It is the ultimate eyebrow-raising kitchen table confession in Celine Song’s romantic comedy-drama, Materialists.
After matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson) grows suspicious of scars on her new partner’s body, financier Harry (Pedro Pascal) makes a startling admission: he has had leg-lengthening surgery – and gained six inches in height.
The couple split soon after. But amid a wave of interest in the cosmetic procedure and clinics in Turkey offering discounts, the NHS in England has issued a stark warning, urging people against it.
The surgery involves breaking the bones in the legs before pulling them apart to lengthen them over weeks or months.
Invented by the Soviet surgeon Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov in the 1950s, it was used to treat patients with clinical needs, but is now offered privately for cosmetic purposes.
China’s health ministry banned cosmetic leg lengthening in 2006, over fears about the risks to patients, but the practice is booming elsewhere. The global limb-lengthening industry will be worth $8.6bn (£6.4bn) by 2030, according to estimates.
Private treatment in the UK can cost more than £50,000, with some surgeons charging £240,000. Clinics in Turkey offer the procedure for £24,000.
Limb-lengthening surgery involves two main steps. A surgeon performs an osteotomy, cutting the bone into two segments, and then attaches a limb lengthening device to the two segments. The device comprises a thin metal frame and is attached to the bones with pins or wires. Most of the device is outside the body, making it hard to wear certain clothes. Newer options involve a screw-like device placed inside the bone.
Patients face a period of recovery and cannot walk for several weeks. Next, they begin adjusting their leg-lengthening device several times a day for several months. Each adjustment separates the bone segments a small amount. As the bones separate, the body creates new bone to fill the gap between them.
However, if not done carefully, the risks are high. Bones separated too quickly will not mend or will grow together with tissue too fragile to bear the body’s weight.
Some legs can end up being different lengths. Patients also risk infection, nerve damage and permanent disability.
Prof Tim Briggs, an orthopaedic surgeon and NHS England’s national director for clinical improvement and elective recovery, said leg lengthening surgery was “not a quick fix”.
“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.
“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.”
