I'm having hard time quit smoking during my lengthening.

If you're a cigaretter smoker, the doctor will tell you to stop it because it's bad for bone growth. So better be ready to face it - especially when you are confined in one place...you know you'll be more stressed out and hence you'll need to smoke more.

If you have the surgery in U.S., the doctor may prescribe you strong painkillers such as vicondin or norco. They may notonly help with your pain but also they may help you feel better and thus help you avoid smoking cigarette. They are pretty addictive however.


When I had my initial surgery outside of U.S., they gave me over-the-counter or OTC painkillers such as tylenol - which helped. If you take OTC avoid anti-inflmmatory painkillers such as aspirin as they are not good for bone growth. Use tylenol or other acetaminophen.

I don't really know how would you avoid addiction to cigarette during limb lengthening and recovery. Even people who are not in surgery cannot avoid their addiction.

I suggest that you just concentrate on your end-result (that is gain as much height as you can) - it's tough love ----but I'm telling you if you plan doing this surgery only one time in you life, better do your best so you won't regret it for the rest of your life. You have invested so much in it (time and money) - why would your addiction to cigarette affect it. Stay away from cigarettes or even second hand smoking.


Instead of smoking, maybe you can walk around, talk with other patients, surf the internet, read books, play cards or chess or anything that keeps you away from cigarettes.

Do you actually feel better after gaining more height?

The answer is definitely yes. My confidence has really improved. I can now concentrate on my real goals in life and concentrate on my daily activities because now there are no more bugging insecurities. Before, I always had to think about how to look taller. I really hated the fact that I must wear lifts inside my shoes - this made me feel both good and insecure. I felt good that I look taller but much more insecure because it's all a lie. It's true what they say, the truth will always come out.......Limb lengthening has liberated me from all of the pretenses I had to do. So I know, deep in my mind and heart, that it's all worth it despite all the uncertainties and risk I had to undergo.

I really wish good luck to those of you who are planning on doing this. I realized from this ordeal that our will or spirit is much stronger than our physical body. There was a point in my recovery where I had to travel back and forth for follow-up doctor visits across the country and my body just wanted to give up. I was just so tired physically but for some reason I was able to make it. It seemed and felt like I, my spirit, is just dragging my body to where I wanna be. It's an amazing time to know about myself and who I am.

Is it worth it to grow 3.5 inches?

I guy emailed me and asked if it's worth it to grow only 3.5 inches. I think this is a great achievement. But I would like to put this in perspective. I think it's all about relativism and also about your own expectations. If you're 5'7" to start with then you become 5'10 1/2", this is like you were short then you became taller than average. But if you are 5'1" to start with and you become 5' 4 1/2" then you started from being short and you still are short after the surgery.

So both guys gained same height but two totally different results relative to social perception. I am not putting anyone down. If you gained 3.5 inches, consider yourself lucky because I had met someone who could only gain 1.5 inches because his bones wouldn't regenerate. I can still remember his anger and frustration. It is a very disappointing thing.

So please if you undergo this procedure, make sure that you do not only have physical strength but you should have emotional and psychological strength. Disappointments can be very bad.

On the other hand, I had met a patient and I believe he was only 19 or 21 and he was I think 5'6". He gained 2 inches and he said that's it and was already happy with it. He was young and his bones were very healthy. For sure he could have opt for 2 more inches and he would have made it but he was happy with 2 inches and at 5'8". So this is a different story.

So make sure to know yourself before going through his procedure. Good luck.

Funniest excuses why you're gonna be gone for 6 month for limb lengthening

Limb lengthening using llizarov takes between 6 months to over a year, depending on your circumstance. So when you do it, it's either you gonna have to be honest to your family, friends and co-workers or make a good excuse. When I had mine, I had met other llizarov patients. We exchanged our childhood stories, why we're doing the surgery, and what are our excuses for disappearing for such a long period of time. Below are some of the excuses I got:

1. It's a part of a doctorate degree requirement.
2. Went for a vacation and got into a car accident.
3. Already had knee problems and the travel outside the country only made it worst. Hence needed the surgery.
4. Study abroad.
5. Trip around the world, but this causes a lot of lies for each country you're pretending to be visiting.
6. Visit a college friend, who made it big in other country.
7. Your company required you to work at this certain country.

