NHS Issues Urgent Warning Against Cosmetic Leg-Lengthening surgery
London, UK - The National Health Service (NHS) has issued a stark warning to the public, strongly advising against undergoing leg-lengthening surgery for cosmetic purposes. The procedure, which involves intentionally breaking the bones in the legs and gradually pulling them apart over weeks or months, is gaining popularity despite meaningful health risks.
Originally developed by Soviet surgeon Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov in the 1950s to address clinical needs, leg-lengthening is now increasingly offered privately to individuals seeking to increase their height. While China banned the practice for cosmetic reasons in 2006 due to patient safety concerns, the global limb-lengthening industry is projected to reach $8.6 billion (£6.4 billion) by 2030.
The surgery typically involves an osteotomy – cutting the bone into two segments - followed by the attachment of a limb lengthening device. These devices,often external metal frames secured wiht pins or wires,require constant adjustment over several months to slowly separate the bone segments,prompting new bone growth. Newer internal, screw-like devices are also available.
Recovery is lengthy and arduous, frequently enough requiring patients to be non-weight bearing for weeks and endure months of painful treatment. Potential complications are severe,including infection,nerve damage,mismatched leg lengths,and even permanent disability if bones are separated too quickly or fail to heal properly.
“It is a serious, invasive procedure that can be beneficial for patients when there is a genuine clinical need but carries significant risks and requires informed discussions between patient and surgeon,” stated Prof Tim Briggs, an orthopaedic surgeon and NHS England’s national director for clinical improvement and elective recovery.He further cautioned, “Patients face months of treatment, which can be extremely painful, with the possibility of infection, nerve damage, blood clots and even permanent disability. Anyone considering this surgery for cosmetic reasons abroad, should think very carefully about the long recovery and the risks, and I would urge against it unless well informed about where they are seeking treatment. Don’t gamble with your health or your life for a few extra inches without fully understanding the risks.”
Private leg-lengthening surgery in the UK can cost upwards of £50,000, with some surgeons charging as much as £240,000, while clinics in Turkey offer the procedure for around £24,000.The NHS emphasizes that the surgery is “not a rapid fix” and carries ample risks that patients must fully understand before considering it.
