A major medical body has warned against the controversial limb lengthening surgery that costs thousands of dollars.
People are going to extreme lengths to gain a few extra inches onto their height, even undergoing serious medical procedures.
The controversial topic was raised during the plot of the new comedy film Materialists.
During the story, Lucy (who is played by Dakota Johnson) notices scars on her boyfriend Harry’s (Pedro Pascal) leg.
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In a surprising admission, he reveals that he underwent leg lengthening surgery in order to gain six inches of height.
If that sounds extreme, it’s because it is, but how does the bizarre procedure actually work?
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According to a report by the Guardian, the operation involves ‘breaking the bones in the legs before pulling them apart to lengthen them over weeks or months’.
The bone is cut into two parts and a limb lengthening device, which is made of a thin metal frame is attached,
The surgery was first invented back in the 1950s by surgeon Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov and was intended to be used for medical requirements but is now being done by private practices for cosmetic reasons, and it doesn’t come cheap.
In the UK, the treatment can set you back over £50,000 ($67,780), although some clinics are charging up to a whopping £240,000 ($325,345).
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According to estimates by experts, the limb lengthening industry is expected to be worth a colossal $8.6 billion in the next five years.
However, the operation is considered risky and can come with concerning side effects including a risk of infection, disability, nerve damage and your legs can end up being different lengths.
Speaking about the procedure to the Guardian, Professor Tim Briggs, who is an orthopaedic surgeon and is NHS England’s national director for clinical improvement and elective recovery, said: “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.
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“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.”