All the patients I met told me that no one in their family knows what they are doing except for one patient, her sister knows and no one else.

Good luck with your plans.

How much does limb lengthening costs in U.S. and success rate?

Doing limb lenthening for cosmetic reasons in U.S. is almost impossible. First, health insurance won't cover it. If you find a doctor that would do it, it may cost around $150,000 to cover doctor fees, hospital, nurses, and medications. I'm talking about llizarov method.

The success rate depends on the doctor and/or yourself. You can find the best doctor but if your bones do not regenrate well, your additional growth is limited. Or vice versa, you may have the best bone regeneration potential but your doctor is inexperienced, you may have limited sucess as well. So the best way to counter this is to research the prospect doctor. The best measure of a doctor's experience is the number of limb lenthening they have done in the past. Less the ten previous patients I think is not enough. You're just going to be a guinea pig.

How did the pin feel through your skin?

Undergoing through the llizarov procedure, part of the apparatus are pins the are screwed trough your skin to your bones. These pins hold the apparatus to your bones. They are essential while you are lengthening your tibia.

When you see a patient with the llizarov apparatus on, you will ask yourself - does it hurt now? The pin is nailed through your skin. The answer is no. You skin will get use to it. What hurts mostly is when you start lengthening because the pin will stay in one place while your legs are growing. This means the pin has the cut through (slide through) vertically while your bones lengthen. This may hurt slightly - very slightly because the lengthening is done very very slowly. And advil will remove the pain.

But from my experience, it also depends on the doctor who applied the apparatus to your legs or the type of material used for the apparatus. The cheaper once are solid metal which are very heavy and thus hurt more. Some are light type of metal such as titanium. Of course more expensive.

When did I actually thought of having limb lengthening?

When I was 14, I already had started thinking of ways on how to become taller. My older brother was 6'2" when he was 14. I was only 5'6". I can vividly remember my frustrations.

However, I had not really thought of having limb lengthening until I had $10,000 in my bank. Money really makes you think differently. I had limb lengthening in 2005 and I had never thought of actually having it 6 months before that. I'd heard and read about it years before 2005 but had not thought about having it. I guess because I thought that there was no way to get it without money.

But suddenly I landed a good job. Even when I had that job, having limb lengthening never crossed my mind. A year after landing that job, I've accumulated around $10,000in my bank and so I thought how should I use this money.

At that point in my life, the only thing I want in my life is to become taller. So it seems like having money and the desire to grow taller coincided at that moment. I didn't even think about the pain of the surgery. I didn't think about how am I gonna tell my family, friends and boss. It just happened.

Looking back, money really makes things possible. In principle, people say money is the root of all evil, but for me - money saved my life.

How Did Deal with Your Family and Friends Regarding Limb Lengthening

I did not tell them!!!

For me, there's nothing wrong about having limb lengthening. However it's something that you're embarassed about. I guess it's human nature.

So before, during and after my surgery, nobody knows about - my family, my coworkers, even my closest friends. Patients usually make up stories like having an accident etc.

It is very hard to keep this secret for a long time especially when you are alone in a foreign county. People who do this really have great courage and determination. It's not like a nose job where after 1 week, you're as good as new. For llizarov, you will lose about a year of your life for the surgery and the recovery. A lot of planning is involve, such as budget and job/career.

Good luck. If you find someone to confide to, you are very lucky. At least somebody would ask you - how are you doing.

Best Advice Before Going Out of the Country for Limb Lengthening

Before you go outside of your country, assuming you're from the U.S., it is imperative that you establish your own health insurance. The case may be different for those with social health care such as the U.K. If you are from the U.S., it will be very easy for your to establish an insurance if you are healthy young person. Also, it is fairly cheap depending on your the type of insurance and your deductible.

I would say go for a PPO because American doctors who especialize in limb lengthening are not guaranteed to reside within your locality. An HMO insurance will only send you to a few select specialist, whereas a PPO can cover you anywhere in the U.S.

I strongly recomend this because eventhough you think you are going to a very good foreign doctor, accidents are unpredictable. You need to protect yourself. You need to insure yourself.

