Can You Get Surgery to Be Taller? Bone Elongation Surgery

Can you get surgery to be taller? Explore how cosmetic height surgery works, its risks and safety concerns, and what it really costs in 2025.

Most people stop growing taller after puberty—typically around age 18 for women and 21 for men. But the desire to gain a few extra centimeters doesn’t always stop there. Height can influence everything from posture to confidence, and for many, it becomes a personal goal worth pursuing.

So, can you get surgery to be taller? Yes, you can get taller through a surgical procedure called height surgery that is designed to safely and permanently increase a person’s height.

Thinking about getting taller? Contact us at Turkey Luxury ClinicsBook your free consultation today and let our experts guide you through every step of the journey.

Can You Get Surgery to Be Taller?

Yes, you can become taller through a surgical procedure known as limb lengthening surgery, also referred to as height surgery or surgery to be taller, it is designed to increase your height by several centimeters permanently.

It is typically recommended for adults with extreme short stature who wish to grow taller without relying on non-surgical methods. It is also considered the most effective solution for individuals with leg length discrepancies.

It’s not a quick or simple process. Limb lengthening is a complex and highly specialized orthopedic surgery that requires detailed planning, advanced technology, and a long recovery period.

However, when performed by experienced surgeons, the success rate is high, and the results can be life-changing, both physically and emotionally.

Is It Possible to Get Taller Through Surgery?

On average, patients gain 5 to 8 cm (about 2 to 3.1 inches) of height when lengthening a single bone—either the femur (thigh bone) or the tibia (shin bone).

While it is more common and safer to undergo single bone elongation, if more height is desired, a second surgery can be performed on the other leg bone (tibia or femur) after a healing period.

If both bones are lengthened in separate stages, the total height increase can reach up to 13 cm (around 5.1 inches).

The bone-lengthening process typically takes 9 to 12 months, with the bone gradually extending about 1 mm per day, split into 3 to 4 adjustments—either manually or via a remote-controlled device, depending on the surgical technique used.

The exact amount of height you can gain depends on several factors:

1. Type of surgery: For instance, the LON technique can lengthen the femur up to 10 cm, while the Precice 2 system typically reaches a maximum of 8 cm.
2. Bone health and density
3. Your overall physical health
4. Commitment to post-surgery rehab and physiotherapy

Recovery and rehab are just as important as the surgery itself. Skipping or delaying physical therapy can reduce your final height outcome and impact mobility.

Interesting reads: Types of Knee Replacement Prosthetics

Can You Get Plastic Surgery to Be Taller

Yes, the plastic surgery you can undergo to become taller is known as the cosmetic limb lengthening procedure. It is performed by a specialized orthopedic surgeon to elongate your legs and make you permanently taller.

While some people consider it a type of plastic surgery due to its cosmetic purpose, and the dramatic transformation it offers, limb lengthening surgery is not simply a plastic surgery, it’s much deeper and more complex.

It is actually a complex orthopedic procedure that involves surgically breaking the thigh bone (femur) or shinbone (tibia) and then gradually extending the bones using specialized internal or external devices. This process stimulates new bone growth, allowing the legs to lengthen over time.

It takes several months to complete and see results. However, the outcome, an increase of 5 to 8 centimeters in height, can be truly life-changing.

Why do some refer to it as "plastic surgery to be taller" ?

Surgery to become taller is actually a limb lengthening procedure that falls under orthopedic surgery. However, many people still classify it as a type of plastic surgery. While this isn’t entirely incorrect, it doesn’t paint the full picture.

The reason people associate it with plastic surgery is that it’s often performed for cosmetic purposes. In most cases, it’s an elective procedure aimed at improving physical appearance, not a medical necessity. Even when it’s done to correct conditions like leg length discrepancy, the surgery doesn’t affect bone function.

So, while calling it “plastic surgery” reflects its aesthetic goals, the procedure itself is fundamentally orthopedic — involving complex manipulation of the bones to achieve a permanent increase in height.

Are You Looking to Be Taller Safely and Effectively?

At Turkey Luxury Clinics, we work with highly specialized orthopedic surgeons and trusted clinics that follow the latest international standards in limb lengthening procedures.

From the moment you land in Turkey until you complete your recovery, we provide end-to-end support to ensure a smooth, safe, and satisfying experience.

We also help you compare surgery methods, estimate your achievable height increase, and choose the best clinic for your goals and budget — all at no additional cost to you.

Read also about:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): the full guide.

Post-surgery rehab and physiotherapy

FAQs About Can You Get a Surgery to Be Taller

Is height surgery worth it?

Height surgery can be worth it for those with strong motivation and realistic expectations. It offers permanent height gain but involves high costs, long recovery, and possible complications.

What is the success rate of height increase surgery?

The success rate of height increase surgery is around 90–95% when performed by experienced surgeons, though risks like nerve damage or joint stiffness still exist.

Are there age limits for limb lengthening surgery?

Yes, most clinics recommend limb lengthening for individuals aged 18 to 40. Teens may qualify with parental consent, and older adults are assessed individually based on bone health.