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Breaking Bones for Height: A Risky New Trend
17 Feb
Summary
- Height surgery involves fracturing leg bones to implant devices that stretch them.
- The procedure can cost between $70,000 and $150,000 in the United States.
- Recovery takes at least half a year, with risks including poor bone healing and nerve damage.
Height surgery, a cosmetic procedure involving fracturing leg bones and implanting devices to gradually lengthen them, is a contentious topic. While limb-lengthening has been used to correct deformities for decades, its application for purely aesthetic height increase has seen rising interest.
The procedure carries substantial risks, including poor bone healing, nerve damage, and infection, with a full recovery taking at least six months or longer. It is also costly, ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 in the United States.
Individuals like Aaron Trinh, who underwent the surgery in May 2025, sought to overcome chronic height-related distress. He described the intense pain and challenging recovery, which included weeks of avoiding weight-bearing on his legs.
Experts note that while some patients report short-term psychological improvements, long-term outcomes remain under-researched. Despite the debated nature and potential lifelong consequences, several U.S. clinics have reported a surge in patient interest over the last decade.
