Lengthening Surgery in Turkey to Achieve Your Dreams

Lengthening Surgery: A Journey to Achieve Height Dreams in Turkey

Have you always dreamed of being taller? Do you feel that being short affects your self-confidence or your opportunities in life? At Health & Beauty Turkey, we fully understand the importance of height as a factor influencing an individual’s self-perception and their perception in society, and we appreciate the passion and desire to improve height.

Turkey has long been a leading global destination for medical tourism, particularly in advanced cosmetic and medical surgeries, and lengthening surgery stands out as one of the procedures in which Turkey and many of its skilled doctors have made remarkable progress.

At Health & Beauty Center, we pride ourselves on offering the latest therapeutic techniques for lengthening surgery, supported by highly specialized doctors and advanced medical infrastructure. However, we also acknowledge that considering a medical procedure like this may raise some concerns, particularly regarding safety and the possibility of complications. Therefore, we always strive to build trust and provide all necessary information transparently, while assuring our patients that we offer “Medical Tourism Risk Compensation Insurance” which provides them with peace of mind during their treatment journey.

Medical Background: Understanding Lengthening Surgery

Lengthening surgery, also known as lower limb reconstruction, is a complex medical procedure aimed at increasing the length of the legs. Historically, this technique was originally developed to address cases of unequal leg lengths or congenital deformities that affect bone growth.

With technological advancements and increasing expertise, this surgery has also become available to individuals who wish to increase their height for aesthetic or personal reasons.

Reasons and Risk Factors:

• Pathological Dwarfism: This is often the primary condition that necessitates lengthening surgery, such as certain genetic forms of dwarfism.
• Unequal Leg Length: When there is a significant difference in leg lengths, the condition may require surgical intervention to adjust for length.
• Aesthetic Desire: Many healthy individuals who consider their height below average desire to undergo this surgery to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence.
• Environmental and Nutritional Factors: In certain cases, severe malnutrition or some diseases in early growth stages can affect bone growth.
• Other Medical Conditions: Some chronic illnesses or injuries that affect bone growth may require intervention.

Symptoms:

The main symptom here is apparent short stature, which may be accompanied in some pathological cases by motor difficulties or skeletal deformities. In aesthetic cases, the symptoms are simply dissatisfaction with current height.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of a person’s suitability for lengthening surgery relies on a comprehensive evaluation by a specialized medical team. This evaluation includes:

• Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of the skeletal structure, joint flexibility, and health of muscles and nerves.
• Medical History: Gathering information about overall health status, any chronic diseases, history of previous surgeries, and treatments used.
• Radiography: Including X-rays of the spine and legs to assess the length of the bones, their alignment, and their density. MRI may be used to evaluate soft tissues and joints.
• Blood Tests: To assess general health and identify any deficiencies in vitamins or minerals essential for bone health.
• Psychological Assessment: To ensure the patient understands the procedure, its outcomes, recovery time, and realistic expectations.

Latest Research Updates:

The field of lengthening surgery is witnessing ongoing developments. Recent research focuses on:

• Less Invasive Techniques: Developing tools and surgical techniques that reduce the size of surgical incisions, thereby minimizing pain, infection risk, and speeding up the recovery period.
• Advanced Intramedullary Devices: Using remote-controlled telescopic intramedullary nails that allow the doctor to control the bone extension process more precisely, reducing the need for repeated surgical interventions.
• Improved Pain and Rehabilitation Protocols: Developing new methods for pain management and advanced physiotherapy techniques to aid quicker and more effective functional recovery.
• Artificial Intelligence Applications: Some research is exploring the possible use of AI in surgical planning and improving outcomes.

Ideal Candidates for Lengthening Surgery

Lengthening surgery is not suitable for everyone, and determining the appropriate candidate requires precise medical evaluation. In general, ideal candidates are:

Who Are Suitable Candidates?

• Physically Healthy Individuals: Those who do not have serious chronic illnesses that may impede healing or increase surgical risks (such as heart diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney diseases, or active autoimmune diseases).
• Those with Realistic Expectations: They understand that the surgery requires a long recovery period, which may last several months, and that results may not be immediate.
• Healthy Bones: The bones of the legs (especially the tibia and femur) should be healthy and strong, without clear signs of osteoporosis or other bone diseases.
• Appropriate Age: The surgery is often preferred after bone growth is completed, i.e., post-puberty.
• Individuals with Pathological Short Stature: Like individuals with growth-related dwarfism, or significant leg length discrepancies.
• Individuals with Strong Motivation and Ability to Commit to an Intensive Rehabilitation Program: This includes physiotherapy and strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions.

Who Are Not Candidates?

