Orthopaedic surgeons have reported an increase in demand for limb lengthening surgery, a procedure that involves breaking and reconstructing bones to increase height. Despite the lengthy recovery process and potential serious complications, more individuals are considering this surgery for cosmetic purposes.
The technique has been around since the 1950s, originally developed to correct misaligned or deformed legs. In recent years, some surgeons have shifted to performing the surgery on patients seeking height enhancement.
Patients often face extended periods of mobility challenges, needing wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches during recovery. Medical professionals caution that follow-up care may be insufficient for those who travel abroad to undergo the procedure in order to reduce costs.
In a recent episode of the podcast Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with Rachel Lee, a journalist who interviewed social media influencer Dong Baek Kim, who underwent the surgery in South Korea and gained seven centimetres in height.
The episode also features insights from Dr. Sarbjit Singh, who specializes in both medical and elective limb lengthening in Singapore, and Dr. Nobuyuki Takenaka, who performs the surgery primarily for medical reasons.
This discussion touches on the topic of height dysphoria, particularly in Asian communities. The episode encourages listeners experiencing related issues to seek medical support.
Asia Specific aims to provide insights into crucial regional stories, covering a wide range of topics from economic developments to cultural trends in the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to nearly 2.5 billion people. New episodes are released bi-weekly, and interested listeners can find video episodes on YouTube. For inquiries, the show can be contacted at asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk.
