Are you concerned about being Too Short?

There is a safe range for height lengthening:

• Thighs or Calves: 2–2.5 inches (4–7 cm)
  Note: Actual results may vary depending on individual body flexibility and muscle elasticity.

The achievable length should be determined during the lengthening phase after surgery, based on how your body responds.

We offer two surgical methods:

1. LON method (Lengthening Over Nail)

2. Magnetic internal nail method (Precice)

Both procedures are performed under spinal anesthesia with sedation, and the initial hospital stay is 1 to 2 weeks. Lengthening begins about 7–10 days after the first surgery, at a rate of 1 mm per day.

If you have sufficient time and resources, we recommend a hospital stay of 4 to 5 months for a 5 cm lengthening process. If that is not possible, you may be discharged 2 weeks after surgery—or at your preferred date—and continue with outpatient follow-ups on a weekly or monthly basis.

LON Method (Lengthening Over Nail)

This method uses both an internal nail (IM nail) and an external fixator.

Key Points:

• An external fixator (Ilizarov or mono type) is worn for 3–4 months, depending on the individual.

• It's less expensive than Precice, but has drawbacks: more visible scarring, greater discomfort, pain, and you cannot shower during the external fixation period.

• Each leg is operated on separately, with the second leg surgery performed 2–3 days after the first.

• Three surgeries are required.

1st Surgery:

• The femur or tibia is cut (osteotomy), and both an internal nail and an external fixator are attached to each leg.

• Each leg takes over 2.5 hours to operate.

• You will need to use crutches for around 5 months for a 5 cm lengthening
  (Rule of thumb: Length in cm ≒ Crutch time in months ±1)

> Day 2

2nd Surgery :

• Once the desired length is achieved, the external fixator is removed, and the internal nail is fully fixed with screws.

• This is a simple procedure performed on both legs at once, taking about 1 hour in total, with a 3–4 day hospital stay.

• You can start showering after 2 weeks and walk more comfortably without the external frame.

Follow-up:

• You may return to your home country and send monthly X-rays via email to drahn818@naver.com.

3rd Surgery :

• About 1 year after the first surgery, when bone healing is complete, the internal nail can be safely removed.

• This is a simple procedure, done on both legs at once, taking about 1 hour, with a 3–4 day hospital stay.

• Showering is allowed after 2 weeks, and you can walk immediately after the surgery.

Precice Method (Magnetic Internal Nail)

Key Points:

• This method uses a magnetic internal rod only—no external fixator—making it more comfortable, minimally invasive, with fewer scars and less pain, but the device is more expensive.

• You can start showering after 2 weeks, but cannot walk for 4–5 months after surgery, depending on the individual.

• Two surgeries are required.

1st Surgery :

• The femur or tibia is cut (osteotomy), and the Precice internal nail is inserted into both legs.

>  OP procedure

• The operation takes 2–3 hours total for both legs.

• Lengthening begins about 7–10 days later, at 1 mm per day.

• You must use a wheelchair for 4–5 months, then crutches for 1–2 months as the bone regenerates.
  (These timeframes may vary depending on the individual.)

Follow-up:

• As with LON, you can send monthly X-rays by email for remote monitoring.

2nd Surgery :

• After 1 year or more, once bone healing is complete, the Precice nail is removed.

• The procedure takes about 1 hour, performed on both legs simultaneously,  with a 3–4 day hospital stay.

• You may shower after 2 weeks, and walk immediately.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Surgery is important, but recovery and rehabilitation are just as crucial.

• The rehabilitation period varies depending on how much lengthening was done and individual factors such as age, gender, muscle strength, body type, and personal effort.

• Most rehabilitation can be done at home. Daily exercises for muscle strengthening, joint mobility, and flexibility are essential.

• If self-rehab is difficult, visit a rehabilitation center near your home.

Possible Complications

• Nerve injury, Nonunion, Fracture, Joint contracture, Metal failure, Leg deformity

• It is generally known that the achievable length in limb lengthening surgery is about 20% of the original bone length. However, the most important factor is individual soft tissue elasticity. While the bone itself can be lengthened sufficiently using surgical techniques, the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, and tendons must also be able to stretch accordingly. If they cannot, complications and side effects may occur.

Therefore, during limb lengthening process, it is important not to be overly ambitious about the target length. Instead, the final length should be determined gradually, based on how well your body—particularly your soft tissues—responds and adapts during the lengthening process.

"We, as medical professionals, are doing our utmost to provide treatment with the greatest care to prevent any side effects." 

Please Note

Leg lengthening surgery is demanding, expensive, and requires long-term commitment to rehabilitation.
You should make your decision seriously and thoughtfully.

See More Cases

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Scheduling Your Surgery

If you're interested in proceeding:

1. Please email us to schedule your surgery at your preferred date. 

You will be admitted to the hospital a day before surgery for a medical check-up and preoperative tests, and the surgery will take place the next day. 

2. Book your preferred flight and confirm your travel dates.

South Korea welcomes patients from around the world.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at drahn818@naver.com