If you had not established an insurance before going out of the country and if something happens to you, you will have hard time finding a doctor in U.S. to help you out. I mean they will help you out but it is not cheap. It may go up to $150,000. Then what are you gonna do. You can't just apply for an insurance after the fact because now you have a pre-existing condition. You may get one but the monthly premium may be very expensive $500 to $1,000/month.

So be careful out there.

Did It Hurt When the Llizarov Nails Went Through Your Skin?

When you take the llizarov surgery, the doctor cuts your tibula or your lower leg bones. Then he applies the llizarov frame around your legs. This frame will basically function as your bone to stand on, however it is external. Eventually, you will adjsut this frame little by little to lenthen your bones.

Unavoidably, this external frame has to be applied around your legs and the way they do it is nails are inserted through your lower legs skin and screwed into your bone. This should fasten the frames around your lower legs.

The pain is barable. I guess depending on your pain tolerance. Some people don't bother them at all. They could even run with it. If it hurts, the doctor usually prescribe some pain medication. From my experience the pain was barable, just a slight discomfort. After 3 month in it, you just can't wait to get out of it. Once you're in the frame it is uncomfortable to sleep because it is very hard to sleep on your side. After couple of weeks you begin to tinker in your sleeping positions. My favorite was putting pillow between my legs so that the frames on my legs don't tangle up.

But anyhow, the pain if there is any is worth it once you have the height you have always wanted. cheers!!!

After a Year from Limb Lengthening, I'm Back to Running

It is very amazing how I feel. I had my lengthening in May 2008 and now I'm back in the threadmill running. I think it's all worth it, the cost of the surgery, the time to heal, some of the pain, and the loneliness (not telling anyone else what you did).

I used to be 5'7 1/2" and now I'm 5'11" and I thought I was crazy. I think I am not. I think I have overcame all the challenges, fear, and hopelessness. I cannot explain the confidence I have now. I still consciouly stop myself from being too confident because some people might think I'm just too conceited.

Please visit the site to understand and know about the limb lengthening surgery. I do not recomment it but I will show you my own experience.

Is Limb Lenthening Safe?

Yes, if you choose the right doctor, follow the doctor's advise, eat right food, and keep on walking.

Finding a right doctor is tough because the right doctor may be the most expensive. U.S. doctors and superb but insurance doesn't cover the cost. It's going to be around 150k. So you will end up going outside U.S. Foreign doctors and good as well but you just have little or no legal rights to protect yourself just in case something happens to you. Some of them charges as low as $20,000.

Ask me more at http://www.howtobetaller.com for more info.

What Really is the Llizaroz Technique?

The Ilizarov Method uses Ilizarov's Principle of DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS (osteo=bone, genesis=formation). This refers to the induction of new bone between bone surfaces that are pulled apart in a gradual, controlled manner. The distraction initially gives rise to NEOVASCULARISATION (Neo=new, vascular=relating to blood), which is what actually stimulates new bone formation. In addition, there is simultaneous histogenesis (histo=tissue) of muscles, nerves and skin; in bone diseases (osteomyelitis, fibrous dysplasia, pseudo-arthrosis) this new bone replaces pathological bone with normal bone. This is a revolutionary concept; diseases for which earlier there was no treatment are now successfully treated using the Ilizarov Method.


The method is used to treat:
1. Height increase for dwarfs
2. Bone infection
3. Limb lengthening and correction of deformities
4. Treat of non-union and mal-united fractures

Please read more and for more pictures about this - CLICK HERE.

Where Can You Get Limb Lengthening Procedure?

Unfortunately, you have to go out of U.S. in order to get this procedure because it is cosmetic. Health insurance won't cover it. Without insurance, it may cost your $150,000 in the United States.

This is why people are going to other countries such as China, Serbia and Russia in order to get this procedure - They are much cheaper.

Please go to http://www.howtobetaller.com/hospitals.html to check out availabe hopitals for limb lengthening.

Are You Depressed Because Your Short?

I can certainly relate to this feeling. Sometimes you just want to fit in with your friends. Sometimes, you feel you're less than your taller friends. Why do you feel like this, it is because the general public perception is taller is more beautiful? Or is it a problem that you have from within? Or it's the combination of the two?

Before I had my limb lengthening, using llizarov method, I was 5ft 7in. I gained 3.5 inches with the limb lengthening. I used to be very sad and not confident about myself when I was short. I can't concentrate or focus on what I wanna do. When I had exam, I was always thinking of clothes that would make me taller. It was really bad.

