Complications and Risks of Height Reduction Surgery

Height reduction surgery, also known as leg shortening surgery, has gained significant attention in recent years as a cosmetic procedure aimed at altering one's height. While some individuals may consider it as a solution to their height-related concerns, it is essential to be well-informed about the potential complications and risks associated with this procedure. Like every surgery, there are some risks involved, although they can be fixed easily if they are detected early on. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the intricacies of height reduction surgery, highlighting the risks and complications that individuals should be aware of before making a decision.

Understanding Height Reduction Surgery

Height reduction surgery, often referred to as limb shortening surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to decrease a person's overall height. It involves the careful shortening of the long bones in the legs, such as the femur and/or tibia. The surgery typically entails the controlled breaking of the bone, followed by the insertion of implants or fixators to facilitate controlled bone growth and alignment. Now, let's dive into the risks of this surgery.

Height Reduction Surgery Risks

1. Infection

One of the most significant risks associated with any surgical procedure, including height reduction surgery, is the possibility of developing an infection. Height reduction surgery involves the insertion of implants or fixators into the bones, however, this is not something that happens commonly.

2. Muscle Pain

3. Muscle Weakness

4. Muscle Stiffness

5. Nerve Pain

6. Edema

Edema, or swelling, is a potential complication that can occur after height reduction surgery. The surgical procedure involves manipulating and fracturing the bones, which can lead to postoperative swelling in the affected areas. Edema after height reduction surgery is a natural response of the body to the trauma and healing process. However, excessive swelling can cause discomfort, limited mobility, and delay the recovery process. Proper postoperative care, including elevation of the legs, compression garments, and prescribed medications, can help reduce edema and promote healing.

7. Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping

Right after the height reduction surgery, it can be difficult to fall asleep; however, with the right medications, this problem can be solved of course by following the doctor's orders.

8. Having thicker thighs/calves/upper arm

Height Reduction Surgery Complications

1. Non-Bone Union or Slow Bone Union

The bones that are fractured during height reduction surgery need to heal and fuse back together. However, there is a risk of nonunion or delayed union, where the bones fail to heal properly or take an extended period to heal. This complication can lead to persistent pain, limited mobility, yet there are ways to fix it.

You can view our patient's bone cut through her legs during her height reduction surgery, below:

2. Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage

Due to the complex nature of height reduction surgery, which involves working in close proximity to nerves and blood vessels, there is a potential risk of nerve and blood vessel damage. During the procedure, accidental injury to nerves can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation. Additionally, damage to blood vessels can lead to bleeding or compromised blood supply, potentially necessitating further surgical intervention.

3. Contracture (Hip, knee, and ankle)

It is the loss of range of motion in the joint or the restriction of joint movement in certain directions due to loss of elasticity for various reasons in the muscles, tendons, joint capsules, and ligaments surrounding the joint. Fortunately, physical therapy is the best way to reduce contractures. If your rehabilitation continues steadily during the recovery phase, the severity of the mobility limitation is significantly under-maintained. If there is negligence in rehabilitation, the severity of movement limitation increases significantly and another surgical intervention may be required.

4. Muscle Imbalance

Having difficulty walking due to muscle imbalance but with intense and customized physical therapy, patients will regain their normal walking.

5. Vascular trauma

6. Cartilage Damage

7. Nerve Damage

8. Axial Deviation

9. Bone Deformity

10. Fat Embolism

11. Thrombosis

12. The nail breakage or crooked nail

13. Technical problems linked to the nail or interlocking screws

Inadequate Height Reduction

While height reduction surgery aims to achieve a desired reduction in height, there is a risk of inadequate reduction. Factors such as bone healing, growth patterns, or even surgical errors can contribute to a suboptimal outcome, leaving the individual dissatisfied with the results. It is crucial for individuals to manage their expectations and have open discussions with the surgeon and the patient consultant regarding their goals and desired outcomes.

Psychological Impact

Undergoing any surgical procedure can have psychological implications, and height reduction surgery is no exception. It is essential to consider the potential psychological impact, including body image concerns, emotional distress, and adjustment difficulties post-surgery. Counseling and support may be necessary to address these issues and ensure individuals are adequately prepared for the psychological aspects of the procedure.

We, as the Height Reduction team, is a part of the WannaBeTaller company. As the first limb lengthening company in Türkiye, we are also proud of being the first limb shortening and height reduction surgery company in Türkiye. We provide our patients with all the support they will need throughout the process. You can view our patient consultant's youtube video, talking about how height reduction surgery is operated.