Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey

Are you sick of feeling self-conscious about your height? Do you want to grow a few inches and stand tall and confident? If you’ve been looking for answers, you may have come across the intriguing topic of limb lengthening surgery. In this article, we’ll look at what limb lengthening is, how it’s done, and why Turkey is becoming a favorite destination for this life-altering procedure. So, let’s get started and explore the intriguing world of height enhancement!

What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Limb lengthening is a surgery used to lessen or rectify limb length differences. The procedure lengthens a bone in a patient’s arm or leg while simultaneously lengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around it.

What problems are treated with limb-lengthening surgery?

Congenital limb length disparities: Some people are born with limbs that are uneven in length, which can cause functional constraints and aesthetic difficulties. Limb-lengthening surgery can be done to rectify the imbalance and improve symmetry.

Growth plate injuries: Growth plate injuries in children or teenagers can result in asymmetric limb growth. Limb-lengthening surgery can help restore balance by promoting bone development in the afflicted limb.

Dwarfism: Certain kinds of dwarfism, such as achondroplasia, can result in shorter limbs. Limb-lengthening surgery may be considered to raise overall height and improve the individual’s quality of life.

Leg length inequalities caused by previous operations or conditions: Some people may have had previous surgeries, such as joint replacements or tumor removals that resulted in leg length discrepancies. Limb-lengthening surgery may be an option for restoring balance and function.

How is limb lengthening surgery in Turkey performed?

Before the surgery

The doctor will provide crucial instructions on how to get ready for the procedure, which may include:

• Limiting your intake the night before your procedure by not eating or drinking after midnight.
• Following the surgeon’s instructions and stopping all medication and dietary supplements days before the procedure.
• Ensuring that patients have made the necessary travel arrangements to get home after being discharged.

During the surgery

There are two ways that surgeons can do limb-lengthening surgery: either by inserting an intramedullary nail into the bone or by using pins and a frame outside the leg known as an external fixator. To promote bone extension and growth, the nail can be extended over time.

Patients undergoing either of these surgical techniques get general anesthesia.

The following are the most prevalent procedures:

• Cutting the bone in the necessary portion of the body
• Inserting metal pins and screws into the bone
• Connecting external metal devices to the pins. These devices are called as “fixators,” and they assist in pulling apart the sliced portion of the bone to aid in the formation of new bones.
• When a person’s results are favorable, the doctor removes the pin.

After the surgery

Patients will receive guidelines from the doctor on the types of exercise they can engage in in the days and weeks after surgery. After surgery, the patient may occasionally need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and physical rehabilitation.

Most patients are limited to simple tasks and may need crutches to move around in the days after surgery. In order to promote bone formation, the doctor will also advise his or her patients to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Splints and braces may be required for some persons to speed up the healing process. Moving the fixator or the nail to stretch the legs is referred to as “distractions” by the doctor. A few days following the surgery, the doctor will start the procedure, and patients may need to schedule a number of extra appointments with the doctor for adjustments.

Physical therapy may also be suggested by the doctor to encourage increased activity.

Limb lengthening surgery cost in Turkey

Cost of Different Limb Lengthening Surgeries in Turkey

Cost of Limb Lengthening Surgeries in different cities of Turkey

What kinds of devices are used for limb lengthening Surgery in Turkey?

External fixators: External fixators are worn outside the arm or leg. Some external fixators wrap around the limb, while others run parallel to it. Both kinds are extended using a tiny hand-held tool and secured to the bone using pins. When the consolidation period is finished and the new bone is strong enough to support weight, external devices are typically taken out.

Internal lengthening rods: Internal lengthening rods (PRECICE Nail) are placed within the bone. A magnetic device is used to lengthen them by making the rod expand in length. Usually, internal implants are taken out of the bone one year after they were first put in. Despite the fact that anesthetic is required to remove the rod, most patients go home the same day.

How do my bones lengthen after surgery?

Adjust your limb lengthening device: You make little adjustments to your device several times every day. Each adjustment moves the bone segments apart by a tiny amount. The separation promotes the body’s natural bone replacement process, causing the two pieces to grow and gradually merge. Adjust any external devices by turning a knob or other mechanism. Use a remote control to spin the rod inside the bone if you have an internal device.

Attend physical therapy: Physical therapy can help you get the most out of your limb lengthening surgery. You may require multiple sessions per week. Physical therapy aids in the development of muscle strength and range of motion. It also aids in the strengthening of your new bone. Your physical therapist will demonstrate how to do exercises.

How long does it take to increase the length of a limb?

