Cosmetic lengthening: what are the limits?

OBJECTIVES: In the last decades, limb lengthening has not been limited to the treatment of patients with dwarfism and deformities resulting from congenital anomalies, trauma, tumor and infections, but, has also been used for aesthetic reasons. Cosmetic lengthening by the Ilizarov method with circular external fixation has been applied to individuals with constitutional short stature who wish to be taller.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1985 to December 2010, the medical records of 63 patients with constitutional short stature (36 M, 27F; 126 legs) who underwent cosmetic bilateral leg lengthening using a hybrid advanced fixator according to the Ilizarov method, were reviewed, retrospectively. The mean age was 24.8 years, while the mean preoperative height was 152.6 cm. Paley's criteria were used to evaluate problems, obstacles, and complications from the time of surgery until 1 year after frame's removal.

RESULT: The mean lengthening achieved in all patients was 7.2 cm (range: 5-11 cm), with a mean duration of treatment of 9 months and 15 days (range: 7-18 months). The mean follow-up time was 6.14 years (range 1-10).

CONCLUSION: The cosmetic leg lengthening was helpful to all patients, improving their social capabilities and self-confidence. All patients considered their stature as normal and they reported satisfaction and gratification with important changes in their professional and personal life. Cosmetic leg lengthening may raise some ethical objections and for that reason patients should be well informed about all the risks and complications related to this type of surgery.