What Is Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Limb lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure used to increase the length of the femur or tibia by gradually separating the bone and allowing new bone tissue to form within the created gap.

The process is based on a biological principle known as distraction osteogenesis. After a controlled surgical bone cut, a specialized lengthening system gradually increases the distance between the bone segments, usually by fractions of a millimeter several times per day.

As the bone is slowly lengthened, new bone forms in the gap while the surrounding muscles, nerves, blood vessels and other soft tissues gradually adapt.

Limb lengthening was originally developed to treat leg-length discrepancies, congenital deformities and orthopedic conditions. Today, modern techniques are also used for cosmetic stature lengthening in adults who want to permanently increase their height.

Depending on the treatment plan, patients may gain approximately 5–8 cm from femur lengthening, 4–6 cm from tibia lengthening, or approximately 12–14 cm through quadrilateral femur and tibia lengthening.

The appropriate target should always be determined according to anatomy, bone quality, flexibility, body proportions and the patient's response during treatment.

Why Choose Turkey for Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Turkey has become an established destination for international patients seeking orthopedic and cosmetic procedures.

For limb lengthening patients, Istanbul offers access to modern private hospitals, experienced orthopedic teams and structured postoperative rehabilitation at costs that can be lower than treatment in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom or Germany.

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1. Experienced Orthopedic Team

Our limb lengthening surgeries are performed by Dr. Fatih Arslanoglu, an orthopedic surgeon experienced in cosmetic limb lengthening and limb reconstruction.

Our treatment team also includes anesthesiology specialists, physiotherapists, nurses and international patient coordinators.

Patients are monitored throughout the lengthening process with regular orthopedic examinations, physiotherapy and radiological follow-up.

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2. Multiple Limb Lengthening Methods

Different patients have different priorities.

Some patients prioritize lower treatment cost, while others want a fully internal system with no external fixator during the lengthening phase.

Lengthening Turkey currently offers:

• LON — Lengthening Over Nail

• PRECICE 2.2

• FITBONE

• Quadrilateral limb lengthening using different method combinations

The appropriate method is selected according to the patient's anatomy, goals, lifestyle, budget and medical assessment.

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3. Comprehensive Treatment Packages

Our treatment packages can include:

• Limb lengthening surgery

• Implant or fixation system

• 4 nights of hospital accommodation

• Pre-operative blood tests and examinations

• Mechanical Axis Evaluation

• Regular X-rays

• Physiotherapy 6 days per week

• Medications during the treatment period

• Rollator walker and wheelchair

• Airport, hotel and hospital transfers

• Postoperative medical follow-up

• External fixator removal surgery for LON patients

• Hotel accommodation when the hotel-inclusive package is selected

The exact inclusions depend on the selected package.

Meet Lengthening Turkey Height Solutions

Lengthening Turkey Height Solutions focuses primarily on cosmetic limb lengthening and orthopedic height increase procedures.

Our goal is not simply to achieve the highest possible number of centimeters.

Treatment planning also considers:

• Mechanical alignment

• Body proportions

• Joint mobility

• Muscle flexibility

• Bone regeneration

• Nerve tolerance

• Long-term walking function

• Overall patient safety

Patients remain under regular observation throughout the distraction period.

Lengthening is adjusted according to X-rays, physical examinations and the patient's individual response.

Limb Lengthening Methods

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LON Method — Lengthening Over Nail

LON combines an intramedullary nail inside the bone with an external fixation system used during the distraction phase.

The external fixator gradually lengthens the bone while the internal nail provides additional stability.

Once the planned lengthening has been completed and the surgeon confirms that the bone and alignment are appropriate, the external fixator can be removed.

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Main Characteristics

• Internal nail + external fixator

• More economical than fully internal systems

• Suitable for femur or tibia lengthening

• External fixation during the distraction phase

• More pin-site care required

• Generally more discomfort than fully internal systems

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Planned Maximum Lengthening

Femur: up to 8 cm
Tibia: up to 6 cm

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LON Package Pricing

Hotel Excluded: $26,000 USD

90 Nights Hotel Included: $38,000 USD

The hotel-inclusive option covers the main treatment period in Istanbul.

PRECICE 2.2 Limb Lengthening

PRECICE 2.2 is a fully internal magnetic limb lengthening system.

A telescopic nail is surgically inserted inside the femur or tibia.

Lengthening is performed using an external magnetic controller, which activates the nail without requiring an external fixation frame.

PRECICE is frequently selected by patients who prioritize comfort, smaller scars and the absence of external pins during distraction.

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Main Characteristics

• Fully internal system

• No external fixator

• Magnetic-controlled telescopic nail

• Smaller number of visible scars compared with external fixation

• Generally more comfortable during the distraction period

• Weight-bearing restrictions must be followed carefully

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Planned Maximum Lengthening

Femur: up to 8 cm
Tibia: up to 6 cm

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PRECICE Package Pricing

Hotel Excluded: $56,000 USD

90 Nights Hotel Included: $68,000 USD

FITBONE Limb Lengthening

FITBONE is another fully internal motorized limb lengthening system.