Limb lengthening can take anywhere from six to nine months, and occasionally much longer. The duration of time varies on a variety of parameters, beginning with how much the limb will be stretched.

Legs are typically lengthened at a pace of one millimeter every day. A millimeter is approximately the width of the tip of a pencil. At this rate, it takes 50 days to extend a limb by 50 millimeters (two inches).

Depending on how bone, joints, and tissues respond to being lengthened, the process may take longer or shorter. If new bone grows more slowly or quickly than expected, your surgeon may slow or accelerate the lengthening process. If your joints become stiff, or if your surgeon notices evidence of nerve, tendon, or ligament injury, the lengthening may be temporarily halted to allow the limb to rest.

What happens once the limb lengthening is finished?

After your bone has reached the desired length, it must solidify. This is referred to as phase consolidation by doctors, and it can last up to three months. During consolidation, you must:

Stop adjusting: Your bone lengthening device remains in place, but you make no further changes.

Continue physical therapy: Continue with physical therapy as instructed to ensure that your bones are as strong and healthy as possible.

Gradually increase weight on the limb: At initially, you may need to use crutches or other supports to begin putting weight on your new bone. Your doctor may advise you to use the limb without assistance near the end of the consolidation phase. Do not try to put weight on it before your provider suggests.

How much can each bone be lengthened?

Each lengthening treatment typically lengthens a bone by 2 inches (5 cm). In the legs, both the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) can be lengthened by 2 inches at the same time, for a total lengthening of 4 inches). More lengthening may be possible in severe cases with a single treatment. Children and adults with substantial lengthening goals, for example, may be able to tolerate more than 2 inches of lengthening in each bone. The surgeons determine this on a case-by-case basis.

What if the bone is lengthened too slowly?

Even though the average rate of lengthening is 1 mm every day, each person reacts differently to bone lengthening. Some people’s bones recover exceptionally quickly, and the regenerate bone may solidify before the treatment is finished. This is known as premature consolidation. When the regenerate bone solidifies, the two bone segments can no longer be pulled apart. The bone may repair before reaching the intended length. To prevent premature consolidation, the doctor will want to see the patient frequently throughout the distraction phase.

When X-rays show premature consolidation during a follow-up appointment, one option is to increase the rate at which the bone segments are pulled apart. The pace of distraction, for example, could be increased from 1 mm each day to 1.5 mm or even 2 mm per day. If the regenerate bone has completely consolidated, it may need to be surgically sliced again in order for lengthening to proceed.

What risks associated with limb-lengthening surgery?

While there are many possible risks with limb lengthening, the most of them are unlikely to occur. Possible complications will be thoroughly discussed with you during your initial consultation & again during your pre-surgical visit.

Possible risks include: pin-site infection, muscle contractions, joint dislocation, blood blood vessels injury, nerve injury, delayed or accelerated bone growth, and bone non-union.

Throughout the lengthening process, you will need to visit the doctor on a regular basis. The surgeon will monitor your bone and surrounding tissues and act immediately if complications are detected.

Is limb lengthening surgery painful?

You may have some pain following surgery when the anesthesia wears off. You can get pain relief from your doctor.

During the distraction phase, you may also suffer some pain or soreness. Many people utilize over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications to ease their pain. Inquire with your doctor about which medications are suitable for you.

Why is Turkey an excellent choice for limb lengthening surgery?

Approximately 500,000 people travel to Turkey for various aesthetic operations. Leg lengthening is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure in Turkey. Every year, thousands of people choose this operation to raise their height. This sort of surgery is prevalent among adults aged 18 to 25. This procedure has a success rate of 99.6% in Turkish facilities. A global research ranks Turkey among the top three countries for cosmetic surgery.

Given the same level of technology and services, the cost of limb lengthening surgery in Turkey is 90% less than in other nations.

The following are the primary reasons why Turkey is the most chosen country:

• The International Medical Association inspects hospitals and clinics on a regular basis.
• A thorough evaluation of a doctor’s credentials and certifications.
• Facilities and treatment techniques in accordance with WHO recommendations.
• Medical Tourism Infrastructure: To serve overseas patients, Turkey has built a strong medical tourism infrastructure. Several medical facilities have international patient sections that may help with travel plans, visa processes, lodging, and language interpretation.
• Geographical Location: Because of its geographical location, Turkey is easily accessible from all over the world. It is well-connected by international planes, making travel to Turkey for limb lengthening surgeries simple.

What documents do I need to bring with me if I want a medical visa for Turkey?

