Turkey Leg Lengthening Surgery: Alex from USA Shares His Inspiring Success Story

• Name: Alex Thompson

• Residence: Texas, United States

• Procedure: Leg (Limb) Lengthening Surgery

• Treatment Country: Istanbul, Turkey

• Clinic: Bayindir Healthcare Group

• Facilitator: PlacidWay

• Specialized Orthopedic Expertise: Turkey is home to a growing number of highly experienced orthopedic surgeons who specialize in complex limb reconstruction and cosmetic limb lengthening procedures, often having trained internationally and performed a significant volume of these demanding surgeries.

• Availability of Advanced Surgical Methods: Reputable Turkish centers offer various modern leg lengthening techniques, including Lengthening Over Nail (LON), fully implantable motorized nails (like PRECICE 2.2, though availability of specific brands needs verification), and advanced external fixator systems.

• Significant Cost Advantage / Affordable Leg Lengthening Turkey: This is a major factor. The cost of a comprehensive Turkey Leg Lengthening Surgery program, while still substantial, is often significantly lower – potentially 50% or more – than the prices charged in the very few specialized centers in the USA or Western Europe that offer cosmetic stature lengthening (where costs can range from $75,000 to $200,000+ USD).

• Modern Hospital Facilities: Procedures are typically performed in well-equipped private hospitals in major cities like Istanbul, which often hold international or national accreditations and have the necessary orthopedic surgery infrastructure, intensive care capabilities, and rehabilitation services.

• All-Inclusive Package Potential: Many clinics or medical tourism facilitators offer packages that bundle the costs of surgery, hospital stay, the lengthening device itself, initial physiotherapy, sometimes accommodation for the extended distraction phase in Turkey, and local transfers, providing a degree of cost predictability.

• Osteotomy: The surgeon makes a precise surgical cut through the bone(s) to be lengthened (typically the tibias/lower leg bones, and/or the femurs/thigh bones).

• Device Application: A specialized orthopedic device (either an external fixator, an internal lengthening nail, or a combination) is applied to stabilize the bone segments.

• Latency Period: A short waiting period (usually 5-7 days) after surgery allows initial healing to begin.

• Distraction Phase: The two bone segments are then very slowly and gradually pulled apart (distracted) at a controlled rate, typically 1 millimeter per day (often achieved through small, precise daily adjustments to the device made by the patient or medical staff).

• New Bone Formation (Osteogenesis): As the bone segments are slowly separated, the body responds by generating new bone tissue (callus or "regenerate" bone) in the gradually widening gap. This new bone eventually matures and hardens.

• Phases of Treatment: The entire leg lengthening procedure Turkey involves distinct, lengthy phases: the surgical phase, the distraction (lengthening) phase, the consolidation (bone healing and hardening) phase, and often a final surgical phase for device removal.

• Bones Targeted: Most commonly, lengthening is performed on the tibias (shinbones) and/or the femurs (thighbones). Both can be lengthened, usually sequentially (one set of bones, then the other after full healing, if a very large height increase is sought over multiple surgeries) or sometimes concurrently to a lesser degree.

• Process: This is a combination technique. An external fixator (a frame outside the leg with pins/wires going into the bone) is applied, and an intramedullary (IM) nail (a rod) is inserted down the hollow center of the bone before the osteotomy. The bone is cut, and lengthening is achieved by gradually adjusting the external fixator. Once the desired length is reached, the external fixator can often be removed much earlier than with traditional external-only methods. The internal IM nail then provides stability and support to the newly lengthened bone during the long consolidation (bone healing) phase.

• Pros: Shorter duration of external fixation (reducing pin-site infection risk and improving comfort/mobility compared to external-only methods), good bone stability during healing provided by the internal nail.

• Cons: Still involves a period with an external fixator, requires two major surgeries (device implantation and later IM nail removal).

• Process: This is a technologically advanced, fully implantable system. A specialized telescopic intramedullary nail (like PRECICE 2.2 – note: the earlier PRECICE Stryde nail had issues and recalls, so confirm current device specifics) is inserted into the bone. This nail contains a tiny internal magnetic motor. After surgery, the patient uses an External Remote Controller (ERC) device placed on the skin over the nail several times a day. The ERC activates the internal motor, causing the nail to gradually lengthen at the prescribed rate (e.g., 1mm/day). No external fixator is required.

