Height increase process How many centimeters can you effectively increase

Have you ever dreamed of increasing your height in a safe and effective way? Height lengthening surgery has now become a realistic option for adults who want to improve their stature and boost self-confidence. Through this surgical procedure, a noticeable increase in body height can be achieved using advanced techniques, with careful monitoring to minimize risks and speed up recovery. In this Dalili Medical article, we will explain how many centimeters can be gained, the stages of the procedure, and the most important tips before and after surgery to ensure the best results.

What is Height Lengthening Surgery?
Height lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure aimed at increasing a person’s height, either for medical or cosmetic reasons. It can be performed to treat short stature caused by genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors, and sometimes to improve appearance and self-confidence.

Hospital Stay Duration
Typically, patients stay in the hospital for about 5 days, though it can range from 2 to 7 days depending on overall health and the course of the procedure.

How Much Height Can Be Gained?
Through height lengthening surgery, a person can gain approximately 8 centimeters over 3 months to reach the desired height, followed by around 2 months for full recovery and walking without crutches.

For a 5 cm increase, the process may take about 2 months, with an additional month to walk naturally without crutches.

Treatment Duration in Height Lengthening Surgery
The total treatment time depends on the desired height increase. Each centimeter typically requires about one month of treatment.

Example: To gain 6 cm, approximately 6 months are needed, with continuous monitoring and a physiotherapy program.

Who is Eligible for Height Lengthening Surgery?

Individuals with Significant Short Stature
- Adults below the average height for their age and gender.
- Short stature due to congenital issues, bone disorders, or syndromes.
Adults Only
- Recommended for adults after bone growth has finished (18+ years).
- Children and adolescents are only considered in special cases under strict medical supervision.
Healthy Individuals
- No chronic diseases affecting bone growth or healing, such as osteoporosis or heart/lung issues.
- Able to follow dietary guidelines, physiotherapy, and long-term medical follow-up.
Individuals with Realistic Expectations
- Seeking gradual height increase rather than exaggerated results.
- Prepared for a long recovery period lasting several months.
Psychological or Social Motivations
- Desire to improve self-confidence or social integration due to short stature.
- Must understand the procedure requires commitment and effort during recovery.

Important Tips About Height Lengthening Surgery

Is Physiotherapy Necessary After Surgery?
Yes, rehabilitation begins immediately after waking from anesthesia.
- First 24 hours: walking with two crutches or a walker.
- During bone extension and new bone formation, physiotherapy is essential.
- In the first three weeks, patients learn daily exercises and walking techniques with a physiotherapist.
- After mastering exercises, they can return to normal life with periodic follow-ups.
Is Height Lengthening Surgery Safe?
The procedure is relatively safe when performed by specialized surgeons.
- Possible risks: chronic pain, infection, uneven length.
- Benefits vs. risks must be carefully evaluated before deciding.
Surgery Duration and Pain
- Duration: ~1–2 hours.
- Pain: Patients feel no pain during surgery due to general anesthesia; mild pain postoperatively can be managed with simple painkillers.
When is the Lengthening Device Removed?
- Device removal varies, usually within 6 months.
- A cast may be applied around the leg for several weeks for protection.

Success Rate of Height Lengthening Surgery

Success can reach up to 95%, with patients able to move normally after recovery without issues related to short stature.

Healing and Recovery

Full recovery may take several months.
Rehabilitation includes physiotherapy to strengthen muscles and improve joint movement.
Some cases may require more than a year of rehabilitation for optimal results.

Knowing When Bone Growth Ends

Growth occurs at growth plates, usually around the knee (lower femur and upper tibia).
These plates appear as empty lines on X-rays and disappear when growth completes, forming a single bone unit.

Non-Surgical Methods to Increase Height

After growth plates close (around 17 years for boys, 16 for girls), height can only be increased surgically.
Products like herbs, special shoes, or exercises do not achieve real height increase after growth completion.

Appropriate Age for Height Lengthening Surgery

Medical cases: from 5 years old.
Cosmetic height increase: after growth completion (16+ years).
Not recommended after 40 years.

Maximum Achievable Height Increase

Typically, 5–7 cm in the tibia, then the same in the femur if needed.
No more than 15–20% of the original bone length to maintain body proportion.

Bones Commonly Lengthened

Usually the legs: tibia and femur.
Both bones are not lengthened significantly at the same time to preserve body proportion.

Pain Associated with Surgery

Mild pain may occur and can be managed with simple painkillers.

Lengthening Timeline Example (Tibia 5 cm)

Wait 10 days post-surgery for initial bone formation.
Lengthening rate: 1 mm per day → 5 cm in 60 days.
Waiting period before removing the external fixator: double the lengthening period → 120 days.
Total duration from surgery to fixator removal: ~6 months.

Factors Affecting Success Rate

Type of Surgery
- Tibia lengthening: ~90% success.
- Femur lengthening: ~85% success.
- Spine lengthening (posterior): ~70% success.
- Spine lengthening (anterior): ~60% success.
Surgeon’s Experience
- Crucial for success; choose a surgeon with extensive height lengthening experience.
Patient’s Health
- Chronic illnesses may reduce success.
Following Postoperative Instructions
- Adherence to diet, physiotherapy, and follow-up is essential for optimal results.

