LLILA, The Limb Lengthening Institute of Los Angeles, The Premier Institute for Cosmetic Limb Lengthening, Deformity Correction, and Height Lengthening.
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Limb Lengthening, Deformity Correction, Cosmetic Height Lengthening

Common Questions

What is Height Lengthening and Deformity Correction Surgery?
The height lengthening procedure utilizes the newest techniques available to allow the lengthening of your legs, thighs, or both. The method involves a minimally invasive procedure that creates a surgical cut in your bone. With gradual lengthening through the use of an external or internal device, the bone is lengthened to the desired height. As a result, your height will increase several inches. Deformity correction surgery is used to lengthen and/or straighten deformed bone segments and to replace missing bone. The procedures may be performed on both children and adults who have leg length discrepancies or deformities due to birth defects, disease, or injury. It also covers patients with bony nonunion (non-healing bone), bow legs, knock knees, foot and ankle deformities, and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
What are the different devices that are used in Height Lengthening?
Depending on your body's anatomy, the lengthening may need to be performed either on your legs or your thighs. If the lengthening is performed on the legs, either the Taylor-Spatial Frame (TSF) or the new PRECICE lengthening device will used to gradually distract and slowly grow the new bone. Once the desired length in the legs has been achieved using the TSF, an internal rod made of titanium is placed and the external TSF is removed. This will allow much less time in an external device while supporting the new bone during its consolidation (maturation) phase.

If the lengthening is performed on the thighs, one of two techniques may be utilized:
1) Lengthening Over a Nail (LON): This technique utilizes an external device to distract and lengthen the bone, while an internal rod that is in place serves to protect the new bone that develops.
2) Fully implantable self-lengthening rod: A new device that has recently been developed, the PRECICE lengthening device serves to lengthen the bone with its patented internal magnetic mechanism without the need for an external fixation device. The ISKD may also be used for select few patients, if they qualify.
How much height am I able to gain?
If only one segment of your limb is lengthened (the leg or thigh), you can potentially gain up to 4 inches in height. Most people are able to gain 3 inches without much difficulty or complications. With the combination of lengthening both thighs and legs, you can potentially achieve up to 7 inches in length. The limiting factor will depend on your body's anatomy and how much lengthening it can tolerate.
How long is the Height Lengthening/ Deformity Correction surgery?
The surgery for each limb takes approximately 2 hours. This does not include pre-operation and post-operative anesthesia time, which can take an additional 20 to 40 minutes.
What does the surgery entail?
The height lengthening procedure involves initially placing an internal device or external frame on the limb. Then, a surgical cut is made in the bone through a minimally invasive technique in order to allow lengthening or correction of any deformities in the legs.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
Most surgeries may be performed as an outpatient procedure with a 23-hour stay at the surgery center or at the hospital. Some patients may require 4-5 days in the hospital, depending on their level of pain and mobility after their procedure. The day after surgery, patients are encouraged to start walking and putting their full weight on their legs with the support of crutches or a walker. The amount of time a patient must wear the frame depends on how much length is desired or the amount of deformity that needs correcting.
How long will I wear the external device?
The external device is worn only until you gain the desired height that was planned preoperatively. Once the distraction (lengthening) phase is complete, the internal device (titanium rod) will hold and protect the new bone that has formed.
How are the adjustments on the frame performed?
A computerized schedule will be printed out for you that will instruct you to turn each strut at the appropriate time on a daily basis.
What are the potential complications of surgery?
The most common complications are pin tract infections, which are routinely treated with antibiotics. Joint stiffness may also occur, which will require physical therapy to correct. Other complications may include nerve injury, vessel injury, and compartment syndrome. Most of these complications are rare and can be treated with physical therapy or additional surgery.
Do I qualify for the height lengthening procedure?
There are a number of factors and certain limitations for whom the height lengthening procedure can be performed. The guidelines require us to deny the procedure to those with:
- Bone disease (i.e. Vitamin D deficiency)
- Bone infection
- Body Dysmorphic Syndrome
The procedure may be performed on children as well. However, in order to qualify, each case must be taken into consideration on an individual basis. A psychologist may need to evaluate you as well before qualifying for the procedure.
How much does the height lengthening surgery cost?
Your initial consultation is $600. Depending on your health insurance policy, you may also need to pay for your x-rays at the time of your visit. The surgery may or may not be covered by insurance depending on your body's anatomy. If your insurance company does not cover the surgery, you will need to pay for it yourself before the operation can commence. The entire cost must be paid in advance of the operation. A cost estimate is available upon request once you have visited with the surgeon and determined if you qualify for the surgery.
How do I schedule my height lengthening surgery?
The first step is to make an appointment to be evaluated by the surgeon. If your case permits you as a candidate for height lengthening surgery, you will have a discussion regarding the procedure. You may also need to be evaluated by a psychologist before the procedure can begin. Someone from our staff will then contact you to schedule the surgery if you have been accepted as a candidate.




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