• Pros: All-internal device (significant advantages in comfort, reduced infection risk, better mobility during the lengthening phase, less scarring), very precise and controlled lengthening managed by the patient with the ERC.

• Cons: The PRECICE nail itself is very expensive, making this method the costliest option. Requires specialized surgical expertise for implantation. There are weight-bearing restrictions during the lengthening phase. A second surgery is needed to remove the nail once consolidation is complete.

• Process: This traditional method uses only external fixation devices (either circular Ilizarov frames or monolateral Holyfix-type frames) that are attached to the bone segments with pins and wires passing through the skin. Lengthening is achieved by making daily manual adjustments to the nuts and bolts on the external frame.

• Pros: Often the most affordable method in terms of device cost, very robust and versatile for correcting deformities as well as lengthening.

• Cons: Requires wearing bulky external frames for a very long period (throughout both distraction and consolidation, often many months), highest risk of pin-site infections, more discomfort and inconvenience, potential for joint stiffness, and multiple small scars from pin sites. Less commonly chosen for purely cosmetic lengthening in centers that offer advanced internal or LON methods due to patient comfort factors.

• Identify Specialized Limb Lengthening Clinics in Turkey: Look for hospitals or orthopedic centers with dedicated limb lengthening programs and surgeons who focus specifically on this complex field (not general orthopedists).

• Evaluate Surgeon Credentials: Verify the orthopedic surgeon's board certifications (Turkish Orthopaedic Board), specific fellowship training in limb lengthening and deformity correction (often from international centers), years of experience, and volume of cosmetic leg lengthening procedures performed.

• Review Hospital Facilities: Ensure the chosen hospital has modern operating theatres, appropriate orthopedic equipment, good inpatient care, and robust physiotherapy services. International accreditation (e.g., JCI) is a plus.

• Consider Medical Tourism Facilitators: Companies like can assist with identifying surgeons/hospitals, arranging consultations, and coordinating all-inclusive packages, which can be helpful for international patients. However, always conduct your own due diligence on the surgeon/hospital they recommend.

• Initiate Online Consultations: Most providers offer remote consultations based on X-rays, photos, and medical history to provide a preliminary assessment and discuss options.

• Thorough Medical and Psychological Evaluation: This is critical. Patients must be in good general health and have realistic expectations and the psychological resilience to endure the lengthy and often uncomfortable process.

• Detailed Surgical Planning: Precise determination of the amount of lengthening to be achieved (e.g., 5-8 cm per segment is common), which bones to lengthen (tibias, femurs, or both sequentially), and selection of the surgical method (LON, PRECICE, Holyfix).

• Final In-Person Consultations & Pre-Op Tests: Meeting with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, final X-rays/scans, blood tests, etc.

• Hospital Stay: Typically 3-7 days for initial pain management, wound care, and learning how to manage the device (especially external fixator adjustments or ERC use for PRECICE).

• Distraction (Lengthening) Phase (Usually in Turkey, can take 2-3+ months per segment):

• Latency Period: A 5-7 day wait after surgery before active lengthening begins.

• Gradual Lengthening: The device is adjusted daily to separate the bone segments at approximately 1mm per day. For example, achieving 6 cm of length takes about 60 days (2 months) of active distraction.

• Regular Monitoring: Requires frequent clinical check-ups and X-rays (e.g., every 1-2 weeks) to monitor the rate of lengthening, new bone formation (callus), alignment, and check for any complications.

• Intensive Physiotherapy: Starts almost immediately and is crucial during this phase to maintain joint range of motion (especially knee and ankle), prevent muscle contractures, and manage pain. This is a daily commitment. Patients often stay in Turkey for most or all of this phase, either in specialized patient accommodation or an apartment near the hospital, with regular physiotherapy sessions.

• Weight-Bearing: Protocols for weight-bearing vary significantly by the method used (e.g., PRECICE may allow for earlier or more protected weight-bearing once some consolidation is seen; LON relies on the internal nail; external fixators require careful partial weight-bearing as tolerated). Full weight-bearing without aids is only possible once the bone is fully consolidated.

• Continued Physiotherapy: Remains essential to regain strength, gait, and full function.

