Limb Lengthening in Turkey

‘’For as long as I can remember, my short height has made me a subject of mockery. Limb lengthening surgery in Turkey saved my personal happiness from disappearing completely from my life.’’ 

These words by Gilbert (name changed) aptly describe the transformative effect of the limb lengthening procedure in his life. Gilbert is one of the many patients who underwent a limb lengthening operation in Turkey to eliminate limb-length disparities, improve mobility and range of motion, and minimize the risk of joint problems.

Before undergoing surgery, Gilbert researched the best places where he could get a procedure to be taller. He found out that Turkey is the top choice for limb lengthening because of its quality healthcare and affordable prices. 

In this post, we will describe his experience with this surgical process. We will also provide you with our insights on various aspects of this surgical procedure, such as cost, methods, and the latest techniques. You may consult Expert Chikitsa anytime you are planning to have this procedure and connect with the best surgeon for limb lengthening in Turkey. 

Achieve the Height You’ve Dreamt of: Limb Lengthening in Turkey

We interviewed Gilbert’s surgeon in Turkey about what actually happens during limb lengthening. The surgeon explained to us that no human being is fully proportional on either side of their body. However, the difference is so slight between both our body parts such as legs or arms that it does not present any problem. But he is visited by patients who have a huge difference between two sides of their body parts. 

The surgeon, an MD, explained that limb lengthening surgery can also be used to treat the discrepancy that causes the two sides of a person’s pelvic bone to be uneven. He said that he treats this problem through surgery by cutting the bone in a way that it can be lengthened. This he does through an external device that links the bone through a motorized rod that goes within the bone. 

The technology for limb lengthening in Turkey he uses can extend the bone’s length from 0.75 to 1 mm in a single day. Gilbert’s doctor further said that his device lengthens the limb throughout the day till something called consolidation is reached. Consolidation is the stage when the body has been lengthened to the desired length. The rest of the challenge lies in ensuring that when this rod is removed from the body in about a year after the surgery, the lengthening effect remains. 

Why Are There Two Limb-Lengthening Surgeries?

Gilbert found out that limb lengthening only allows 3 to 4 inches of growth. So, there’s a need to undergo a second leg lengthening surgery. He had his first surgery when he was 24-years-old and when he was certain that there was no other research-backed solution to getting taller. 

He began the process of limb lengthening on all four lower extremity segments simultaneously. Initially, every segment was lengthened by 1.85 inches, and the overall gain was 3.75 inches. 

Gilbert’s major concern, like many people planning for this surgery, was that it would make him disproportionate. But his surgeon explained to him that this happens only if the patient’s arms are not abnormally short. In fact, the aim of limb lengthening is to restore the symmetry of the patient’s body. The surgeon also told him that no one had reported feeling disproportionate after this procedure.

It turns out that his surgeon was right. Even after lengthening his legs by four inches, Gilbert found that it was not disproportionately long for his thorax. He felt flexible and could engage in intense activities like weightlifting and trail running.

LON, Precise 2, and Precise Stryde: Which Limb Lengthening Method Is Suitable for You?

Limb lengthening in Turkey can be carried out in three chief ways. Gilbert’s orthopedic surgeon and his team explained to us about them, the maximum height gain they allow for, and the bone healing time for each of the procedures.

1. The LON (Lengthening Over Nail) method 

It involves the usage of external fixators for about three months. The surgeon removes the fixators when the lengthening period is complete. 

2. The Precice 2

This limb-lengthening procedure utilizes a titanium nail. When the limb is being lengthened, patients need to use a wheelchair. 

3. The Precise Stryde

This method employs a weight-bearing nail. It is an internal fixation procedure through which patients can start walking during the lengthening phase itself. It allows for the maximum height gain.

Pros and Cons of Different Methods of Limb Lengthening in Turkey

Like every surgery, every limb-lengthening procedure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The surgeons we interviewed told us that they consider the pros and cons of each method before finalizing one for their patient. They also communicate these pros and cons to the patient so they have a clear expectation from their surgery. 

This table lists the positive and negative aspects of different limb extension methods.

Limb Lengthening Surgery Price in Turkey

At Expert Chikita, we are constantly in touch with expert surgeons in various parts of the world who treat different conditions, both cosmetic and medical. Patients planning to undergo surgeries regularly contact us for help so they can connect with the leading hospitals. So, we are well aware of the average cost associated with different methods of limb lengthening in the best hospitals in Turkey. 

