is finished, the bone is immediately strong.

Fact: After the distraction phase, the consolidation phase begins. During consolidation, the new bone gradually hardens and becomes strong enough to carry full body weight. This may take several months and requires patience and careful follow-up.

10) Myth: Limb lengthening is only for cosmetic reasons.

Fact: In addition to cosmetic height increase, limb lengthening is commonly performed for medical reasons such as congenital limb length discrepancy, growth plate damage, deformity correction and post-traumatic shortening. It is not exclusively a cosmetic procedure.

Conclusion: Base Your Decision on Facts, Not Myths

Misinformation about limb lengthening surgery can make the decision process more difficult and fuel unnecessary fear. Accurate, science-based information is essential for safety, good outcomes and patient satisfaction. If you are considering limb lengthening, discussing your situation in detail with an experienced orthopedic surgeon is the most important first step.