Cosmetic Stature Lengthening (for short individuals who do NOT have a medical diagnosis of “dwarfism”)
A small number of otherwise healthy, non-dwarf individuals are not happy with their height, to the point that they are psychologically distressed and continually bothered by this issue. For these unusual situations, we offer bilateral simultaneous leg elongation. In our group, Dr. Janet Conway performs all stature lengthening procedures for this special population. We do not encourage this procedure, as there are many potential risks. It is reserved for those few individuals who are suffering from profound psychological pain related to their short stature. The process is expensive, time consuming, and may result in medical complications. Because of these factors, not every interested person is eligible. We determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Who is a candidate for cosmetic stature lengthening?
To be considered, men must be at least 18 years of age and women must be at least 17 years of age. All candidates must undergo a psychological evaluation with our consultant psychologist before being accepted as a candidate for the procedure. We do not set specific initial height requirements because we assess individuals on a case-by-case basis.
Is cosmetic stature lengthening covered by medical insurance?
The initial consultation, psychological evaluation, hospitalization, surgery, physiotherapy and follow-up care are not covered by insurance. The patient must be prepared to pay the full cost of all treatments, as well as any secondary treatments that may result from complications.
How much height can I gain?
The total recommended lengthening is 2 inches (5 cm) in the thigh bone (femur). Lengthening more than 2 inches in one bone is associated with higher complication rates. If desired, another entirely separate lengthening procedure can be performed one year later in the shin bones (tibiae) to gain an additional 2 inches (5 cm) of height.
What happens during the initial consultation?
The first step is to make an appointment with Dr. Conway for a thorough evaluation. At this visit, Dr. Conway will examine you and have a frank and detailed discussion about stature lengthening. You will have at least two x-rays taken at this time. If you choose to pursue this treatment, you will need to undergo a psychological evaluation before scheduling surgery.
How much does the initial consultation cost?
The consultation with Dr. Conway and the x-rays are not covered by insurance. The initial consultation and the x-rays will cost $1,000, which must be paid at the time of this visit. No refunds will be made for the initial consultation if you are not accepted into the program.
Is a psychological evaluation required before stature lengthening?
Before being accepted as a candidate for cosmetic stature lengthening, you need to undergo a psychological evaluation. The evaluation must be conducted by our consultant psychologist, who understands the emotional effects of this procedure. The psychological evaluation consists of an in-depth, clinical interview and a battery of psychological tests. The psychological evaluation requires one full day or two half-days to complete. Once the psychological evaluation has been completed and the results have been shared with Dr. Conway, you will be informed about whether you have been approved for limb lengthening treatment. This process takes approximately two or more weeks after the evaluation.
How much does the psychological evaluation cost?
This evaluation is not covered by insurance. The cost of the evaluation is a minimum of $2,200, and this price is subject to change. The fee must be paid at the time of this visit. No refunds will be made for the psychological evaluation if you are not accepted into the program.
How much does cosmetic stature lengthening cost?
(Note: The costs listed below are an estimate and are subject to change at any time)
The cost of lengthening both thigh bones (i.e., femora) is estimated to a minimum of $100,000. This cost includes the initial surgery to implant the lengthening device and a hospital stay for three days. It also includes physical therapy fees as well as physician- and hospital-generated clinic fees for follow-up visits during the first three months after implanting the device. This entire cost must be paid before the operation. The estimated costs contained on this page are for 2012. They are subject to change in future years.
The cost noted above does not include x-ray fees, room and board after discharge from the hospital, out-patient medications, hospital- and physician-generated fees for follow-up visits that occur more than 3 months after the device is implanted and the cost of a second surgery to remove the lengthening device.
Generally, x-rays cost a minimum of $446 per visit but may be more if additional x-rays are necessary. You will also need to pay for or rent a wheelchair, crutches, walker and possibly a commode. Removal of the internal lengthening device is typically done one year after surgery and incurs an additional charge of approximately $10,000.
Are there any unexpected costs associated with limb lengthening?
If the initial hospital stay is longer than three days, additional charges will apply and will be billed. Unexpected expenses may occur if complications arise that require additional surgery. The cost of treatment for complications is generally not covered by insurance because it is a result of cosmetic limb lengthening.
How do I schedule the surgery?
Our staff will contact you to inform you whether or not you have been accepted into our program. If you have been accepted, you will then be able to schedule a pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Conway's secretary. You cannot schedule the surgical appointment or the surgery until you have been officially accepted into the program.
Which bones will be lengthened?