According to our cost analysis of the best hospitals for limb lengthening in Turkey, patients can expect the following price:

Other factors that affect the cost of limb lengthening surgery in Turkey include:

• Stay in the hospital
• Rehabilitation services like physical therapy
• Accommodation
• Transport
• Follow-up medical appointments

Where In Turkey Should You Get Limb Lengthening?: A Price Comparison of Different Cities

Most of the people we interviewed to find out the limb lengthening cost in Turkey underwent surgeries in Istanbul, Samson, Bursa, Ankara, and Antalya. So, it is safe to assume that these are the best places in Turkey to get limb lengthening procedures. Out of the 508 people we interviewed, 158 underwent the surgery in Istanbul, 98 in Samson, 100 in Bursa, 120 in Ankara, and 32 in Antalya. 

Our findings are summarized in the table below.

Which Are The Best Clinics for Limb Lengthening in Turkey?

Turkey has some highly reputable clinics with highly experienced surgeons. Expert Chikitsa is in network with many of these top hospitals for cosmetic surgeries. We have first-hand knowledge of the hospitals that offer the best limb lengthening surgery. These include the following.

• Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey 
• Eregli Anadolu Hospital in Zonguldak, Turkey
• Baskent University Istanbul Hospital 
• VM Medical Park, Ankara, Turkey 
• NpIstanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul
• Medical Park Antalya Hospital 
• Memorial Antalya Hospital 
• Guven Hospital, Ankara 
• Istanbul European Clinic 

How Much Limb Lengthening Cost in the Top Clinics in Turkey?

Over the years, we have assisted many people desiring cosmetic and medical plastic surgeries to connect with the right doctor and get the right treatment. We can tell you from experience that limb lengthening in Turkey is massively popular. It is because of the affordable price and high success rate of this surgery.

We have the most accurate data when it comes to the price of limb lengthening, as Expert Chikitsa is in direct contact with the leading hospitals. Here we have compiled the latest average cost of limb lengthening in Turkey’s hospitals in the following table.

Who Will Make You Taller?—The Best Surgeons for Limb Lengthening in Turkey

When Gilbert started researching limb lengthening in Turkey, he came to a clear conclusion shortly. This surgery was successful only with the aid of the most experienced surgeon. If the surgeon has been doing this surgery for decades, he will provide you with excellent results. 

The patients who have had limb lengthening in Turkey after connecting with us have also achieved great results. Based on our database, here are the top surgeons for this surgery in Turkey.

Limb Lengthening for Unusual Conditions: Real Patient Stories

This is the story of a young boy in Turkey Deniz who began the surgery when he was a young child. He suffered from an unusual condition of leg deformity, where the left side of his body stopped growing. Deniz was fortunate enough to have been treated at one of Turkey’s best hospitals. It wasn’t due to any prior condition, injury, or illness. The difference between his right and left leg was quite dramatic. 

The surgeons performed a 9cm lengthening of his femur to balance the left side of his body with the right side. Deniz underwent three limb lengthening surgeries over many years and achieved a total of 24 cm of length, which is a lot. 

Limb lengthening in Turkey has been proven to be effective for many congenital deformities. In fact, pediatric lower limb lengthening using PRECICE nails has excellent clinical outcomes. Also, there is a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients who undergo lengthening surgery for dwarfism in Turkey. You’d be surprised to know that the average age at the time of the first surgery is 6.17 years in these patients. 

Devices Used for Limb Lengthening in Turkey

Devices used in the PRECICE method of limb lengthening 

The PRECICE lengthening system is the most common type of limb lengthening surgery. It is accomplished through the use of a device called a lengthening nail. The device is actually a telescopic metal rod equipped with a magnetic motor. The surgeon inserts this lengthening nail via a tiny incision into the patient’s bone canal. 

In the PRECICE limb lengthening surgery, another special device, an external remote controller or ERC is also used. This device is handed to the patient and works by making the PRECICE nail lengthen gradually. The ERC device contains a rotating magnet. When the surgeon places this device against the arm or leg of the patient and turns it on, the magnet’s movement inside the ERC causes the motor inside the PRECICE to lengthen. With the lengthening of the PRECICE, the bone also lengthens. 

Devices used in the Precice Stryde method of limb lengthening 

PRECICE Stryde is the most advanced limb-lengthening procedure in Turkey. The two major devices used in this procedure are the PRECICE 2 intramedullary nail and the external remote controller (ERC). The PRECICE 2 intramedullary nail is made of stainless steel. It is motorized electromagnetically. The intramedullary nail is made of titanium steel. It does not permit full weight-bearing before the process of consolidation. 

This nail is very strong, allowing patients to bear weight immediately after the surgery while their bones are being lengthened. The device works on a non-invasive magnetic interaction technology. This magnetic interaction happens between the PRECICE external remote controller and the PRECICE implant. The other device used in the PRECICE stryde surgery is ERC. This handheld device shortens or lengthens the stryde nail. The device is programmed to precisely lengthen the patient’s tibia or femur according to the surgeon’s recommendation. It is fully customizable to the needs of every patient.

