"The surgery involves breaking the bones in the legs before pulling them apart to lengthen them over weeks or months. Invented by the Soviet surgeon Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov in the 1950s, it was used to treat patients with clinical needs, but is now offered privately for cosmetic purposes. China's health ministry banned cosmetic leg lengthening in 2006, over fears about the risks to patients, but the practice is booming elsewhere."
"The global limb-lengthening industry will be worth $8.6bn (6.4bn) by 2030, according to estimates. Private treatment in the UK can cost more than 50,000, with some surgeons charging 240,000. Clinics in Turkey offer the procedure for 24,000. Limb-lengthening surgery involves two main steps. A surgeon performs an osteotomy, cutting the bone into two segments, and then attaches a limb lengthening device to the two segments."
"The device comprises a thin metal frame and is attached to the bones with pins or wires. Most of the device is outside the body, making it hard to wear certain clothes. Newer options involve a screw-like device placed inside the bone. Patients face a period of recovery and cannot walk for several weeks. Next, they begin adjusting their leg-lengthening device several times a day for several months."
Matchmaker Lucy's partner admitted to leg-lengthening surgery, gaining six inches before the couple split. The procedure breaks leg bones then slowly pulls them apart over weeks or months to increase height. The Ilizarov method originated in the 1950s for clinical needs but now is offered privately for cosmetic reasons. China banned cosmetic leg lengthening in 2006 over patient safety concerns. The NHS in England warns against the procedure amid growing interest and discounted clinics in Turkey. The global limb-lengthening industry is projected to reach $8.6bn by 2030. Private costs range widely; external frames and internal rods require long recovery and carry high risks.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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