• People with Unstable Chronic Diseases: As mentioned earlier, diseases that may affect healing or increase risks.
• Heavy Smokers: Smoking negatively affects blood flow and bone healing, and quitting smoking is advised well before surgery.
• Individuals with Unrealistic Expectations: Who expect rapid results or do not comprehend the level of commitment required for recovery.
• Individuals with Severe Psychological Issues: That may be impacted by the psychological stress of the long recovery period.
• The Presence of Active Infections in the Body: Any infection must be treated before considering surgery.
• Those Unable to Afford the Financial and Time Costs of the Procedure and Recovery: Including costs for physiotherapy and accommodation.

Preparation for Lengthening Surgery: Your Journey Before Travel

Proper preparation is key to the success of any medical procedure, and lengthening surgery is no exception. At Health & Beauty Center, we assist you step by step to ensure you are fully prepared.

What Patients Should Do Before Traveling:

1. Initial Medical Consultation: Get in touch with our medical representative at Health & Beauty Center. An appointment will be arranged with one of our specialized doctors (initially online) to discuss your condition, your goals, and to answer all your questions.
2. Conduct Necessary Medical Tests: Our team will provide you with a list of required medical tests, which may include:
   • Comprehensive Blood Tests: To assess kidney and liver functions, glucose levels, complete blood count, and clotting factors.
   • Urinalysis.
   • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Especially for those over a certain age or with a history of heart disease.
   • Chest X-ray: To evaluate the overall lung condition.
   • Detailed X-ray Images of the Legs: As mentioned earlier, to determine the bones to be lengthened and assess their safety.
3. Assess General Health Status: You should inform the doctor of any medications you are currently taking (including dietary supplements and herbs) and any allergies you have. Some medication doses may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped.
4. Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, we strongly advise you to quit smoking well before surgery (typically 4-6 weeks) to enhance blood flow and improve your body’s healing capacity.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on foods high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone health.
6. Engage in Light Exercise: Maintain your physical fitness as much as possible, while avoiding exercises that put significant stress on the legs.
7. Mental Preparation: Speak openly with your family and friends about your plans. Try to understand the nature of the surgery and the recovery period, and mentally prepare yourself for possible challenges.
8. Travel and Accommodation Arrangements: Our team at Health & Beauty Center will assist you with travel arrangements, airport transportation, and accommodations in hotels close to the hospital, as well as providing a translator if necessary.

Before Surgery: Tests, Consultation, and Anesthesia Options

Upon arriving in Turkey, you will begin the final phase of preparation for lengthening surgery:

1. Final Tests: The medical team will conduct a comprehensive clinical examination to ensure that you are in optimal health for the surgical procedure. These tests may include retaking some blood tests or conducting additional X-rays as needed.
2. Detailed Consultation with the Surgeon: A detailed session will be held with your surgeon to discuss the surgical technique that will be used, accurately map out the lengthening plan, and determine the expected number of centimeters for increase. All potential risks and benefits will be explained in detail.
3. Anesthesia: The anesthesiologist will assess your health status and discuss available anesthesia options. Generally, general anesthesia is used to ensure the patient is comfortable and does not feel any pain during the surgery.

During Surgery: Advanced Surgical Techniques

Lengthening surgery requires meticulous planning and precise execution, involving several stages to ensure optimal results. Lengthening surgery typically involves a calculated fracture of the bone followed by the use of a special device to gradually increase its length.

There are two main techniques used at Health & Beauty Center, both performed under the supervision of the most skilled surgeons:

1. Intramedullary Nail Technique:

• Mechanism: A telescopic metallic rod (nail) is inserted into the bone marrow of the leg. A precise cut in the bone (osteotomy) is then performed.
• Extension: After several days post-surgery, the patient or nurse begins to apply light external pressure using a remote-controlled device, gradually extending the internal rod. This extension stimulates the bone to grow and form new bone tissue in the created space.
• Types: Modern techniques such as PRECICE or STRYDE rods are used, allowing precise and safe remote extension.
• Benefit: This technique allows for simultaneous extension of the bones in the legs (femur or tibia), often minimizing the need for multiple operations.

2. External Fixator Technique:

• Mechanism: An external device is affixed to the leg using pins that penetrate the skin and bones.
• Extension: The bones are lengthened by adjusting the external device’s pins, leading to gradual bone extension over weeks.
• Advancement: Previously, this technique was the most common, but it requires a longer treatment period and may be less comfortable and aesthetic than modern internal techniques. However, it is still used in some complex cases or to correct deformities.

Duration of the Surgery: The length of the operation varies based on the technique used and the number of legs being lengthened, but it may take several hours.

After Surgery: Immediate Recovery, Medical Follow-up, and Recovery Period

Immediate Recovery:

After the surgery is completed, the patient will be transferred to a recovery room under continuous monitoring. Strong painkillers will be provided to manage pain.