• Once X-rays confirm complete bone consolidation and healing, a second surgical procedure is performed to remove the internal nail (for LON or PRECICE) or the external fixator.

• This requires another shorter hospital stay (1-3 days) and a subsequent period of recovery and rehabilitation.

• Intensive Rehabilitation Throughout: Successful height increase surgery Turkey outcomes are heavily dependent on the patient's dedication to a rigorous and often painful physiotherapy regimen for many months to a year or more.

• Highly Specialized Orthopedic Surgeons: Surgeons with extensive experience and fellowship training specifically in limb lengthening, deformity correction, and complex orthopedic reconstruction.

• Dedicated Limb Lengthening Programs: Structured protocols for various methods (LON, PRECICE, etc.), including pre-operative planning, surgical execution, and comprehensive post-operative management.

• Comprehensive Care Packages: Often bundling costs for surgery (including device removal), hospital stay, the lengthening device itself, initial inpatient and potentially extensive outpatient physiotherapy sessions, accommodation for the distraction phase in Turkey, airport/local transfers, and translator services.

• Modern Hospital Facilities: emphasizes its advanced infrastructure, operating rooms equipped for complex orthopedic surgery, imaging capabilities, and inpatient care units.

• Integrated Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Services: On-site or closely affiliated physiotherapy departments with therapists experienced in limb lengthening rehabilitation are crucial.

• Support for International Patients: Including dedicated international patient coordinators, assistance with visa documentation, language support (English is common), and coordination of long-term stays.

• Surgeon and anesthesia fees for both the initial device implantation surgery and the later device removal surgery.

• Cost of the specific lengthening device (e.g., PRECICE nail, LON internal nail and external fixator components).

• Hospital stay for both surgical admissions (e.g., 3-7 days for implantation, 1-3 days for removal).

• Initial inpatient physiotherapy sessions.

• Medications during hospital stays.

• Often includes extended hotel or apartment accommodation during the critical distraction phase and initial consolidation in Turkey.

• Airport and local clinic/hospital transfers.

• Translator services.

1. Surgical Method Chosen: PRECICE is considerably more expensive due to the advanced internal device.

2. Amount of Lengthening Desired: Longer lengthening requires more time in the distraction phase, more intensive physiotherapy, and potentially longer supported accommodation.

3. Bones Lengthened: Tibias only, femurs only, or a plan for both (done sequentially).

• Surgeon's Experience and Reputation.

• Choice of Hospital and Service Level.

• Duration of Stay and Support Included in the Package.

• Pain: Significant pain is expected, especially during the distraction phase and intensive physiotherapy. Effective pain management is crucial.

• Infection: Risk of infection at surgical sites, or more commonly, pin-site infections if external fixators are used. Deep bone infection (osteomyelitis) is a rare but very serious complication.

• Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Possible during surgery or from excessive stretching during distraction. Can lead to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain.

• Joint Stiffness or Contractures: The knee and ankle joints are particularly at risk if intensive physiotherapy is not maintained.

• Delayed Bone Union, Non-Union, or Poor Quality Regenerate Bone: The new bone may not form or harden properly, requiring further interventions.

• Device-Related Problems: Issues with internal nails or external fixators (e.g., breakage, loosening).

• Thromboembolism (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT, Pulmonary Embolism - PE): Risk of blood clots due to reduced mobility.

• Compartment Syndrome: A rare but serious condition requiring emergency surgery.

• Axial Deviation or Deformity: If bones do not heal in perfect alignment.

• Psychological Challenges: The long, painful, and isolating nature of the recovery can take a significant psychological toll.

• Travel to Turkey: Patients typically fly into major international airports like Istanbul (IST/SAW), as many specialized orthopedic centers are located there or are accessible via domestic connections. For the extremely long duration required for leg lengthening (potentially 6-12+ months in Turkey covering distraction and a significant portion of consolidation, plus device removal later), a standard short-stay tourist e-Visa will NOT suffice.

• Language: Turkish is the official language. Reputable clinics and facilitators catering to international patients provide fluent English-speaking coordinators and often offer translator services for other languages if needed.

