Height dysphoria is a real problem that affects people of all ages, and it's not uncommon to see both young and older adults discussing their struggles with it online (height dissatisfaction). Age is just a number, but the longer it takes for bones to heal after an injury, the less likely it is that someone of advanced years will be a good candidate for cosmetic limb lengthening.
Due to biological and ethical considerations, there is likely a minimum age for cosmetic lengthening. Still, no maximum period is expected, as some surgeons will perform the procedure on patients over 50.
Read on to learn why some doctors set a minimum age of 50 for lengthening, why there is a minimum age, and some practical tips to ensure a successful recovery.
The deciding factor in terms of the youngest possible patient age is the primary indication for the operation. It is common to practice operating on infants and young children to correct congenital deformities as soon as possible. This will help them take full advantage of their rapid bone and tissue regeneration time and maintain average growth throughout childhood. However, this is not the case with limb lengthening performed for aesthetic purposes.
If it is purely for aesthetic purposes, the minimum age is when the patient's bone growth plates have entirely closed. This typically ranges from the end of puberty into early adulthood (18-25 years old).
The primary reason for a different minimum age is the possibility that patients whose bone growth plates are still open will reach a desirable height through average growth. Surgical leg lengthening is performed in several ways, some of which depend on whether or not the patient is still growing. It's worth noting that patients who have finished growing can benefit from the convenience and relatively quick recovery times of methods like the Lengthening Over Nail (LON) or the PRECISE/STRYDE nail.
Then, what is the maximum age for limb lengthening? People of all ages, including the elderly, have successfully undergone height-increasing surgery may bring relief to many. Age is not the primary factor when deciding who can undergo this surgery.
Bone density, bone quality, and bone mineral density should all be considered by each surgeon when deciding whether or not to perform a stature lengthening procedure on a patient. It is essential to ensure that the patient's limb bones are healthy enough to rebuild and rejoin after surgery, regardless of age.
Surgeons will also evaluate factors like general health, frailty, and underlying health conditions that may lengthen or shorten the time it takes to recover. This is why some cosmetic surgeons advise having height augmentation done before age 50 before bone strength and quality decline.
However, it is essential to note that patients with below-average bone quality may still have their limbs lightened if they choose. A well-thought-out diet with bone-building nutrients and regular physiotherapy sessions may help them overcome their physical impairments.
Picking a top-notch surgeon is essential for a successful operation at any age. In the grand scheme, a person's age is not the deciding factor in whether they will succeed.
A trained surgeon will be able to tailor each operation to the specific needs of their patients. Choosing the correct procedure is crucial for a speedy recovery and positive outcomes. The key to a positive surgical effect is following the plastic surgeon's recommendations for post-operative care, which typically include exercises designed to promote bone and tissue healing.
Consequently, a physiotherapist's close attention is typically warranted in healing. Before this article, it is mentioned that the surgeon might recommend a specific diet or supplement plan to aid in recovery after limb lengthening.
The proper amounts of vitamins and minerals provided by a healthy diet will aid bone growth.
Importantly, as long as one's bones are healthy and fully developed, there is no upper age limit for cosmetic limb lengthening surgery. After selecting a competent surgeon Doctor Sanjay Sarup, physical therapy is the second most crucial factor in having a successful operation.
New nails like PRECICE and STRYDE make it possible to safely add 8-16 centimeters (3.1-6.3 inches) to your height quickly.
If you want to be a certain height after surgery, you should stretch as much as possible before and after the procedure. Tightness in the soft tissues caused by the distraction (lengthening) process is the main obstacle to further lengthening.
No matter the patient's age, it's crucial that they can express their needs and concerns to the surgeon. A competent surgeon will assess the patient's state of health in detail, looking at factors other than age, to ensure that the entire process, from pre-op preparation to recovery, is tailored to the individual. This is what matters; not how old you are.