Height Increase Surgery in Turkey 2025: Cost, Procedure, and Recovery

Height increase surgery, or limb lengthening in Turkey, has become a popular option for people seeking to increase their height for cosmetic or medical purposes.

With a success rate of up to 95%, this procedure can add several centimeters to a person’s height—typically 5–8 cm per bone lengthened, or up to 15 cm when both the femur and tibia are lengthened.

While it can significantly boost height and improve body proportions, the process involves a long and complex recovery period of 6–12 months, requiring physical therapy and careful management of risks such as infection and nerve damage.

Discover height increase surgery in Turkey and book a free consultation with an internationally certified surgeon, along with a personalized price quote through Turkey Luxury Clinics.

What Is Height Increase Surgery?

Height increase surgery, also known as limb lengthening surgery, is a procedure designed to increase height by gradually extending the bones of the leg. It works by making small incisions in the thigh bone (femur) or shin bone (tibia), then carefully breaking and lengthening the bone.

This type of surgery can add 5 to 8 cm (around 3 to 5 inches) per bone when performed on the femur, and up to 15 cm in total if both the femur and tibia are lengthened.

Limb lengthening surgery may be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as addressing short stature, or for medical purposes, such as correcting leg length discrepancies.

Who Are Candidates to Get Height Increased Surgery?

Height increase surgery candidates typically include adults seeking cosmetic height growth, individuals with limb length discrepancies (caused by congenital conditions, trauma, or disease), and those experiencing psychological distress due to short stature.

For any of these cases, patients should be at least 18 years old, in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations regarding the recovery period, risks, and outcomes.

Can You Get Surgery to Be Taller? Bone Elongation Surgery

How Does Height Increase Surgery Work?

1. Height increase surgery is a complex, major, and invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes a surgical bone break, separating the bone into two parts. This process is called osteotomy.

2. The surgeon then separates these parts with a device, which can be either an external frame fixed to the bone, as in Ilizarov, or, in a more advanced procedure, an internal rod placed in the bone core with external control. This device is responsible for the crucial bone distraction during recovery, which lasts around 2 to 3 months.

3. After placement of the device, the surgeon closes the incision, and the patient completes the bone elongation during the recovery period at home, which can last up to a year.

4. During this period, the patient increases the space between bone segments by controlling the device—either manually, as in Ilizarov, or remotely, as in the internal rod device PRECICE 2.

This adjustment is scheduled by the surgeon. Typically, the space is increased by about 0.25 mm per adjustment, three to four times per day, resulting in a total of around 1 mm (0.1 cm) daily, or as determined by the surgeon.

When the space between bone segments increases, new bone tissue grows to fill the gap, a process called osteogenesis.

5. Over time, this new bone hardens in a process called bone consolidation, which lasts several months.

During this period, the patient notices an increase in height and gradually starts to walk freely and return to normal life

Related topics: How to Get Taller Surgery? discover all details

External Device vs. Internal Rods in Height Surgery

How Much Does Height Increase Surgery Cost?

The cost of height increase surgery ranges from around $15,000 up to $250,000. This wide range depends on factors such as the country, the type of fixator device, and which bones are being lengthened (femur, tibia, or both).

Surgery is particularly expensive in the US, UK, and Europe, where prices start at approximately $150,000 for a single bone (femur) lengthening. On the other hand, countries that promote medical tourism, including Turkey and Mexico, offer the procedure starting at around $15,000 while maintaining quality of care comparable to more expensive regions.

Table of Height Increase Surgery Costs in Different Countries

Height Surgery Comprehensive Packages in Turkey

Turkey is a renowned destination for limb lengthening, or height, surgery, known for its affordable costs, flexible payment plans, and comprehensive packages.

Turkish packages for height surgery typically range from $18,200 to $35,000 and include the surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, pre- and post-operative medications, follow-up care, accommodation, and airport transfers. The exact price depends on the surgical technique used (such as Ilizarov, LON, or PRECICE), the clinic, the length of your stay, and any VIP services, like private nursing.

Height Increase Surgery Before and After Results

Before and after results show individuals gaining significant height, like gaining 5 inches in one documented case, while their overall body proportions are restored, leading to increased confidence.

Recovery After Height Surgery

Recovery after height surgery is a gradual, multi-stage process that can take several months to over a year.

The process usually begins with a short hospital stay of a few days, after which patients continue recovery at home. This stage includes physical therapy, careful use of the bone elongation device, and strict adherence to medical instructions regarding walking, rehabilitation exercises, regular X-rays, and maintaining a healthy diet.

During the first three months, patients typically need crutches or a walker to support their weight and avoid putting pressure on the healing bones.

Pain following leg lengthening surgery is usually mild to moderate and is mainly caused by the distraction (gradual stretching) of the bone. It is generally manageable with medication and does not significantly disrupt daily life.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential from the very beginning, starting in the hospital with light exercises and gradually becoming more intensive. The goal is to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility.

Most patients are able to walk without assistance and resume normal daily activities—though not strenuous exercise—within 3 to 6 months, depending on progress and X-ray results.

Recovery Timeline for Height Surgery

Height Increase Surgery Risks and Complications

Height surgery is a highly invasive and complex procedure that carries significant risks, including surgical site or bone infections, nerve damage, blood vessel injury, and poor bone healing. Strict commitment to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential to minimize these risks and ensure proper recovery.

How to Minimize Height Surgery Risks and Complications?

Height surgery involves complex procedures and to ensure full recovery with height success rate and minimize risks for complications follow these instructions:

1. Follow the surgeon's instructions carefully – Adhering to post-operative care plans is the most important step.
2. Attend all physical therapy sessions – Guided exercises help restore mobility, prevent stiffness, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
3. Engage in safe, low-impact exercises – Walking (with medical approval) or light stretching maintains circulation and joint flexibility.
4. Maintain proper nutrition – A balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D supports bone healing.
5. Take prescribed supplements – Bone and joint supplements may speed recovery and reduce the chance of complications.
6. Schedule regular X-ray follow-ups – Monitoring bone alignment ensures the surgery is progressing as planned.
7. Watch for warning signs – Report any unusual pain, swelling, redness, or fatigue to your healthcare team immediately.

Is this procedure performed through the knee? read about Knee Surgery to Get Taller in Turkey

FAQs About Height Increase Surgery