• Accommodation for Very Long Duration: The entire process requires being in Turkey for many months, potentially up to a year or more for the full cycle including initial consolidation before being stable enough for very long-distance travel, followed by a return trip for device removal. This means arranging long-term apartment rentals or extended stays in specialized patient accommodation if offered by the clinic/facilitator. This is a massive logistical and financial commitment.

• Support System: Having a dedicated family member or companion present for a significant portion, if not all, of this extremely long and challenging period in Turkey is virtually essential for practical and emotional support.

• Intensive Physiotherapy Access: Ensure the chosen location and accommodation allow for easy access to daily or very frequent intensive physiotherapy sessions, which are critical for success.

• Extreme Travel Distance & Cost: Multiple very long-haul flights (initial trip, return for device removal, potential interim trips if possible though unlikely).

• Highly Complex Long-Stay Visa/Residence Permit: Securing the necessary permissions for a 6-12+ month stay in Turkey for medical reasons is a major undertaking.

• Massive Time & Financial Commitment: Being away from home, work, and family for such an extended period, plus the very high ongoing living expenses in Turkey for many months on top of the substantial surgical costs.

• Cultural Adaptation & Support Far from Home: Managing daily life and an extremely difficult recovery in a foreign country for such a prolonged duration is an immense undertaking.

Q1: How much height can I realistically gain with Turkey Leg Lengthening Surgery?

A: Most experienced surgeons recommend a maximum of 5-8 cm (approximately 2-3 inches) of lengthening per bone segment (i.e., per pair of tibias or femurs) in a single surgical program to minimize complication risks. Achieving greater height (e.g., 10-15 cm) would require lengthening both the tibias and the femurs in separate, sequential surgical programs, making it an extremely long (2-3+ years), arduous, and very costly multi-stage process.

Q2: Is affordable leg lengthening Turkey a safe option despite the lower cost?

A: Turkey offers significant cost savings due to economic factors, not necessarily by compromising quality at reputable centers. Safety depends entirely on choosing a highly experienced specialist orthopedic surgeon who performs limb lengthening regularly, operating in an accredited hospital with excellent infection control and a dedicated multidisciplinary team (including physiotherapists). However, leg lengthening surgery is inherently a high-risk, complex procedure regardless of location. "Affordable" does not mean it is simple or without potential serious complications. Diligence in selecting your provider is paramount.

Q3: What are the main differences in recovery and patient experience between the LON, PRECICE, and Holyfix methods for this orthopedic height surgery Turkey?

• PRECICE (Internal Nail): Generally offers the most comfort and mobility during the lengthening phase as there is no external frame. Reduced infection risk. However, it's the most expensive method due to the cost of the device, and has specific weight-bearing restrictions during lengthening.

• LON (Lengthening Over Nail): Reduces the time an external fixator is worn compared to external-only methods, which improves comfort and lowers pin-site infection risk after the initial distraction phase. The internal nail provides good stability during bone consolidation.

• Holyfix/Ilizarov (External Fixator Only): Involves wearing a bulky external frame for the entire distraction and consolidation period (many months). This method has the highest risk of pin-site infections and can be more uncomfortable and restrictive, but it is very robust and often the most affordable in terms of initial device cost.

Q4: How long is the entire process for Turkey Leg Lengthening Surgery, from the first surgery until I can walk normally without any aids and the device is removed?

A: This is an extremely long process. Be prepared for at least 9-18 months, and often longer (up to 2 years or more for full functional recovery and return to high-impact activities). This includes:

• Surgery + initial hospital stay (1 week).

• Distraction phase (2-3 months per 5-8 cm).

• Consolidation phase (4-9+ months per 5-8 cm, where new bone hardens).

• Intensive physiotherapy throughout (6-18+ months).

• Device removal surgery and its subsequent recovery (another 1-3+ months).

• Walking normally without aids is a gradual process achieved through dedicated rehabilitation over many months.

Q5: Do I need extensive psychological screening before undergoing cosmetic height increase surgery Turkey?

A: Yes, this is highly recommended and often a mandatory requirement by reputable surgeons and limb lengthening clinics in Turkey specializing in cosmetic stature lengthening. The procedure is physically and psychologically demanding, with a very long recovery. Ensuring patients have realistic expectations, understand the commitment, and have the psychological resilience to cope with the challenges is crucial for a positive outcome.