The implant is placed inside the bone and gradually lengthened using an external control system connected to a receiver positioned beneath the skin.

Because FITBONE does not require an external fixation frame during distraction, it offers many of the same lifestyle and cosmetic advantages as other fully internal systems.

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Main Characteristics

• Fully internal lengthening system

• No external fixator during distraction

• Electronically controlled motorized mechanism

• Suitable for femur or tibia lengthening

• Reduced pin-site related concerns compared with external fixation

• Structured weight-bearing restrictions during recovery

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Planned Maximum Lengthening

Femur: up to 8 cm
Tibia: up to 6 cm

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FITBONE Package Pricing

Hotel Excluded: $50,000 USD

90 Nights Hotel Included: $62,000 USD

Quadrilateral Limb Lengthening

Quadrilateral limb lengthening involves lengthening both the femurs and tibias as part of one overall treatment program.

This option is considered by patients seeking a larger height increase than can reasonably be achieved from a single bone segment.

Our general planned maximums are:

Femur: up to 8 cm

Tibia: up to 6 cm

Total potential height gain: approximately 12–14 cm

We do not recommend excessively lengthening a single segment simply to reach a larger number.

For patients seeking approximately 10 cm or more, a properly planned femur + tibia strategy can provide a more balanced approach to body proportions.

Quadrilateral treatment is a significantly larger orthopedic process than single-segment lengthening and requires careful patient selection.

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Quadrilateral Package Options

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PRECICE + PRECICE

Hotel Excluded: $112,000 USD

Hotel Included: $124,000 USD

Both femurs and tibias are lengthened using fully internal PRECICE systems.

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PRECICE + LON

Hotel Excluded: $82,000 USD

Hotel Included: $94,000 USD

This option combines a fully internal PRECICE system with LON.

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FITBONE + FITBONE

Hotel Excluded: $100,000 USD

Hotel Included: $112,000 USD

Both segments are treated using fully internal FITBONE systems.

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FITBONE + LON

Hotel Excluded: $76,000 USD

Hotel Included: $88,000 USD

This combines FITBONE internal lengthening with the more economical LON method.

These prices apply to simultaneous quadrilateral treatment.

Patients who prefer the two surgeries to be performed approximately three weeks apart may choose a staged approach for an additional fee.

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Which Limb Lengthening Method Is Best?

There is no single method that is best for every patient.

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LON may be suitable if:

• Budget is an important consideration

• You are comfortable managing an external fixator

• You accept more visible scars and pin-site care

• You are prepared for a potentially more uncomfortable distraction period

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PRECICE may be suitable if:

• You want a fully internal system

• You prioritize comfort during distraction

• You want to avoid an external fixation frame

• Smaller and fewer scars are important to you

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FITBONE may be suitable if:

• You prefer a fully internal system

• You want to avoid external fixation

• You are looking for an internal alternative to PRECICE

• Your anatomy is appropriate for the implant

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Quadrilateral lengthening may be considered if:

• Your desired height increase is greater than a single segment can safely provide

• Your body proportions are appropriate

• You understand that rehabilitation is more demanding

• You are prepared for a longer overall recovery period

The final decision should be made after orthopedic evaluation and review of full-length standing X-rays.

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Who Can Benefit From Limb Lengthening Surgery?

A potential cosmetic limb lengthening candidate should generally:

• Be at least 18 years old with closed growth plates

• Be in suitable general health for major orthopedic surgery

• Have acceptable bone quality

• Have healthy joints and sufficient flexibility

• Understand the lengthening and recovery process

• Be able to commit to regular physiotherapy

• Be prepared to follow weight-bearing restrictions

• Have realistic expectations regarding height gain and recovery

Certain medical conditions do not automatically exclude a patient, but they must be assessed individually before surgery.

Mental preparation is also important.

Limb lengthening requires patience, discipline and active participation over several months.

The Limb Lengthening Journey

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Step 1: Online Consultation

Patients can contact us through WhatsApp, email or the website.

We normally ask for information such as:

• Age

• Current height

• Weight

• Medical history

• Previous orthopedic surgery

• Desired height increase

• Preferred lengthening method

Photos and existing X-rays may also be requested when appropriate.

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Step 2: Pre-Arrival Preparation

Our team provides information regarding travel, accommodation, required documents and preparation for surgery.

Patients are advised about medications, smoking, alcohol, nutrition and other factors that may affect surgery and healing.

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Step 3: Arrival and Pre-Operative Evaluation

After arrival in Istanbul, patients undergo medical assessment before surgery.

This may include:

• Blood tests

• Anesthesia evaluation

• X-rays

• Mechanical Axis Evaluation

• Physical examination

• Joint mobility assessment

• Review of medical history

The final surgical plan is confirmed after evaluation.

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Step 4: Surgery

Limb lengthening surgery is performed under anesthesia.

The exact surgical technique depends on whether the patient has selected LON, PRECICE, FITBONE or quadrilateral treatment.

Patients generally remain in the hospital for 4 nights after surgery.

Physiotherapy begins during the early postoperative period.

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Step 5: Lengthening Phase

The distraction phase typically begins approximately one week after surgery.

