Limb Lengthening Surgery

In limb lengthening surgery the thigh bone (femur) or shin bone (tibia) is cut in a controlled way and gradually lengthened by about 1 millimetre a day, using a lengthening nail inside the bone or an external fixator. The body forms new bone in the gap; once lengthening stops, this bone takes months to harden. It may be done for a medical reason such as a leg-length difference, or to increase height for cosmetic reasons. It is a major treatment that puts strain on muscles, nerves and joints and requires regular physiotherapy and long follow-up. The orthopaedic surgeon decides on suitability and a realistic target after a thorough examination and imaging.

The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.

Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.

The procedure takes about 2–4 hours. Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia.

Hospital stay: 3–5 nights. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 60–90 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.

Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.

Desk work is usually possible within 30 days and sport after 52 weeks. These times vary from person to person.

Small incisions around the hip or knee; pin sites with an external fixator. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.

The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 12 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.

Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.

There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.

The realistic amount depends on the bone, the method and how your muscles and nerves respond. Your surgeon sets a personal target after the examination; no specific gain can be guaranteed.

Pain and tightness are common during the lengthening phase and are managed by your care team. Daily physiotherapy is essential to keep the joints moving.

Desk work from home or a hotel is often possible after the first weeks, but physical work is not possible until the bone has consolidated.

Like any operation, Limb Lengthening Surgery carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.

The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.

From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Limb Lengthening Surgery, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.