Devices used in the LON Method of limb lengthening in Turkey 

At Expert Chikitsa, we have seen and talked with many patients who have undergone limb lengthening using the LON method. We talked with a few surgeons of these patients and found that this is a combined method in which an intramedullary nail is placed into the bone and simultaneously an external fixator is attached to the bone. Lengthening is accomplished with the external fixator. The surgeon completes daily lengthening by turning the lengthening segment on the external fixator. 

After the extension period, the surgeon removes the external fixator. A surgeon that we talked with told us that in earlier limb-lengthening surgeries with external fixators, patients needed to carry the fixator on their limbs for many months. This made them unhappy. But LON has resolved this problem. Now, the patient only needs the fixator during the lengthening period and not the consolidation phase. 

How Does a Surgeon Choose the Right Limb-Lengthening Nail?

A lengthening nail is basically an expandable rod. It fits inside the bone that needs to be lengthened. Surgeons often call it an intramedullary nail. In layman’s terms, intramedullary means inside the bone. This nail is controlled using a remote control. It lengthens the expandable rod and grows the new bone. Today, there are many intramedullary lengthening nails on the market. These include PRECICE, FITBONE, BETZBONE, and G-NAIL. 

• The PRECICE nail enables the surgeon to monitor and adjust the lengthening process of the patient with accuracy. 
• FITBONE can be used for both the femur and tibia in a retrograde or antegrade fashion. Retrograde nailing is used to treat femoral fractures.
• The mechanism of BETZBONE functions smoothly, and it is easier for the patient to handle. They can also easily engage in physiotherapy afterward.
• G-NAIL provides the most amount of length to the patient. However, the physical anatomy of the body needs to be considered to get the best outcome. It provides more speed on the feet.

The limb lengthening surgeon in Turkey chooses the best nail by considering the lengthening mechanism and the weight-bearing capacity. FITBONE and PRECICE are the most used and successful intramedullary bone-lengthening nails. They have minimized the complications that were earlier associated with bone-lengthening surgery. The surgeon makes the ultimate decision between them based on the patient’s feedback and rate of malfunction. 

The Best Surgeons in Turkey Answer the Top Concerns of People Regarding Limb Lengthening 

A surgical process is not a small thing. When it comes to something like increasing your height, it’s natural to feel worried about the outcome of the process. At Expert Chikitsa, we have been working with many patients who want to get taller or get rid of their limb deformities. We conducted a survey of 640 patients and found six major areas of concern. 

The table below shows those concerns. 

To help you resolve these concerns, we talked with leading limb-lengthening surgeons. Here are our insights. 

• Height – One of the pressing concerns of patients is how much height they will gain. The best way to resolve this is to know your current and desired height. However, regardless of the inches you want to gain, you need to consider your body’s anatomy. This includes your muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Ultimately, the level of height you can gain depends on these factors. The best advice for the surgeon to fix this concern is to set a height goal. However, be prepared to change your desired height goal if you need to. 

• Money – Limb lengthening procedures aren’t cheap. To make the best possible use of your money, connect with a highly qualified surgeon in Turkey with decades of experience. It will ensure that the technique performed on you gives you the best results. Also, if the surgery is covered by insurance, it will become more affordable. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on your personal savings. 

• Proportions – Many people think that lengthening their legs will make them disproportionate to their arms. But there’s no need to worry as this difference will never be noticeable. You can go about your work wearing your usual clothing. 

• Recovery – Many suitable limb-lengthening candidates also hesitate to go for the surgery because they feel doubtful about being able to walk normally afterward. The recovery process isn’t quick but it’s not something that will take forever. You can return to work and walk normally 4 to 5 months post-surgery. After 6 to 9 months, you can engage in moderate sports and after a year, you can perform intense physical activities too.

• Pain – Pain is a huge fear factor that many people harbor regarding limb-lengthening procedures. Granted, you will experience pain after the first few days post-surgery. After that, you’ll experience swelling until week three. But pain can be managed with pain-relieving pills. After limb lengthening in Turkey, patients are given PCA or patient-controlled analgesia devices. After that, pain relievers are prescribed. You may attend physiotherapy sessions and do exercises prescribed by your therapist to regain mobility and strength. Adequate sleep and a balanced diet also help support bone healing and recovery.

• Complications: As with every surgery, people are highly anxious about things going wrong and the occurrence of complications. Many people wonder if limb-lengthening surgery is safe and about the potential side effects of the procedure. Some risks associated with it include infection, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and psychological challenges. However, the surgeons we consulted told us that it could be resolved by vigilant follow-up appointments and aggressive rehabilitation. The more experienced surgeons in Turkey you consult, the lower the risk of complications.