We recommend simultaneous lengthening of both thigh bones (i.e., femora). Two femoral Precice devices are inserted during one surgery. The total recommended lengthening amount is 2 inches (5 cm). Lengthening more than 2 inches is associated with higher complication rates. If desired, another entirely separate lengthening procedure can be performed one year later in the shin bones (tibiae) to gain an additional 2 inches (5 cm) of height.
How do you lengthen the bones and soft tissues?
The bone is cut through a 1-cm (<0.5-inch) incision. The Precice (Ellipse Technologies), our current preferred device for stature lengthening, is inserted into the marrow of the bone and is fixed to the upper and lower part of the bone with screws. Unlike other devices, the Precice is accurate and controllable. It can even be programmed to go in reverse to compress the bone, if needed, to help speed healing.
Procedures are also performed to prevent nerve problems and to help the patient gain full range of motion during physical therapy. These procedures include peroneal nerve decompression, injection of Botox into the thigh muscles, and fascia lata release.
Five to seven days after surgery, you will begin the lengthening process. The Precice is a telescopic rod that contains a miniature magnetic motor. The magnetic motor is activated by applying a magnetic field generator to your thigh. When the motor is activated, the telescopic rod lengthens, which lengthens the bone and soft tissues. The magnetic field generator can be applied two to four times per day, to lengthen a total amount of up to 1 mm per day. Most people do not experience pain when the magnetic field generator is applied.
What happens after the initial surgery?
Expect to be in the hospital for three days after surgery. If problems occur, your hospital stay might be longer. Please note that the cost estimate that is listed above is based on a three-day stay; a surcharge is billed for longer stays.
Next, you begin daily physical therapy as an outpatient. Physical therapy is critical to a successful lengthening. During lengthening, you will not be able to walk. You will be in a wheelchair and will be allowed weight bearing only for transferring from chair to bed or bed to chair.
You need to come to our clinic five to seven days after surgery to begin lengthening. Currently, the Precice can be lengthened only by a health care professional. In the future, we hope that the Food and Drug Administration will approve the magnetic field generator for home use. For the time being, you must stay near the hospital and come in two to three times daily for lengthening. In addition, you need to be seen by your surgeon every week. Some of the lengthening sessions can be combined with your physical therapy visits and surgeon visits.
Where can I stay during the lengthening process?
We have relatively inexpensive housing available on the campus of Sinai Hospital (Hackerman Patz House) to make this easier for you. It is absolutely essential that you have an adult caregiver (relative, friend, significant other) stay with you at the Hackerman Patz House. If family or friends are not available to help, this type of service can be hired. Visit http://www.thehackermanpatzhouse.com for more information about the Hackerman-Patz House.
What happens after I complete the lengthening process?
After you complete the lengthening process, you will need to see a doctor at the following points during your recovery: one, two, three, six and 12 months after lengthening. Your local physician cannot handle these follow-up examinations.
Even after the lengthening is completed, you cannot bear weight right away. You will have to wait until the x-rays show that the bones are sufficiently healed to permit full weight bearing. This usually takes one or two months after the lengthening stops but can take longer in some cases. If the bone does not heal, bone grafting (additional surgery) may be required.
Approximately one year after lengthening, you can undergo surgery to remove the Precice.
What are the potential complications?
Many potential complications are associated with limb lengthening. These will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation and again during your pre-surgical visit. They include nonunion, leg length discrepancy, nerve stretch injury, muscle/tendon contracture leading to stiff joints and joint arthritis. In some cases, the bone might fail to heal completely and bone graft surgery might be required. A nerve may become too stretched, which occasionally requires surgery to decompress the nerve. Tight muscles and tendons might require tendon-lengthening surgery. These problems are unlikely in most cases, but, should they occur, they can usually be corrected by surgery. Lengthening that occurs too slowly or failure to place the magnetic field generator directly over the internal magnet in the Precice can lead to premature bone healing. If this happens, additional surgery is needed to re-cut the bone(s).
What results have we seen after cosmetic limb lengthening?
The majority of our patients achieve satisfactory results without significant complications. Those who do experience complications usually achieve good outcomes as long as the complications are recognized and treated promptly. It is a lengthy rehabilitation process, and it can take up to one or two years until full recovery and return to normal function is achieved, including sports activities.
In summary, cosmetic stature lengthening is a difficult, expensive, and arduous process. We discourage our patients from choosing this route. However, for a small group of carefully screened patients, the psychological benefits can be worthwhile.