How to Get Taller Surgery: A SafeExpert Step-by-Step Guide 2025

People with leg length discrepancy, short stature, or simply those who wish to be taller can now achieve noticeable height increase through cosmetic leg lengthening surgery.

At Turkey Luxury Clinics, we guide you through every step of the bone elongation process — from evaluation to recovery — while offering competitive pricing and expertise guidance. If you're wondering how to get taller surgery, you're in the right place.

Watch this detailed video to understand the limb lengthening surgery process step by step.

How to Get Taller Surgery

Cosmetic limb lengthening surgery is a height-increasing procedure performed by a specialized orthopedic surgeon to make you taller by increasing the length of either the thigh bone (called the femur) or the shinbone (called the tibia). It is an effective and permanent solution for adults who wish to gain height.

While generally considered safe, it is still a complex and invasive procedure. The selected bone is surgically cut, and the two segments are gradually separated to allow new bone tissue to grow and fill the gap—a process known as distraction—followed by consolidation, during which the new bone hardens and becomes permanent.

This, in essence, is how to get taller surgery. It is a time-consuming and demanding process, with certain risks involved. However, with careful adherence to your surgeon’s instructions, it can lead to life-changing and highly rewarding results.

Related articles: Can You Get Surgery to Be Taller? Bone Elongation Surgery

How to Get Taller Surgery Types

There are two main surgical techniques for height increase: external fixation and internal fixation with lengthening nails. Both involve surgically cutting the bone and gradually extending it as new bone grows in the gap.

External Fixation:

A metal frame is attached to the outside of the leg using pins or wires inserted into the bone. These devices may be one-sided (monolateral) or circular. While effective, they’re more visible and may cause more discomfort or carry a higher risk of infection.

Internal Fixation (Lengthening Nails):

A rod (nail) is inserted into the bone's marrow canal. The nail is lengthened gradually using a remote-controlled magnetic device. This method is less visible, often more comfortable, and newer models like the STRYDE nail allow patients to bear weight during the process.

What You Should Know Before Limb Lengthening Surgery

Understanding the preparation, surgical process, and recovery involved in limb lengthening surgery is essential before setting out on this journey. You need to be prepared physically, emotionally, mentally—and definitely financially.

The cost of the surgery is just one part of the equation; you should also be aware that recovery may require you to rest and limit movement for about 6 to 9 months. This period can be a real financial challenge, especially if you're unable to work during that time.

How to Get Taller Surgery Step-by-Step

Limb lengthening surgery is a complex, multi-stage procedure that involves cutting the bone, inserting a lengthening device, gradually extending the bone, and allowing time for new bone to consolidate and heal.

1. Initial consultation and evaluation:

The journey begins with a thorough consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. This includes X-rays, MRI image, medical history review, and physical assessment to determine your qualification to the height surgery.

2.Surgical planning:

Based on your goals and anatomy, the surgeon decides which bone will be lengthened—either the femur (thigh bone) or the tibia (shinbone)—and how much height can be safely gained.

3.Surgical Operation:

Height surgery is a major surgery that is performed under general anesthesia, and lasts around 2 to 3 hours per leg.

4.Osteotomy Stage (Bone Cutting Stage):

During this stage, the surgeon cut the selected bone carefully. Then a specialized limb-lengthening device—either an internal nail or an external fixator—is attached to the bone using screws or pins to keep the segments stable.

Once the osteotomy is complete and the device is securely in place, the surgical incision is closed.

The patient usually wakes up a few hours after the procedure and remains in the hospital for close observation, pain control, and initial recovery. Most patients are discharged within 2 to 5 days.

The main function of the fixator is to gradually separate the two bone segments in the following phase.

5. Lengthening Phase (Distraction Phase):

A few days after surgery, the bone lengthening process begins. The patient adjusts the device daily—whether it’s an external fixator or internal motorized nail—following the surgeon’s instructions.

The bone is gradually pulled apart at a rate of about 1 mm per day. So, for each centimeter of desired length, this phase takes roughly 10 days. For example, lengthening 8 cm takes about 80 days with consistent device adjustments.

This slow and controlled separation, known as distraction osteogenesis, encourages the body to grow new bone tissue in the gap.

6.Consolidation Phase (Bone Healing):

Once the target length is reached, the lengthening stops but the device remains in place. During this phase, the newly formed bone begins to harden and mature.

The consolidation phase often lasts several months and depends on factors like the patient’s age, overall health, and how many centimeters were gained.

7.Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation and physical therapy begins early within the first days and continues throughout the recovery to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. It plays a key role in helping restore balance, strength, and flexibility.

8.Device Removal (if external or removable internal device is used)

After full bone healing, the device may be removed in a minor surgical procedure, depending on the system used.

When can I Move Safely After Limb Lengthening Surgery?

After limb lengthening surgery, you can usually start moving with assistance—like a walker or crutches—within a few days. However, walking without help takes longer.

Most patients rely on a walker during the distraction phase, and only start walking independently 2 months after the end of the consolidation phase. However, you should get X-rays to confirm the bone is strong enough to safely bear your weight.

Generally, most people take about 6 to 8 months to walk more comfortably and return to daily activities—though this depends on your body, the amount of lengthening, and your dedication to physical therapy.

How to Get taller surgery cost

The cost of limb lengthening surgery—often called “height surgery”—can vary widely depending on several factors. On average, you’re looking at anywhere from $12,000 to $280,000, with pricing influenced by the country, surgical technique, and post-op care.

What Determines How Much Height Surgery Costs?

The cost of height surgery depends on several key factors—starting with the country where it’s performed. For example, surgeries in Turkey or India are typically more affordable than in the U.S. or Europe.

Other factors include the surgeon’s expertise, the technique used (whether internal nails like the PRECICE system or external fixators), how many centimeters you want to gain, and the expected duration of recovery and rehabilitation.

On top of the surgical fee, there are additional costs like physical therapy, accommodation, and potential revision procedures. Don’t forget hidden expenses, too—such as time off work, extended recovery, and mobility aids during the healing process.

Height Surgery Cost Comparison by Country and Technique (2025)

Get Taller with Confidence in Turkey..Start with Turkey Luxury Clinics

If you're serious about increasing your height and looking for trusted options abroad, Turkey Luxury Clinics can help. We connect you with top-rated orthopedic surgeons in Turkey and guide you through every step—from consultation to recovery. Wondering what real results look like? Just search how to get taller surgery Instagram and explore the transformations. When you're ready, contact us to start your journey with confidence.

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FAQs About How to Get Taller Surgery