• A passport photocopy that is valid for six months from the date of departure.
• Blank visa stamp pages
• Current passport size photos with dimensions of “2.5×2.5.”
• A cover letter that includes information such as your name, passport number, travel details, and the purpose and duration of your trip.
• A letter signed by an authorized signatory and addressed to the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey.
• Hotel reservation and return tickets documents.
• Traveling insurance policy

How do I obtain a medical visa to Turkey for limb-lengthening surgery?

Step 1: Complete an online application for an e-medical visa by choosing your country and the kind of passport or ID you’ll require.

Step 2: Download the completed form for your records.

Step 3: To obtain consulate approval, go to the Turkish embassy in your nation.

Step 4: When the visa is approved, make travel arrangements.

What should I look for while choosing a hospital in Turkey for limb-lengthening surgery?

As a foreign patient, it may be challenging to select a reputed hospital for treatment. It is a crucial decision that must be taken while keeping several factors in mind, including:

• Certifications and accreditations for quality
• Location of the transit hub and the hospital
• Qualified group of surgeons
• Modern instruments for diagnosis and treatment
• Foreign medical assistance

Best Hospitals in Turkey for Limb Lengthening Surgery

1. NpIstanbul Brain Hospital, Istanbul
2. Baskent University Istanbul Hospital
3. Avcilar Anadolu Hospital, Istanbul
4. Medical Park Antalya Hospital
5. Memorial Antalya Hospital
6. Given Hospital, Ankara
7. VM Medical Park, Ankara

Best Surgeons in Turkey for Limb Lengthening Surgery

This procedure should only be performed by qualified doctors. Exact bone cuts will only offer the greatest outcomes. As a result, we have chosen the top five limb lengthening surgeons in Turkey who work at the best facilities.

1. Dr. Mehmet Aydogan – In Istanbul, Dr. Mehmet Aydogan is an orthopedist, traumaticologist, and advanced spine surgeon. His special interests include ACL reconstruction surgery, osteochondral autografting – mosaicplasty surgery, laminoplasty, and limb lengthening. He is currently employed at the Medistanbul hospital in Istanbul.
2. Dr. Serdar Zengin – Dr. Serdar Zengin is a well-regarded orthopedist and traumatologist. His interests include limb lengthening, trauma surgery, Spine Surgery Arthroplasty, and leg and arm rescue surgery. He is currently employed by the Acibadem hospital organization.
3. Dr. Fatih Arslanoglu – He is a well-known orthopedist and traumatologist. His specialties include knee replacement, knee calcification, knee ligament injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, limb lengthening, and many others. He is currently employed at the Medistanbul hospital in Istanbul.
4. Dr Yaman Ege – He is one of Turkey’s best-known orthopedists. His interests include hip/knee arthroplasty, traumatology, and limb lengthening, to name a few. He is currently working as an orthopedic surgeon in an American hospital in Istanbul.
5. Dr. Ahmet Turan Aydin – He is a popular orthopedic specialist in Turkey. He is popular for his expertise in treatments such as Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Mosaicplasty Surgery, and limb lengthening. He is currently employed for the Memorial Hospital Group in Istanbul.

Reviews of Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey

All of the men and women who were dissatisfied with their stature were delighted by the procedure. Some of the patient reviews claimed that the outcomes are satisfying. Patients also reported not just gaining height, but also increased self-confidence and self-esteem after achieving their lengthening goals. According to reviews, Turkey is the top destination for limb lengthening surgeries because of its superior facilities and technologies. Turkish surgeons are extremely qualified to undertake limb lengthening procedures. Furthermore, all verified reviews stated that Limb lengthening surgeries in Turkey are highly recommended for successful height or deformity repair.

FAQs

1. When is the ideal age for limb-lengthening surgery?

Young individuals (18 to 25 years old), when bone growth is nearing its completion, are more likely to have limb-lengthening surgery. However, it is possible in extremely uncommon circumstances to operate on elder persons. When a person’s bones are no longer growing, a doctor would typically advise leg-shortening or leg-restriction surgery.

2. Can I play sports after limb-lengthening surgery?

Patients can resume physically demanding activities such as jogging, leaping, and weight lifting once the lengthened bones have fully cemented and with the doctor’s consent (6 to 12 months after surgery).

3. Can I move around while my legs are being lengthened?

You will need crutches until the bone is almost fully healed if you have a lengthening rod since you cannot put all of your weight on the longer leg. If you have an external fixator, you won’t need crutches after a few weeks because the frame will support your entire body weight.

4. How safe is limb-lengthening surgery?

The procedure for extending limbs is both very safe and successful. It can be done safely in both youngsters and adults.

5. How much taller can you get with limb lengthening surgery?

This procedure can lengthen a leg by up to 6 inches (15 cm).