Limb Lengthening Technology Is the Newest Breakthrough in Cosmetic Procedures

In 2001, a method was introduced as a procedure to lengthen the leg of people suffering from growth abnormalities or those who suffered trauma on the lower limbs. The procedure known as Fitbone Surgery since then has made a breakthrough in the field of cosmetics.

The first surgeon in Asia to perform this complex procedure in 2001 was Professor Sarbjit Singh. He states that the procedure was an improvement of the conventional method of treating polio or accident patients. The surgery turned out to be safer and more efficient, and would bring about more benefits in other applications. The former method, called the Ilizarov Method, uses an apparatus to lengthen or reshape the bones on the limb. The procedure was often used for treating complicated and/or open bone fractures, where conventional techniques were not applicable. The method includes having the patients leg fitted within circular frames with pins and wires punctured into the skin, muscles and bone. The screws are then turned 1mm daily. But since it involves an external device attached to the skin, there is a high risk of infection.

Fitbone Surgery is a major improvement over this. German surgeons, Rainer Baumgart and Augustin Betz developed this procedure which involves minimal invasive surgery requiring a cut in the bone located on the leg where motorized nails are implanted. An external transmitter controls the nails through radio signal to lengthen them at 1mm every day, to allow the bone tissue to grow around the rod inserted in the hollow interior of the bone marrow.
photo credit: ImadCode

After lengthening, the bone will then solidify. This procedure takes three to four hours recovery period. The patient is required to stay for a week in the hospital. After undergoing this procedure, the patient needs nine months for full recovery and will be able to walk again. After two years, the rod implanted will be removed. Although this was initially intended for medical purposes, it is now gaining more popularity in cosmetic leg lengthening. Professor Singh says 60 per cent of people who went through this surgery were not those with injuries or medical condition, but those who wanted to be taller.

But Professor Singh is strict in performing Fitbone Surgery. It doesn’t matter if a patient has medical condition or intends surgery for aesthetic purposes; he only proceeds with the surgery if the patient is fully aware of the risks. For cosmetic limb purposes, he only allows people who generally have short stature. For males, 165cm or below, while 155cm or below for females. He also states that it is important not to over-lengthen the limbs. It must still be within acceptable range. The maximum that he has done is increasing a person’s leg by 11 cm, his shortest being a 152 cm tall male. To date, he has done over 60 Fitbone surgeries.

Professor Singh says he expects a wider market, but according to him, they remain as one of the few people who offer this surgery. It is currently available in selected medical centers in Europe and Asia. Particularly in Singapore, the procedure can cost around USD 42,000 per telescope nail.

More facilities are opening around the world, but many of them are only accepting patients due to deformities, not necessarily cosmetic lengthening.  You would need to contact the closest facility to inquire about their specific requirements to be eligible for limb lengthening surgery.