Questions to Ask Your Limb Lengthening Surgeon
Short answer
Before you choose a limb lengthening clinic, ask who will operate, where, with which method and implant, what is included in the price, how physiotherapy and follow-up work, what happens if there is a complication, and how nail removal is planned. A good clinic answers these questions clearly and in writing. Below are our own answers for each point.
About the clinic and the surgeon
• Is the clinic licensed for health tourism? Our answer: yes, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health certificate ST-091.
• Who will perform my surgery? Our answer: orthopedic surgeon Op. Dr. Fatih Arslanoğlu. See his profile.
• How many limb lengthening surgeries has the clinic performed? Our answer: 1,000+.
• In which hospital is the surgery done? Our answer: BHT Clinic İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, Kağıthane, Istanbul.
About the method
• Which methods do you offer, and which do you recommend for me? Our answer: LON, PRECICE and FITBONE; the surgeon recommends one after examining you.
• Which implant exactly will be used? Ask for the brand and model. STRYDE is no longer available (see What happened to STRYDE?).
• What is my safe maximum? Our answer: up to 8 cm in the femur, up to 6 cm in the tibia, 12–14 cm with both, set by the surgeon after examining you.
About the price
• What exactly is included? Ask about hospital nights, physiotherapy, X-rays, medications, hotel and transfers. See our cost page.
• Does the price change with the centimetres? Our answer: no, the package price is the same whether you gain 1 cm or 8 cm.
About recovery and follow-up
• How often is physiotherapy, and where? Our answer: 6 days a week, 1 hour, onsite.
• How often will I have X-rays? Our answer: every 1 to 2 weeks during lengthening.
• What follow-up do I get after I go home? Our answer: free, unlimited remote physiotherapy follow-up. See remote follow-up.
• When and where is the nail removed? Our answer: 8 to 18 months after surgery (on average 12), and it can be done in your home country. See nail removal.
About complications
• What is your complication rate? Our answer: about 1%.
• What happens if there is a complication, and who pays? See Complication cover.
About you
• Am I a good candidate, and what is my safe maximum? See Am I a candidate?.
• Do I need any tests before surgery, such as a DEXA scan? See age limit.
• Which bone should be lengthened first, and why?
About the stay
• How long will I stay, and where? Our answer: about 3 months on average; hotel packages include the Four Points by Sheraton.
• Who helps me with transfers and mobility? Our answer: all transfers and a wheelchair are included.
• When can I fly home? Our answer: from at least 15 days after surgery, with an anticoagulant injection 2 hours before the flight.
About communication
• Which languages does the team speak? Our answer: English and Turkish, with an interpreter on consultation day for other languages.
• How do I reach the team after I go home? Our answer: through remote follow-up and WhatsApp.
Red flags
• No clear answer about who will operate or which implant is used.
• A promise of more height than the safe limits for each bone.
• A price that changes depending on how many centimetres you want.
• No written information about what is included and what happens in case of a complication.
How to use this checklist
Send the same questions to every clinic you are considering and compare the answers side by side. Clear, specific answers in writing are a good sign; vague answers or pressure to book quickly are not. Keep the written answers, as they help you compare quotes and understand exactly what is included.
Ask us
Send your questions on WhatsApp (+90 533 016 45 62) or by email to info@lengtheningturkey.com.
FAQ
What is the most important question to ask?
Who will operate, with which implant, and what happens if there is a complication.
Should I get the answers in writing?
Yes. Ask for a written quote that lists what is included.
How can I check a clinic’s licence in Turkey?
Ask for the health tourism authorization certificate number. Ours is ST-091.
Should I ask about nail removal before surgery?
Yes. Ask when it is done, where, and what it costs.
Can I talk to the surgeon before booking?
Yes. We offer a free assessment with our surgeon.
How long should I take to decide?
As long as you need. Read about the recovery, compare clinics and talk to the surgeon before you book.
Related pages
Remote Follow-Up After Limb Lengthening
Nail Removal After Limb Lengthening
See also: How to Spot an Unsafe Clinic