The NHS in England has issued a stark warning against cosmetic leg-lengthening surgery, following a surge of interest after the procedure featured in the film Materialists. The surgery, which involves breaking leg bones and gradually pulling them apart, can cause infection, nerve damage, and permanent disability.
In the film, a character played by Pedro Pascal admits to having the surgery, gaining six inches in height. However, orthopaedic surgeon Prof Tim Briggs, NHS England's national director for clinical improvement, said it is "not a quick fix" and urged people not to "gamble with your health or your life for a few extra inches".
The procedure, invented in the 1950s for clinical needs, is now offered privately. In the UK, costs can exceed £50,000, with some surgeons charging £240,000. Clinics in Turkey offer it for £24,000. The global limb-lengthening industry is projected to be worth $8.6bn by 2030.
Patients face months of recovery, including weeks unable to walk, and must adjust a device multiple times daily. Risks include bones not healing properly, legs of different lengths, nerve damage, blood clots, and permanent disability. China banned cosmetic leg lengthening in 2006 over safety concerns.
