As long as the growth plates remain active, the bones continue to lengthen. However, when these plates ossify and begin to close, height growth also comes to an end. Although this process varies from person to person, genetic structure plays a determining role. If there are tall individuals in the family, this genetic advantage may also be passed on to the child. However, genetics alone is not sufficient; hormonal balance, healthy nutrition, and physical activity also play a major role. In addition, the secretion of growth hormone (GH) directly affects height growth. In cases of deficiency, medical intervention may be required.
Is Height Increase Possible in Adults?
Height increase in adults is now possible thanks to modern medicine. After adolescence, the growth plates close and natural height growth stops. However, surgical height lengthening methods used at this point allow controlled lengthening through intervention on the bones.
These surgeries performed in adults are generally carried out on the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone). During the surgical procedure, the bone is cut using special devices and lengthened in very small increments each day (approximately 1 mm per day). Over time, new bone tissue forms in these gaps, resulting in permanent height increase.
With this method, adults generally achieve an increase of between 5 and 8 cm. In special circumstances and suitable cases, this amount may be even higher. Of course, since each individual's physiological structure is different, a detailed evaluation before the operation is of great importance.
This process should be managed by a specialist orthopedic surgeon, and an individualized treatment plan must be created. At the same time, patients' compliance with the physical therapy process directly affects the success rate. In short, height increase in adults is possible, and satisfactory results can be achieved with safe surgical approaches.
How Many Cm Can Be Gained With Height Lengthening Surgery?
The amount of lengthening that can be achieved with height lengthening surgery varies depending on the patient's bone structure, the technique applied, and compliance with the treatment process. In general, an increase in height of between 5 and 8 centimeters is possible during a single lengthening process. In some special cases, this amount may reach 10–15 centimeters; however, this generally applies to cases in which two bone segments are treated.
For example, when only the thigh bone (femur) is lengthened, approximately 5–7 cm of lengthening is possible, while lengthening of the shin bone (tibia) may provide around 5 cm. If both bone segments are treated, a total increase of up to 10–14 cm may be achieved. However, these higher amounts require a longer recovery period and careful follow-up.
For successful lengthening, the bone gap is increased by an average of 1 mm each day. This process continues for several months, after which a recovery period begins to allow the newly formed bone to harden. Physical therapy after the operation is critically important for allowing the muscle structure to adapt to the lengthening process.
Who Is Height Lengthening Suitable For?
Height lengthening treatment is a surgical procedure that can be performed for both medical and aesthetic reasons. However, this treatment may not be suitable for every individual. The evaluation process must be carried out by a specialist orthopedic surgeon.
In general, suitable candidates for height lengthening surgery include:
- Adults who are genetically short and experience psychological distress related to their height
- Individuals whose natural growth period has ended (generally 18 years of age and older)
- Individuals who wish to increase their height for aesthetic reasons
- Patients with leg length discrepancy due to trauma, childhood disease, or congenital deformities
- Individuals who are in good physical health and can comply with postoperative physical therapy
However, height lengthening surgery is not recommended for some individuals. For example, this surgery may be risky for people with osteoporosis, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory disorders, psychiatric disorders, or serious musculoskeletal diseases.
Risks of Height Lengthening Surgery
Height lengthening surgery, although based on advanced technologies used in orthopedics, carries certain risks like any surgical procedure. These risks can generally be minimized with an experienced surgical team and close follow-up. The most common complications are as follows:
- Infection: It may occur especially at device entry sites. It can be controlled with antibiotics.
- Bone nonunion: If the bone does not produce sufficient new tissue, a second intervention may be required.
- Nerve and vascular damage: It is very rare and directly related to the surgical technique.
- Muscle contracture: Restricted movement may develop if the muscles cannot adapt to the lengthening process.
- Pain: Temporary pain may be experienced especially during the lengthening process and can be controlled with medication.
To reduce these risks, it is essential to continue physical therapy regularly after the operation, perform the exercises prescribed by the doctor without interruption, and remain under medical follow-up throughout the entire process. These risks can be minimized with detailed preoperative examinations and individualized planning. With proper patient selection, the right surgeon, and a disciplined recovery process, the risk of complications is quite low.
Who is height lengthening surgery performed for? Click for more information.
