23 October 2023Limb Lengthening Surgery

As is known, a person’s physical development and height are mainly shaped during puberty. Precisely for this reason, parents especially want their children to have a healthy diet and participate in all possible sports during this period. It can be said that individuals who go through this period in as healthy a manner as possible progress very positively in their development.

When it comes to height increase, we know you might be asking, “Aren’t genetic factors important in this context?” While genetic factors play a significant role, an individual’s living standards and habits are also crucial for height growth and physical development. So, does development and height increase continue after adolescence? Or is it possible to grow taller after puberty? In this article, we will share detailed information about height growth during puberty for you.

Height Growth Process After Puberty

One of the most frequently asked questions about height increase is whether it is possible to grow taller after puberty. The answer we provide to this question is that it’s not possible. But why is that? Why does our growth stop after the end of puberty? The primary reason for height growth ceasing after puberty is the closure of the growth plate (also known as the epiphyseal plate).

Epiphyseal plates are specialized areas in the bones that facilitate the growth of children and adolescents. Rapid cell formation and bone development occur in these regions. However, the activity in these areas begins to decline during puberty and stops entirely between the ages of 18-21. This indicates that the individual will not grow taller anymore.

In short, we can say that it is not possible to increase height naturally for people who have completed puberty. For this reason, people who are unhappy with their height or have a medical condition (such as dwarfism, one short leg, etc.) resort to limb lengthening surgery, which is a permanent solution.

How to Grow Taller After Puberty?

patient-before-after-pictureIf you have completed your puberty period and are not happy with your height, the only permanent solution at this point is limb lengthening surgery. Natural methods will not increase your height due to the closure of the growth plates, and there will be no change in your height even if you change your diet or exercise regularly.

So what is this limb lengthening surgery and does it really work? When it comes to increasing height, this surgery is the only permanent solution. However, at this point, your doctor will tell you how tall you can grow after your necessary tests and examinations. Determining your body proportions, performing general health tests and your psychological state are among the determining factors for surgery. When your doctor deems it appropriate, your height can be increased by surgery.

How Limb Lengthening Surgery Works?

Limb lengthening surgery is a medical procedure which is applied to increase the length of the bones of the legs. While this surgery can be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as limb length discrepancies, it’s increasingly pursued for cosmetic reasons to enhance one’s height.

The process involves cutting the bone (typically the femur or tibia) to be lengthened. Once the bone is cut, an external fixator or an internal device is placed. This device gradually pulls the two pieces of the bone apart at a very slow rate (about 1 mm per day). As the bone is pulled apart, new bone tissue forms in the gap. Over time, this leads to the lengthening of the bone. If you have different questions about this surgery, you can look into our “Discovering Limb Lengthening Surgery” article which encompasses all the details about the surgery.

FAQ

  1. Is there an age limit to limb lengthening surgery?
    Although it is not possible to give a clear age limit, limb lengthening surgery is not possible for people whose growth plates do not close, in short, who have not yet completed puberty. With the closure of the growth plates, the person stops growing in height and surgery is possible as of this process.
  2. Can I grow 5cm after 18?
    It is not possible for a person to grow taller after their growth plates close, and this covers the age range of approximately 18-21. An exact measurement cannot be given for people whose growth plates have not yet closed. This varies entirely depending on the person’s genetic factors and living standards.
  3. How much taller can limb lengthening surgery make you?
    Among the questions that patients are most curious about is how many cm they will grow after surgery. However, the answer to this question varies from person to person. Your doctor will ask you for some detailed tests before the surgery, and based on their results, he/she will tell you the maximum length you can grow. That’s why the amount of height growth is different for everyone.

One Response

  1. Hello, after the age of 25, it is generally unlikely for height to increase naturally, as most people have completed their growth by the end of puberty.

    For those looking to increase their height after growth plates have closed, limb lengthening surgery is an option. It involves surgically lengthening the bones and can add several inches to a person’s height. This process requires careful planning, a skilled surgeon, and a commitment to the rehabilitation process.

    By understanding the natural limits of growth and exploring medical options, individuals can make informed decisions about their height and overall well-being.

    Regards, WBT

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