I was a problem that I cannot ultimately ignore, so when I started to earn money - I found out about limb lengthening. At first I was hesitant because it cost a lot and the recovery period if around 6 to 9 months. So for the time being, I settled with shoe lifts.

When I finally have the money and able to leave work for almost a year, with no doubt, I had the llizaroz limb lengthening procedure. It was hard work, lonely, hard and painful. I did it outside US and nobody knows about. I thought I was crazy but despite of that I know what I wanted in life. I know what would make me feel happy.

So now, I'm taller than average American. It's a nice feeling. If you have questions about my experience please visit http://www.howtobetaller.com Thank you.

New Limb Lengthening Method - Fitbone

The most common and oldest way of limb lengthening is Llizarov which involves cutting your tibia and installing external fixators around your legs. This procedure is evasive.

The Fitbone is all internal. FITBONE (fully integrated telescopic bone) nail is a distraction device powered by an internal engine which is activated by a hand held remote. The remote activates distraction by sending messages to the receiver implanted below the skin.

The FITBONE does not allow full weight bearing; therefore patients are required to use a wheelchair during the entire lengthening phase.

FITBONE allows for a 5 cm. (2 inch) gain in one bone segment.

The Fitbone System, is similar in function to a telescopic car antenna.



The nail consisting of 2 parts is powered by a minute engine gear device which draws the telescope apart by applying force of up to 200 kg, during which the extension is externally steered via electronic impulses. The Fitbone nail elongation is propelled by a highly sensitive epicyclic gear which has been manufactured by Wittenstein Intens, a company specialising in high precision gearing.



Both implants are inserted through one single small entrance simultaneously elongating the thigh and lower leg. This entrance point "Model Entrance Point" was developed by Prof. Betz. All that remains is a tiny scar in a natural skinfold. Even the artificial growth juncture is inserted as gently as possible via an internal access point.

The aim is always to achieve an identical natural reconstruction.

Please read more here.

Different Methods to Become Taller

As a growing child I was scared that I would be as short as my mom," recollects my uncle who is more than 6 feet. " I used to do pull-ups on the nearby tree and do a lot of stretching exercises at least for an hour to get rid of those satirical looks". To be tall is every growing child's desire. Follow these tips to help your child to grow tall.

Interesting facts

The myth that shorter parents always have shorter children is wrong as the recent survey states that 95% of all the tall people in this world have shorter parents.
Your height can improve by just disregarding some of the foods you eat.
You can gain extra inches regardless of age. Women can grow upto the age of 25 and men upto the age of 27-30 with certain exercises, physical activities and right diet.

Different methods

1. Practice exercises like stretching, yoga, swimming and pull-ups. Stretching exercises can add up to three inches of height permanently.

2. Play basketball for at least one hour in the evening.

3. Most companies that sell different kinds of supplements to increase height make a point to add the statement 'use the power of imagination'. This technique helps if used in right manner. Stand in front of the mirror and imagine yourself as if you are already as tall as you desire. This will build a pattern in your subconscious mind and your body will flow.

4. Shoes or footwear like 'Walk Tall Shoe' also have proven to be helpful. This product stimulates the nerve point of your sole to grow taller.

5. Amino acids help produce growth hormones, some of them, with proper exercises, may be taken to increase your growth. Some of them are also good for boosting immunity, protecting the liver, fighting cancer, and helping rebuild body tissue after surgery or trauma. However follow these prescriptions with the supervision of qualified doctors.

6. Develop good posture. Do not sit or walk with a hunchback.

7. Many due to the risk of infections do not follow limb surgery to enhance height. The surgical procedure requires either internal or external rods placed inside the limbs, which have to be adjusted periodically. This procedure is currently being performed for cosmetic reasons outside of the United States.

How Did it Feel When You Were Lengthening Your Legs

I used the lizzarov method to lengthen my legs. With this method, the doctor will cut you lower leg bone called tibia. He will then apply a braces around your legs to support you when you stand up or walk. The brace is also used to lengthen your legs.