Hospital Stay:

Lengthening surgery generally requires hospitalization for several days (ranging from 3 to 7 days) to monitor the condition, manage pain, start gentle movement with the help of a physiotherapist, and ensure wound healing.

Commencement of Extension:

A few days post-surgery, and based on the surgeon’s instructions, our medical team or physiotherapist will teach the patient or their companions how to use the extension device and commence the gradual extension process, usually at a rate of 1 mm per day.

Medical Follow-up:

Regular check-ups are conducted, including X-rays, to monitor the formation of new bone and progress in lengthening.

Stages of Healing:

• The First Weeks: Focus on pain management, infection prevention, and beginning gradual movement with the aid of crutches or walkers.
• Months of Recovery: Begins the stage of bone growth and formation of callus that will become solid bone. During this stage, the extension process continues (about 1 mm daily) with adherence to an intensive physiotherapy program to restore muscle strength and joint range of motion.
• Bone Stabilization: After achieving the desired length, extension ceases, and the body begins to strengthen the new bone. This phase takes several months.
• Device Removal: When it is confirmed that the new bone has gained sufficient strength, the internal rod or parts of the external fixator are removed in a simple surgery.

Restrictions:

During the recovery period, there will be restrictions on mobility and activities. Heavy lifting, running, and intense sports should be avoided.

When to Expect Results:

• Initial Results (Height): The increase in height can be gradually observed over the weeks and months of lengthening.
• Final Results (Functional and Aesthetic): The final results, including full restoration of the ability to walk normally and enjoy the new appearance, take from 6 to 12 months, and may extend to 18 months in some cases.

Treatment Options Available in Turkey: Innovation and Excellence

Turkey stands out for offering the latest techniques in lengthening surgery, supported by world-class surgeons and medical centers equipped with the most advanced devices.

Modern Techniques and Innovations:

• Intramedullary Lengthening Devices: Remote-controlled devices like PRECICE and STRYDE have become the gold standard in many cases. These devices provide precise control over the speed and extent of lengthening, reducing the need for prolonged use of external fixators, making recovery more comfortable and less prone to infections.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques: Focus on reducing the size of surgical incisions, which minimizes bleeding, pain, and surgical scarring.
• Integrated Physiotherapy: Comprehensive, custom physiotherapy programs are offered which begin early and extend for a long duration, ensuring full restoration of motor function.
• Advanced Technology Utilization: 3D imaging and computer planning technologies are used to assist surgeons in determining the best surgical paths and improving outcomes.

Advantages of Treatment at Health & Beauty Turkey:

• Expertise of Doctors: We have a team of highly experienced orthopedic surgeons specialized in lengthening surgeries, trained in the best global centers, with a proven track record of success.
• The Latest Techniques: We provide the latest surgical devices and techniques available globally to ensure the best and safest outcomes.
• Advanced Medical Facilities: Our centers are equipped with the latest technologies and equipment, conforming to the highest international quality and safety standards.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a complete package of services including consultation, surgery, accommodation, transportation, and medical follow-up, ensuring a smooth and comfortable treatment journey.
• Medical Tourism Risk Compensation Insurance: As we will detail, we provide our patients with special insurance that gives them additional reassurance.

Addressing Patient Concerns: Safety and Reassurance with Our Insurance

We fully understand that lengthening surgery is a major surgical procedure, and it is natural for patients to have some anxiety about the risks and potential complications. At Health & Beauty Center, your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we work diligently to minimize these risks.

Potential Risks and Complications (Regarding Major Surgeries):

Although our surgeries are performed with the highest standards of precision and safety, like any major surgical procedure, some complications may occur, including:

• Infection: May occur at the wound site or around pins.
• Bone Healing Issues: Callus formation may be delayed or may not occur as needed.
• Joint Stiffness: Knee or ankle stiffness may occur as a result of limited mobility or tissue healing.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Issues: Rare, but possible.
• Chronic Pain: In some cases.

Providing “Medical Tourism Risk Compensation Insurance”:

To alleviate these concerns and provide maximum safety for our international patients, we are pleased to offer “Medical Tourism Risk Compensation Insurance” at Health & Beauty Center. This insurance is an essential part of our service package and provides you with protection and support in the event of any unforeseen complications:

• Coverage for In-Hospital Treatment: The insurance covers costs for hospital stay and medical care necessary to treat any complications that may arise post-surgery.
• Validity for 6 Months: The insurance is effective from the date of surgery and continues to cover you for up to six months, giving you total peace of mind during the recovery period.
• Coverage for Travel and Accommodation Costs for Revision Surgery: If the patient requires revision surgery to address complications, the insurance covers the round-trip travel costs and accommodation necessary for the patient and companion (if needed) to undergo this surgery.
• Health Ministry Accredited Clinics: This insurance is applicable only in clinics and hospitals that have received official accreditation from the Turkish Ministry of Health, ensuring you are receiving care in reliable, high-quality medical facilities.

