Frank, a 38-year-old man who stands at 5ft 6in, travelled to Istanbul for leg lengthening surgery after feeling that his height had held him back. He underwent a procedure at the Wanna Be Taller clinic, where surgeons broke his femurs and inserted metal rods. Over weeks of recovery, he turns a key in the braces daily to force the bones apart, aiming to gain 9cm and reach 5ft 9in.
Frank is one of many patients at the clinic, mostly men, who pay thousands to become taller. Some patients are over 6ft and seek additional height, while a few women undergo the procedure. The clinic also offers leg shortening surgery, though only nine patients have opted for it, mainly women.
The process is painful and requires months of rehabilitation. Patients stay in a nearby hotel, attending daily physiotherapy to stretch muscles and tendons. Frank says nerve pain can be debilitating, but he is determined to achieve his goal, describing himself as 'self made' and ambitious.
Leg lengthening involves breaking the femur or shin bones, inserting rods, and gradually separating the bone ends to allow new bone to grow. The second surgery removes the fixators after several months. Despite the agony, patients like Frank see it as a worthwhile investment in their self-image.