Approximately, 10 days after the surgery (cutting your tibia), you will start to lengthen your tibia 1 mm a day. For every inch, there are 25.4 mm (millimeters). This means, it actually takes around 25 days to lengthen your legs my 1 inch. I've gained 3.5 inches so it took me about 3 months to get what I wanted. The first inch was easy. But the 2nd and 3rd inches are a little harder. After 2 inches, you will start to feel the nail and wires /cutting accross you skin. Also, since you're growing taller, you will start to have hard time to flex your ankle. You will be walking like a ballerina. So you are encourage to walk everyday to avoid this.

Good hospitals usually have good pain management. Ask one of the patients who has had this surgery. Visit our main page at www.howtobetaller.com

How to Increase Height?

The height depends on the average height of both parents, diet exercise and general health during spurting years.

Height variations explained:

Height is phenotypic, determined by genetics, and environment (Nutrition and stressors).

At large, the height within various population groups depends on societal growth in terms of available health care, education about nutrition, and availability of foods. This explains, why the average height in developed nations is higher than other nations.

Genetic Height
Will my baby grow up to be tall or short?

Within a given population group, the height variation is primarily genetic. As a rule, the height is determined by the height of parents. The accuracy of these formulas is based on the assumption that father is 5" taller than the mother


First we determine the Mean height of parents

Mean height of parents = ((Height of father in inches) + (Height of Mother in inches)) divided by 2

Median Genetic Height of Boy = Mean height of parents + 2.5"

Maximum Genetic Height of Boy = Mean height of parents + 4.5"

Minimum Genetic Height of Boy = Mean height of parents + 0.5"

Median Genetic Height of Girl = Mean height of parents -2.5"

Maximum Genetic Height of Girl = Mean height of parents + 0.5"

Minimum Genetic Height of Boy = Mean height of parents - 4.5"

Height Growth periods
The height increases from birth to the end of puberty. However, there are three succinct spurts: infancy, between the age of six and eight, and adolescence. A proper diet and health care during these spurts can have dramatic effect on the height.

Before puberty, the growth plates (the ends of long bones namely arms and legs) are soft and the length can be increased. During puberty, the growth plates (Epiphysis) begin to solidify. Once they are solid (Epiphysis is fused), the growth stops.
Girls
The fastest growth period starts at about age 11½ and ends near age 18.
Boys
The fastest growth period starts at about age 13½ and ends near age 20

Why boys grow up to be taller than girls?
Boys keep growing from infancy to 20 years of age. Girls keep growing from infancy to 18 years of age. This gives boys an advantage of added two years to grow taller. Also, the Testosterones help the bones to grow longer.

How to increase height
Human Growth Hormones
In 2003, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Human Growth Hormones for children with low growth hormones. This treatment is only good before growth plates (Epiphysis) are fused.

Leg Lengthening surgery
After the growth plates are fused, the only option available is Leg Lengthening surgery.

Diet Exercise Lifestyle Consideration
How to increase height by diet and exercise? | Does weight-lifting stunt growth? No

The diet exercise and lifestyle can dramatically influence height during spurts before growth plates are fused. The diet must be balanced with all six food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, meat/beans, good-fats). It must be rich in Calcium, Good quality proteins. There must be sufficient Vitamin D to help absorb Calcium in making bones

Engage in Vertical-Extension exercises. Examples are basketball, Volleyball, Swimming.

Avoid use of tobacco products (smoking, chewing tobacco).
Avoid confined environment (stale air)
Avoid stress

Source: indiacurry.com

I Went to the Club After Having Limb Lengthening

It was a great feeling!!!!

After having gained 3.5 inches from llizarov limb lengthening, I went to the club to mingle with people. It was a great feeling. Not only because I was not able to go out for about 6 months for the recovery, but also I really feel the difference. I am now 5ft 11in and I'm above male average. I can truly feel the difference - and it's a good feeling.

All the risks, sacrifices, pain, and money that I put in ARE WORTH IT.

If you ask me, I really recommend to have the limb lengthening procedure - that's if you really want it. Don't do it just to be beautiful because I think I did it because I had emotional and psychological problems. The whole procedure takes a lot of your time and you're basically giving aways 1 year of your life. But if you are crazy enough, like I was, then why not do it.

There are some risks in doing this procedure so I recommend to asks a lot of questions and do your research. After your done, I promise you'll feel what I'm feeling right now - confidence and happiness.