Cosmetic Limb Lengthening
The SAFE Limb Lengthening Solution
Do you feel like others are towering above you? Does your height make you feel insecure? If these problems sound familiar, you’re not alone. Across the country, men and women are turning to cosmetic stature lengthening to become taller and improve their confidence, well-being and overall quality of life. At HeightRx in Baltimore, Maryland, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Assayag can do the same for you, utilizing his extensive experience in limb lengthening and the latest techniques to help you achieve your goals. As a part of the International Center for Limb Lengthening (ICLL), Dr. Assayag and HeightRx provide a level of care you won’t find elsewhere, backed by one of the world’s most experienced limb lengthening facilities.
What is Cosmetic Limb Lengthening?
Cosmetic limb lengthening or height enhancement is a surgical procedure that can increase your height by several inches using advanced orthopedic techniques. It is a gradual process that safely and effectively increases limb length by separating bone segments so that growth can occur in the newly created space. As new bone forms, the overall length of the bone and limb is increased, with most patients gaining two to five inches as a result. The entire procedure progresses step-by-step and is divided into different phases, which are:
- Consultation with Dr. Assayag
- Surgical procedure
- Latency phase
- Distraction phase
- Consolidation phase
- Implant removal
The length of time between each step differs from patient to patient, but the overall process can be completed in several months. As the safest and least invasive option available, Dr. Assayag uses the Precice nails for cosmetic height enhancement, implantable devices that result in less pain and scarring than other methods. Combined with careful preoperative planning and a high degree of surgical skill, these innovative devices allow Dr. Assayag to not only increase your height but to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome as well.
Is Height Enhancement Right for Me?
Due to advances in orthopedic technology and Dr. Assayag’s surgical skill, cosmetic stature lengthening is appropriate for any patient who is unhappy with their height and wants to become a few inches taller. Height is often closely associated with confidence, success and influence, and cosmetic height enhancement surgery can even the odds and give you a leg up in achieving your goals. If you’re interested in stature lengthening, you may be a good candidate if you are:
- Feeling self-conscious or insecure about your height
- Healthy and do not smoke
- Skeletally mature
- Highly motivated and able to commit to the process
- Psychologically stable and prepared for surgery, recovery and physical therapy
- Able to take time off from work or school
Dr. Assayag can help determine if cosmetic limb lengthening is right for you during an in-person consultation, where he will go over the details of the procedure and discuss your goals, needs and expectations. Dr. Assayag develops highly customized treatment plans for every patient, so you can be sure that your height enhancement surgery will be tailored to your unique anatomy and desired outcome.
The Height Enhancement Procedure
Your cosmetic height enhancement procedure will occur in stages, beginning with an in-person consultation with Dr. Assayag. After he has determined that you are a good candidate for limb lengthening, explained the process in detail and completed preoperative planning, he will then proceed with the initial surgery. Depending on your needs, Dr. Assayag will recommend either the Stryde or Precice nail for your procedure. The Precice nail is a telescoping titanium rod with a proven track record of success, while the Stryde nail provides a stainless steel option for improved weight-bearing. Both devices are implantable and offer several advantages over external fixators, including a safer, more comfortable experience.
During the surgical phase of your treatment, Dr. Assayag will perform an osteotomy to cut the bone into two segments. Then he will insert the Precice or Stryde nail using a minimal incision technique and secure it in place with locking screws. After this phase, the bones are given time to rest and heal in what is known as a latency period, usually lasting about five to seven days. When the latency period is over, the distraction phase or gradual lengthening of your bone can begin. You will be given a device that is used to lengthen the nail remotely, slowly and painlessly pulling apart the two bone segments at the rate of about 1mm a day. As the bone separates further, new growth occurs that permanently lengthens the limb. To ensure proper healing, regular check-ins and physical therapy are crucial during this time. Dr. Assayag will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and be available should you have any questions or concerns throughout your treatment.
What to Expect After Your Surgery
Immediately following your surgery, you may experience some pain or discomfort, but this is normal and can be easily managed. Since both the Stryde and Precice nails are implanted, the pain associated with external fixators is eliminated and most patients report little to no discomfort during the distraction phase of treatment.