A common lengthening rate is:

Femur: approximately 1 mm per day

Tibia: approximately 0.75 mm per day

The rate may be changed according to:

• Bone formation

• Muscle flexibility

• Joint mobility

• Nerve symptoms

• X-ray findings

• Pain and soft-tissue tolerance

Regular monitoring is essential.

Patients receive X-rays approximately every 15 days during the main treatment period.

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Step 6: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is a major part of limb lengthening treatment.

Patients staying within our aftercare program generally receive private physiotherapy 6 days per week.

Rehabilitation focuses on:

• Maintaining knee extension

• Maintaining knee and hip mobility

• Preserving ankle movement

• Stretching tight muscles

• Preventing contractures

• Maintaining muscle strength

• Safe use of walking aids

• Gradual adaptation to the new limb length

Patients must also continue prescribed exercises outside physiotherapy sessions.

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Step 7: Consolidation

Once the desired length is reached, active distraction stops.

The newly formed bone then needs time to harden and mature.

This is known as the consolidation phase.

Lengthening may finish after several months, but complete bone recovery takes longer.

Patients should not assume they are fully healed simply because the distraction phase has ended.

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Step 8: Return to Normal Activity

Walking ability gradually improves as the bone becomes stronger.

Patients usually use a rollator or another walking aid during the earlier stages of recovery.

A wheelchair may be used for outdoor or longer-distance mobility.

Unsupported walking should only begin when medically appropriate.

Higher-impact activities require substantially more recovery.

Depending on healing, patients may gradually progress toward:

• Independent walking

• Gym activity

• Jogging

• Running

• Sports

Return to these activities should be determined through X-rays and orthopedic assessment.

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Safety, Pain and Possible Complications

Limb lengthening is major orthopedic surgery.

Patients should expect some pain and discomfort, especially during the early postoperative period.

During distraction, discomfort can also result from muscles and other soft tissues gradually adapting to the increased limb length.

Pain management may include medication and other postoperative measures determined by the medical team.

Regular physiotherapy and monitoring are important because the treatment affects not only bone but also muscles, tendons, joints, nerves and blood vessels.

Potential complications can include:

• Infection

• Pin-site infection with external fixation

• Delayed bone healing

• Delayed union

• Nonunion

• Joint stiffness

• Muscle contracture

• Nerve irritation

• Malalignment

• Implant-related problems

• Blood clots

• Need for additional surgery

No responsible limb lengthening center can guarantee that complications will never occur.

The purpose of regular monitoring is to identify problems early and adjust treatment when necessary.

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Mechanical Axis Evaluation

Alignment is an important part of limb lengthening planning.

Before surgery, full-length standing X-rays may be used to assess the mechanical axis of the legs.

This helps identify conditions such as:

• Bow legs

• Knock knees

• Existing alignment problems

• Differences between the two legs

• Femur-to-tibia proportions

Alignment should be considered before attempting cosmetic height increase.

The goal is not simply to make the legs longer, but to maintain appropriate orthopedic function and balance.

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Limb Lengthening Prices in Turkey

Our current single-segment packages are:

LON

Hotel Excluded: $26,000 USD
90 Nights Hotel Included: $38,000 USD

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FITBONE

Hotel Excluded: $50,000 USD
90 Nights Hotel Included: $62,000 USD

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PRECICE 2.2

Hotel Excluded: $56,000 USD
90 Nights Hotel Included: $68,000 USD

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Quadrilateral packages range from $76,000 to $124,000 USD depending on the implant combination and accommodation option.

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Patients should compare more than the headline surgery price when researching treatment.

Important factors include:

• Implant type

• Hospital care

• Physiotherapy

• X-rays

• Accommodation

• Transfers

• Medical follow-up

• Fixator removal when applicable

• Length of postoperative support

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Patient Experience

International patients choosing limb lengthening surgery typically remain in Istanbul during the most intensive stage of treatment.

Staying close to the treatment team allows regular access to physiotherapy, X-rays and medical evaluation.

Patients should understand that recovery experiences vary.

Some patients progress faster than others, and treatment should never be rushed simply to follow another patient's timeline.

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Why Choose Lengthening Turkey?

Lengthening Turkey focuses specifically on cosmetic limb lengthening and orthopedic height increase.

Our treatment program includes:

• Experienced orthopedic surgical care

• LON, PRECICE and FITBONE options

• Quadrilateral limb lengthening

• Mechanical Axis Evaluation

• Private physiotherapy 6 days per week

• Regular X-ray monitoring

• International patient coordination

• Hotel-inclusive and hotel-excluded packages

• Structured postoperative follow-up

Our objective is to help patients achieve an appropriate height increase while protecting alignment, mobility, bone health and long-term function.

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Start With a Medical Evaluation

The right method and the right number of centimeters are different for every patient.

Before deciding on limb lengthening surgery, patients should understand the procedure, possible complications, rehabilitation requirements, financial commitment and expected recovery period.

Contact Lengthening Turkey Height Solutions to discuss your height goal, medical history and preferred treatment method and to determine which limb lengthening option may be appropriate for you.