Men paying thousands to get their legs broken – and lengthened
6 days ago
- #height-insecurity
- #medical-tourism
- #cosmetic-surgery
- Frank decided to undergo leg lengthening surgery during his honeymoon in Kuala Lumpur due to his long-standing insecurity about his height.
- He chose a clinic in Turkey specializing in the procedure, where patients endure painful adjustments to grow new bone tissue.
- Frank aimed to grow 9cm, surpassing the recommended maximum, to reach an average height of 5ft 9in.
- The surgery involves breaking the femurs, inserting metal rods, and using external fixators to gradually stretch the bones.
- Patients face significant risks, including blood clots, nerve damage, and chronic pain, with some cases even proving fatal.
- Frank experienced a pulmonary embolism but continued the procedure until his tendons reached their limit, stopping at 7.3cm growth.
- The global limb lengthening industry is growing, with estimates suggesting it could be worth $8.6bn by 2030.
- Frank's motivation stemmed from societal prejudice against short men and personal experiences of discrimination.
- The procedure, while costly, was prioritized over material possessions by Frank and his wife, Emilia.
- Leg lengthening traces its origins to the Ilizarov technique developed in 1951, now adopted worldwide with modern advancements.