Height can help improve personality. Many people want to be taller, especially young adults.
Currently, there are many ways to increase height, such as exercising, taking supplements, using devices, and bone lengthening surgery, which is a modern medical innovation that can effectively increase height for those who want to be taller.
What is height increase surgery? How much height can it add? How many months to see results? What are the steps and methods? Those who are looking for information on how to increase height or height increase surgery can study this information before making a decision.
What is height increase surgery?
Height increase surgery is a method to increase height by bone lengthening surgery (distraction osteogenesis) at the femur and tibia bones. It can effectively increase height and is suitable for those dissatisfied with their height, wanting to improve their personality, including those who have internal feelings of height dysphoria, leading to loss of confidence.
The method of height increase surgery has been around for many years, with continuous development of treatment technology. Recently, the Magnetic Lengthening Nail method has been introduced, which differs from traditional surgery by allowing patients to move more easily, reducing the risk of infection, and enabling precise control of bone lengthening.
Getting to know height increase surgery with Magnetic Lengthening Nail more closely
Height increase surgery with Magnetic Nail, also called Magnetic Intramedullary Lengthening Nail, is a modern medical method to increase height for those who want to be taller. This method has been developed from traditional bone lengthening techniques but is more advanced and safer.
Magnetic Lengthening Nail refers to a special metal rod designed for bone lengthening. It is inserted into the medullary canal of the bone to be lengthened, usually the femur or tibia. The nail can slowly and controllably extend, causing the bone to gradually lengthen until the desired bone length is achieved.
How does the bone lengthen and why does it increase height?
Normally, our leg bones are long bones with a hollow center throughout their length, which contains bone marrow responsible for producing blood cells, called the Intramedullary canal.
Height increase surgery with Magnetic lengthening nail method involves the surgeon inserting a metal rod into the entire length of the bone canal to fix the upper or lower leg bone, or both. A small magnet is attached to the center of the nail, connected to an internal gear system controlled by a remote control to rotate the gear, causing the nail to slowly extend bit by bit. This creates a small gap between the cut bone ends. The body responds by generating new bone tissue to fill this gap. This process is called “Distraction Osteogenesis,” the same principle used in treating fractures or bone deformities.
Once the desired length is reached, the device is stopped using the remote control, and the new bone is allowed to grow until it is strong enough to bear weight and function normally. The entire treatment period averages 6-12 months, depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the length of bone to be extended.
How is height increase surgery with Magnetic Lengthening Nail different from traditional methods?
Height increase surgery with Magnetic Lengthening Nail differs from traditional methods (Ilizarov or External Fixator) in that it does not require an external metal frame attached to the leg, allowing patients to move more freely. It also allows precise control of bone lengthening, with doctors able to pre-set and adjust the lengthening distance during treatment, ensuring the final result matches the plan.
Additionally, surgery with the nail allows faster recovery because there is no external device interfering with movement. Patients can start rehabilitation sooner, reducing the overall treatment time.
Advantages of height increase surgery with Nail
- After surgery, patients will have no external devices visible; all equipment is inside the bone and controlled by a remote control.
- The surgical wounds are very small and almost invisible, with only 4 small incisions.
- Height can be increased on both legs during surgery.
- During the bone lengthening period, patients can live normally, move, and perform activities close to usual, improving quality of life during treatment as there is no pain, though some muscle tightness may be felt when the joints begin to stretch.
- Faster recovery compared to traditional height increase surgery.
- Lower risk of infection because the nail is implanted inside the body, reducing the chance of external infection, a common problem in traditional height increase surgery.
- After surgery and treatment completion, patients gain more confidence, which may improve overall quality of life socially and professionally.
Bone lengthening surgery not only helps increase height to build confidence but can also be used to treat conditions such as leg length discrepancy and bone deformities.
In cases where patients have uneven leg lengths, the Magnetic Lengthening Nail can precisely correct this by lengthening the shorter leg to match the other.
How to prepare for height increase surgery? What should you know?
The height increase surgery with Magnetic Lengthening Nail is a complex process that must be performed by specialists. The patient’s physical readiness must be evaluated, and a plan must be made before surgery.
Before surgery, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate the patient as follows:
- General physical examination
- X-rays to assess bone structure
- Blood tests to evaluate overall health
- Body measurements to determine the lengthening distance needed
- Psychological assessment and patient readiness evaluation
Important information after device implantation
- After surgery, patients must rest and be closely monitored. Generally, hospitalization for 2-3 days is required to control pain and begin initial rehabilitation. Then, the bone lengthening process starts about 7 days after surgery using an external control device, gradually extending the nail by about 1 millimeter per day.
- During bone lengthening, patients must regularly visit the doctor for follow-up and adjustment of the lengthening as appropriate, with periodic X-rays to check new bone formation.
- Throughout the bone lengthening process, patients must consistently perform physical therapy as advised by the doctor to maintain muscle and joint flexibility and strengthen the area.
Frequently asked questions about height increase surgery
1. Who is not suitable for height increase surgery?
- Patients with chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders, which may affect surgical safety.
- Smokers, as substances in cigarette smoke negatively affect blood circulation, wound healing, and new bone formation, and increase infection risk by damaging the immune system.
- Patients with bone or tissue problems that may affect new bone formation.
- Patients with implanted pacemakers.
- Patients planning to undergo MRI scans during the period the magnetic lengthening nail is implanted.
2. How much height can height increase surgery add?
- Surgery on only the femur or tibia can increase height by about 5-8 centimeters.
- Surgery on both the femur and tibia can increase height by up to 10-15 centimeters.
Results may vary between individuals.
3. How long does height increase surgery take for treatment?
Generally, the entire process from surgery to rehabilitation and physical therapy may take about 6-12 months. Height increase surgery requires time, patience, and cooperation from the patient during both surgery and recovery.
Summary of height increase surgery: a solution for those with height concerns
Height increase surgery with Magnetic Lengthening Nail is a complex but effective method to increase height. The entire process must be performed by a team of specialists and requires good cooperation from the patient. The results not only increase height but also improve the overall quality of life. Interested individuals should carefully study the information and consult specialists to assess suitability and risks before deciding to undergo treatment.