Types of Height Lengthening Surgeries

External Fixation
- Description: Bone is cut and fixed with an external frame with metal pins.
- Mechanism: New bone (callus) forms and is gradually extended 1 mm/day until desired height.
- Pros: Proven technique, suitable for legs or arms.
- Cons: Long fixation period, infection risk at pin sites, temporary pain, limited mobility.
Internal Fixation / IM Nails
- Description: Metal rod inserted inside the bone after cutting, gradually extended with an integrated device.
- Pros: No visible external device, more natural appearance, lower infection risk, easier mobility.
- Cons: Higher cost, requires precise surgery and skilled surgeon.
PRECICE Device (Advanced Internal Device)
- Description: Internal rod controlled magnetically to adjust length daily without additional surgery.
- Pros: High precision (millimeters/day), less pain, faster recovery.
- Cons: Very expensive, requires careful monitoring to avoid complications or abnormal bone growth.

4. Multi-Stage Lengthening Surgeries (Bone Segment Transport / Callus Distraction)
Description: Used to treat limb shortening caused by trauma or congenital defects by dividing the bone into segments and gradually transporting each part.

Benefits:

Effective for correcting complex deformities in addition to increasing height.

Drawbacks:

More complex with a longer treatment duration.
Requires close monitoring.

How Much Height Can Be Gained?

Typical Increase:

Most cases achieve 5–8 cm in a single procedure.
Some cases may reach up to 10 cm with careful monitoring and longer recovery time.

Factors Affecting Height Gain:

Type of device used: External or internal devices differ in extension capability.
Bone size and thickness: Thicker or shorter bones require more time.
Lengthening period: Usually 1 mm per day after the initial post-surgery waiting period.
Age and bone health: Younger patients with healthy bones can achieve more length.
Compliance with physiotherapy and nutrition: Exercises are essential to prevent stiffness and achieve maximum gain.

Height Gain in Multiple Procedures:

Some patients require more than one cycle if they want more than 8–10 cm.
Usually, a minimum of 6 months between procedures is recommended for full recovery.

Safety Limits:

Lengthening more than 10–12 cm in a single procedure carries risks:
- Bone weakness or fractures during lengthening
- Joint stiffness or muscular/nervous complications
- Difficulty walking and prolonged rehabilitation

Steps of Bone Lengthening Surgery

Preoperative Preparation:
- Medical consultation, bone evaluation, and necessary tests.
- General anesthesia, fasting, and adjustment of certain medications.
Osteotomy (Bone Cutting):
- Surgical precision cut in the targeted bone.
- Bone is stabilized internally or externally depending on the technique.
Bone Stabilization:
- External fixation: Metal frame around the limb with pins in the bone, gradual daily lengthening.
- Internal fixation (IM Nails / PRECICE): Internal rod with gradual magnetic or mechanical lengthening.
Gradual Lengthening Phase (Distraction Phase):
- Bone growth starts 5–7 days post-surgery.
- Lengthening is usually 1 mm per day, with X-ray monitoring and light exercises.
Consolidation Phase:
- After achieving desired length, the bone requires hardening and strengthening (2–4 months or more).
Removal of Fixation or Ongoing Monitoring:
- External fixator removed once bone healing is confirmed.
- Internal devices usually remain unless removal is required.
Rehabilitation and Exercises:
- Strengthening muscles around the bone.
- Joint mobility exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Gradual physical activity while avoiding heavy loads.

Risks of Height Lengthening Surgery

Bone Issues:

Delayed bone healing or fractures during lengthening.
Unequal limb lengths if lengthening is uneven.

Joint and Muscle Problems:

Joint stiffness or muscle weakness.
Persistent pain during or after the lengthening period.

Nerve and Vascular Complications:

Numbness or temporary muscle weakness.
Swelling or circulation problems.

Infection:

At pin sites or external devices, skin or deep infections.

Psychological and Social Effects:

Frustration or anxiety due to long recovery and ongoing pain.
Lifestyle changes and consistent physiotherapy required.

Long-Term Risks:

Gait or posture problems.
Stress on spine or joints.
Possible need for additional surgeries to increase height or correct complications.

Important Tips During Recovery from Bone Lengthening Surgery

Follow-Up Care:
- Regular doctor visits to monitor new bone growth.
- Periodic X-rays to check bone health and device integrity.
- Report severe pain, swelling, redness, or discharge immediately.
Healthy Nutrition:
- Calcium-rich foods: milk, cheese, yogurt, fish.
- Vitamin D from sunlight or supplements as advised.
- Protein for muscle strength and bone healing: eggs, meat, chicken, lentils.
- Adequate daily water intake.
Movement and Exercises:
- Perform gentle exercises as instructed by the doctor or physiotherapist.
- Move joints adjacent to the lengthened bone to prevent stiffness.
- Walk using support devices (crutches or walker) to reduce stress on new bone.
- Avoid heavy lifting or excessive load on the lengthened limb until cleared by the doctor.
Care of Fixation Site:
- Clean and disinfect pins or external devices as instructed.
- Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, discharge.
- Wear supportive clothing or braces if prescribed.
Pain and Swelling Management:
- Use painkillers prescribed by the doctor only.
- Elevate the lengthened limb on a pillow to reduce swelling.
- Avoid direct massage or pressure on the bone or fixation site.
Patience and Monitoring Progress:
- Bone growth takes time (usually several months).
- Impatience or excessive activity may cause bone damage.
- Monitor weight, diet, and exercises consistently for best results.
Psychological Support:
- Recovery is long and may cause frustration or boredom.
- Joining support groups or consulting a psychologist can help maintain motivation and mental well-being.