The distraction phase of your treatment may last for two to three months and will be followed by the healing or consolidation phase. After you’ve reached your target height, no further adjustments are made and the new bone growth is allowed to harden. This process may take an additional two to three months, but this may vary from patient to patient. To encourage the bone to heal, you’ll be advised to start putting some weight on the implanted limb during consolidation and can begin to resume normal activity with the help of crutches. Dr. Assayag will closely monitor you during each phase of treatment and provide detailed instructions, as well as evaluate your progress to ensure a smooth healing process. With more experience in limb lengthening than most orthopedic surgeons, he can also effectively troubleshoot any potential problems or concerns along the way.
Once you’ve reached your height goals and have fully healed, you will be able to resume all normal activities. Physical therapy ensures that you retain a full range of motion and cosmetic height enhancement won’t interfere with your ability to live an active lifestyle. The final stage of your treatment is the removal of the nail, which typically occurs about a year after insertion. This is done in an outpatient setting and doesn’t affect the results of your treatment.
Cost and Financing Considerations
It’s hard to put a price on the confidence you’ll feel after becoming taller, but cosmetic surgeries are not covered by medical insurance. Due to this, cost and financing options are an important aspect to consider when seeking cosmetic limb lengthening. To help you plan for your treatment, Dr. Assayag will provide detailed cost estimates and a breakdown of the fees you can expect. This includes hospital charges, x-rays, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, medical equipment, transportation and more.
Compared to other surgeons, Dr. Assayag provides the highest level of care possible at an affordable price point, ensuring that you receive the best value for your money. He has also partnered with LightStream to provide flexible payment options for patients from all walks of life. Contact Dr. Assayag today to learn more about the cost of cosmetic height enhancement surgery and how you can finance your treatment.
Cost Estimates
FEMUR LENGTHENING-PRECICE NAIL COST ESTIMATE
North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA)
| Professional Fees (4.5 hours) |
| Anesthesia Assessment |
Hospital Services
| Operating Room (4.5 hours) |
| Hospital Anesthesia |
| Medical equipment (precice nail+JetX) |
| Inpatient hospital stay (3 days) |
| Labs, x-rays and medications and inpatient physical therapy |
| Inpatient admission fee |
Physician Service
| Osteoplasty femur iliotibial tenotomy |
| Post operative visits with Dr Michael Assayag (for initial 3 months) |
| X-rays (Foundry Row Office) |
| Outpatient Physical Therapy ( 36 sessions) (including initial visit and bilateral Custom Knee Devices) |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES FOR SERVICES | $69,000 |
TIBIA LENGTHENING- PRECICE NAIL COST ESTIMATE
North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA)
| Professional Fees (4.5 hours) |
| Anesthesia Assessment |
Hospital Services
| Operating Room (4.5 hours) |
| Hospital Anesthesia |
| Medical equipment (PRECICE nail+JetX) |
| Inpatient hospital stay (3 days) |
| Labs, x-rays and medications and inpatient physical therapy |
| Inpatient admission fee |
Physician Service
| Osteoplasty, tibia and fibula; lengthening, bilateral |
| Peroneal nerve release |
| Fasciotomy, gastrocnemius open bilateral |
| Anterior compartment percutaneous fasciotomies |
| Post operative visits with Dr Michael Assayag (for initial 3 months) |
| X-rays (Foundry Row Office) |
| Outpatient Physical Therapy ( 36 sessions) |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED CHARGES FOR SERVICES | $71,000 |
These are estimates and do not represent the exact cost. Prices include Anesthesia, Hospital Stay and Services, Surgical Procedure, Physical Therapy, and Post Op Visits.
Pricing reflects advanced experience and care as one of the most experienced limb lengthening surgeons in the world. The International Center for Limb Lengthening has the largest concentration of limb lengthening experts in one of the world’s most advanced orthopedic facilities. All consults and post-op visits will be conducted by the surgeon.