Man Breaks Legs to Become Taller: The Extreme Measures for Height
by Andrew Ismail in HealthFrank, a 38-year-old man, underwent leg lengthening surgery in Turkey to increase his height from 5ft 6in to 5ft 9in. The procedure, performed at the Wanna Be Taller clinic, involved breaking his femurs and inserting metal rods. He then manually turned a key daily to gradually lengthen the bones, experiencing significant pain and requiring extensive physiotherapy. While the surgery cost $32,000 and caused a delay in his and his wife's plans to buy a house, Frank felt the procedure was worth it to overcome the negative experiences he associated with being shorter. The article also discusses the global leg lengthening industry, its risks (including blood clots, which proved fatal for one patient), and the motivations behind the procedure, touching upon societal prejudices against short stature and the pressures of masculinity. Frank's experience highlights the extreme measures some individuals undertake for self-improvement and the potential physical and financial costs involved.
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