Leg lengthening Tunisia
Leg lengthening is a controversial surgical procedure that aims to increase the size of the legs by a few centimeters. Although this technique may seem appealing to people who are short or suffer from an inferiority complex, it also carries significant risks and long-term health consequences.
How does leg lengthening work ?
Leg lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves dividing the tibia bone and using external or internal lengthening devices to separate the two parts of the bone. This method allows the tissues to heal by creating new bone tissue, which leads to an increase in the length of the leg. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes several months or even years, depending on the amount of lengthening desired.
Why have recourse ?
The reasons people resort to leg stretching can vary between individuals. Some people may be very conscious of their appearance and seek to improve their confidence through surgeries like this. Other people may suffer from body dysmorphia, a mental disorder in which a person has an altered perception of their physical appearance, which may lead them to seek solutions to correct their body image.
Possible size gain ?
The possible height gain depends on many factors, such as age, sex, original height and length of the lower limbs. In general, most people can expect to gain between 6 and 12 cm in height after leg lengthening surgery.
Does it affect walking ?
Leg lengthening can affect walking, at least for the first few weeks or months after surgery. During this time, there may be a slight limp or difficulty walking smoothly as the muscles, tendons and joints adjust to the new length of the legs. However, most patients recover their normal walking within a few months.
In some cases, over-extending the legs can lead to permanent changes in gait because the muscles and joints cannot accommodate a large length difference between the legs. This is why most surgeons limit the length of leg lengthening to a certain number of centimeters to minimize the risk of complications.
What are the alternatives?
There are alternatives to leg lengthening that can help people improve their appearance or health without having to resort to invasive surgery. Here are some of those alternatives:
Wedge shoes: these shoes have thicker soles at the back which can help increase height of the person. Although this may be a temporary fix, it can help improve self-confidence.
Leg exercises: these can help tone the leg muscles and improve posture, which can give the appearance of having longer legs.
Weight loss: Weight loss can reduce swelling and excess fat in the legs, which can improve the appearance of the legs and make them appear to be longer.
Growth hormone therapy: For some patients who have growth hormone deficiency, therapy may help increase their size and improve their health.
Are the results lasting or temporary ?
The results of leg lengthening are generally long lasting. Leg lengthening is a complex surgical procedure that involves cutting the leg bone and gradually stretching it using an external device over several months. This procedure allows you to increase the length of the legs by several centimeters.
Is it painful ?
Leg lengthening is a major surgery that can be painful. The level of pain will depend on many factors, such as the surgical technique used, the number of mm to be lengthened, the person's pain threshold, etc.
After the operation, the patient may experience pain in the legs, hips, back, as well as some stiffness. It is important for the patient to take pain medication prescribed by their doctor to alleviate these pains.
The rehabilitation process can also be painful as it involves the stretching of muscles and tendons, which can become stiff and painful. Physical therapy sessions can help reduce pain and restore optimal mobility.
What is the success rate ?
The success rate of leg lengthening depends on many factors, such as the technique of the surgery, the skill of the surgeon, the patient's medical condition, postoperative care, and the patient's motivation to follow the doctor's directions.
In general, success rates for leg lengthening vary between 80% and 95% depending on the studies. Although most patients recover to normal function, some may experience postoperative complications, such as fractures, infections, delayed bone healing, leg length discrepancies, or chronic pain.
What are the advantages ?
Leg lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases the size of the lower limbs. Potential benefits of this procedure include:
Height increase: Lengthening the legs can increase the height of the lower limbs by several centimeters, allowing the patient to reach a higher height.
Improving Body Proportion: For patients who have disproportionate body proportions, lengthening the legs may help improve their overall physical appearance.
Improving self-confidence: For those who are size conscious or feel awkward in their skin, lengthening the legs can bring a significant improvement in their self-confidence.
Improved Quality of Life: For patients with a physical limitation, such as achondroplasia, l Lengthening the legs can improve their ability to perform daily activities.
What are the risks and complications ?
As with any surgery, leg lengthening has potential risks and complications. Risks and complications include:
Pain: The process can be very painful for the patient, who will need to undergo regular periods of readjustment to achieve the desired lengthening.
Infection: there is a risk of infection after surgery, especially if postoperative instructions are not followed .
Muscle stiffness: Muscle pain and stiffness in the leg muscles may occur due to stretching and elongation of bones.
Difficulty walking: Walking can be difficult after surgery, especially during the recovery period.
Breathing difficulties: The risk of respiratory complications increases for patients with pre-existing lung conditions.
Thombus formation: Formation of a blood clot in the legs may occur in response to the prolonged period of postoperative imposed rest bed
Conslusion
In conclusion, leg lengthening may provide aesthetic and functional benefits for some patients, but it also carries potential risks and complications. It is important that candidate patients are aware of these risks and discuss all possible pros and cons with their surgeon before making an informed decision. Patients should follow all postoperative guidelines to minimize the risk of complications and contact their surgeon if they have any concerns or symptoms after the operation.