Are There Any Cases of Leg Lengthening Surgery Gone Wrong?

Limb lengthening is overall a safe procedure. Only one in a hundred surgeries goes wrong. However, there is a chance of facing complications if patients undergo surgery without any medical deformity. This is exactly what Matt did when he went to Turkey to have the LON limb lengthening surgery. There was no disproportion between his legs or arms. He just wanted to get taller and end his struggles to find a girlfriend. 

Instead of enjoying a good height, he ended up having a nerve injury from which he is still recovering. Many patients like Matt suffer from nerve injury post-limb lengthening when nerves get overstretched. This condition is irreversible. It means that Matt will have to stay with it for the rest of his life. 

Matt’s story reflects that limb lengthening performed only for cosmetic reasons is fraught with risks. 

Does Insurance Cover Limb Lengthening in Turkey – Back to Gilbert’s Story

Gilbert’s limb lengthening in Turkey was not covered by insurance. This was because it was not done to rectify a critical health condition. He started saving for this surgery from the time he started researching it. Gilbert worked as an engineer during the day and an Uber driver at night. He depended solely on his personal finances for the surgery. 

Ultimately, limb lengthening is a cosmetic procedure, which means that health insurance does not cover it. Still, some clinics in Turkey do partner with insurance providers, such as Demir Health and Life Insurance Co., This takes care of your extra expenses. 

Expert Chikita will help you connect with such clinics for limb lengthening in Turkey that partner with insurance providers. Your coverage will include the following:

1. In-patient treatment, which means the revision surgery, diagnostic tests, and the medicines that are needed in the treatment.
2. Airfare, if you need to come back to Turkey because of a complication post-surgery.
3. Your accommodation expenses.
4. The expenses of your companion’s accommodation and transportation.

The Success Rate of Limb Lengthening in Turkey: Our Insights

Limb lengthening in Turkey has a success rate of 99%. It is because Turkey has highly experienced orthopedic surgeons and hospitals with state-of-the-art height lengthening technology. 

This is what you will find when you look for the success rate of limb lengthening surgery in Turkey. But is this really the whole truth? We dug deep and conducted a survey of 606 patients who had limb lengthening surgery for different conditions in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Bursa. Through this survey, we found out how satisfied they were with this surgery. This table shows the results.

How Expert Chikitsa Can Help You Get a Successful Limb Lengthening in Turkey

Expert Chikitsa is a prominent international medical tourism company set up in 2015. We are in a huge collaboration with hospitals and doctors in Middle Eastern and African countries, apart from the UK.

Our aim is to provide the best healthcare services more affordably to patients all over the world. We’ll help you connect with the best doctors for limb-lengthening in Turkey, get your visa, and arrange your lodging and accommodation. You can ask us any questions about your treatment and services. We have helped thousands of patients plan their limb-lengthening surgery in Turkey in the most affordable way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Turkey safe for getting limb-lengthening surgery?

Yes, Turkey is fully safe for getting a limb-lengthening surgery. It has surgeons who use the latest technology to perform this surgery and a high success rate. Hospitals Medistanbul Private Hospital, Wanna Be Taller, and Doctor Height are some of the leading medical facilities with a proven track record of successful limb-lengthening surgeries.

2. Do I need a visa for limb-lengthening surgery in Turkey?

Yes, you must apply for a medical Visa if you are coming from abroad for limb-lengthening in Turkey. To get more information about obtaining a Visa, visit the Republic of Turkey website. 

3. What is the ideal age for limb-lengthening surgery?

Childhood is the ideal age to have limb-lengthening surgery. The surgery should be done between the ages of 8 to 10. It is because, at this stage, the body creates new bone. But if you want cosmetic limb-lengthening surgery, the ideal age is between 20 and 40 years old. The pain from leg-lengthening surgery is different for everyone. After this procedure, you will need painkillers to dull the pain from the surgical breaking of the bone. But if you follow a physical therapy routine, the pain will subside over time.

4. Can I run after undergoing leg lengthening surgery?

You can run after a leg-lengthening surgery when your bone has completely healed. In the initial few months after surgery, it is not advisable to run or engage in any vigorous activity. Only after your bones have fully consolidated can you enjoy running.

5. How long does the LON method of limb-lengthening surgery take?

In the LON method of limb-lengthening, the daily lengthening is done using an external fixator. The rate of lengthening is 1 millimeter per day. When the lengthening time arrives, the patient completes it by turning the apparatus of the fixator. This method usually takes 70 to 90 days.

The Best Surgeons for Limb Lengthening in Turkey