This insurance is an expression of our commitment to providing high-quality medical care and delivering a safe and reassuring treatment experience for all our patients.

Practical Tips for Patients: Additional Preparations for a Successful Journey

In addition to the medical aspects, there are several practical tips that can help make your treatment journey in Turkey smoother and more enjoyable.

Travel Tips:

• Early Planning: Start planning your trip several months ahead of the scheduled surgery date to ensure you get the best flight and accommodation deals.
• Visa (If Required): Check the visa requirements for entry into Turkey and ensure you meet them in time.
• Important Documents: Keep your passport, visa, flight bookings, health insurance documents, and all medical records related to your condition in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Comfortable Clothing: Bring loose and comfortable clothing, especially those that are easy to put on and take off, such as wide pants.
• Personal Medications: If you are on regular medications, make sure to bring a sufficient supply along with prescriptions.
• Comfort Items: Bring along some personal items that will make your stay in the hospital or hotel more comfortable, such as a book, tablet, or headphones.

Mental Preparation:

• Open Communication: Talk with your family and friends about your concerns and expectations. Their support will make a significant difference.
• Research and Learning: The more you know about the procedure, the more confident you will feel. Ask questions of your doctor and our medical team.
• Acceptance of the Recovery Period: Understand that the recovery period requires patience and resilience. Mentally prepare for the possible challenges, but focus on positive goals.
• Thinking About Goals: Remind yourself of the reasons that motivated you to undergo this procedure and how it will improve your life in the future.
• Consulting a Mental Health Professional: If you feel excessively anxious or stressed, do not hesitate to consult a psychologist.

Lifestyle Tips After Treatment:

• Commitment to Physiotherapy: This is key to restoring your full motor function. Do not neglect physiotherapy sessions and perform prescribed exercises regularly at home.
• Proper Nutrition: Continue to eat a diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone health.
• Hydration: Drink adequate amounts of water.
• Avoid Overexertion: Avoid heavy lifting or engaging in activities that place significant strain on your legs until your doctor permits it.
• Regular Follow-up: Stick to follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure the safety of your healing.
• Patience: Remember that final results take time. Be patient with yourself and the healing process.

The Price of Lengthening Surgery in Turkey

The cost of lengthening surgery in Turkey varies significantly depending on several factors, including:

• The Technique Used: The use of modern internal devices (like PRECICE or STRYDE) is typically more expensive than older techniques.
• The Number of Legs to be Lengthened: Performing the surgery on one leg differs from performing it on both legs.
• The Amount of Length Increase Required: Significant lengthening may require special devices or extend treatment duration.
• The Surgeon’s Reputation and Experience: Centers with a global reputation and clinics using the latest technologies may have higher costs.
• Additional Costs: Including hospitalization, physiotherapy, medications, and travel expenses.

Based on the latest available information online, the cost of lengthening surgery in Turkey can typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 for one leg, and may increase significantly when performed on both legs or when using the latest techniques.

Important Note: These prices are estimates only. To provide an accurate and tailored quote for your case, you should contact our medical representatives at Health & Beauty Center for a consultation with the surgeon and a detailed assessment.

Why Choose Health & Beauty Turkey?

Choosing the right place for lengthening surgery is a critical decision. At Health & Beauty Turkey, we offer you a comprehensive treatment experience that combines high medical expertise, the latest technologies, and comprehensive care.

Our Doctors’ Expertise:

• Specialists in Orthopedic Surgery: Our surgeons are not just doctors; they are experts in the field of limb reconstruction and repair, with international certifications and training in the latest techniques.
• A Proven Track Record of Success: Our team has extensive experience performing lengthening surgeries for various cases, achieving excellent results and high patient satisfaction.
• Continuous Learning: Our doctors are committed to attending international conferences and workshops to keep up with the latest developments in their field.

Comprehensive 24/7 Support:

• Airport Reception Service: We welcome you upon arrival and provide comfortable transport to your hotel or hospital.
• Accommodation Arrangements: We cooperate with upscale hotels close to hospitals to ensure your comfort.
• Specialized Translators: We provide linguistic translators to ensure effective communication between you and the medical team.
• Continuous Medical Monitoring: Our relationship with you does not end when you leave the hospital; we closely monitor your health condition throughout your recovery.
• Logistical Support: We assist you in any additional arrangements you may need during your stay.

Safety and Trust:

• Risk Compensation Insurance: As mentioned, our accredited insurance provides you with additional peace of mind against any unforeseen complications.
• International Standards: Our medical facilities are accredited with international quality certificates, adhering to the highest standards of sterilization and cleanliness.
• Modern Technologies: We use the latest devices and surgical techniques to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
• Transparency and Honesty: We believe in open and transparent communication with our patients, providing them with all information clearly.