Limb Lengthening Forum

Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Discussions => Topic started by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 12:13:58 PM

Title: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 12:13:58 PM
I currently stand at 5' 9.5" throughout the day, and 5' 9.25" before bed (176.5cm - 176.25cm). I've been debating doing LL surgery for about 3 years now, and am nearly convinced to do it. One thing I'm very wary of, however, is how badly it'll impact my ability to perform in sports. I skateboard, so being able to take impact is a huge deal, as is being able to properly flick your limbs to manipulate the board.

I've always wanted to be 5' 11"(180.34cm), and feel that height would complement my 6' 1.5" wingspan. I've read a decent amount about how 5cm is the max for tibia/fibula lengthening, and that it comes with relatively low side effects, but I've also read contradictory anecdotes about how even a 5cm increase has its downfalls.

Would 3cm be a lot safer of a goal, mixed in with 1cm-2cm spine stretches through hanging and yoga (bringing me to ~180.25cm before bed)? Though 5' 11" would be spectacular to reach, being able to ollie down a 10 stair and landing without breaking my bones is a lot more important.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: applesandoranges on June 14, 2016, 12:24:21 PM
I think doing 3cm on femurs is safer than tibia because femur is only one bone you have to break on each side. Also it has a longer starting length compared to tibia which means 3cm won't be too much on femur compared to 3cm on tibia.

I highly doubt you'll be the same skill wise. I think lontboarding you would be OK but not doing tricks.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Penguinn on June 14, 2016, 01:44:15 PM
Imo if you're doing LL at least do 5cms. It'll make it worthwhile and you'll be 5.11.5 which is basically 6'.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Cheez on June 14, 2016, 03:30:36 PM
I currently stand at 5' 9.5" throughout the day, and 5' 9.25" before bed (176.5cm - 176.25cm). I've been debating doing LL surgery for about 3 years now, and am nearly convinced to do it. One thing I'm very wary of, however, is how badly it'll impact my ability to perform in sports. I skateboard, so being able to take impact is a huge deal, as is being able to properly flick your limbs to manipulate the board.

I've always wanted to be 5' 11"(180.34cm), and feel that height would complement my 6' 1.5" wingspan. I've read a decent amount about how 5cm is the max for tibia/fibula lengthening, and that it comes with relatively low side effects, but I've also read contradictory anecdotes about how even a 5cm increase has its downfalls.

Would 3cm be a lot safer of a goal, mixed in with 1cm-2cm spine stretches through hanging and yoga (bringing me to ~180.25cm before bed)? Though 5' 11" would be spectacular to reach, being able to ollie down a 10 stair and landing without breaking my bones is a lot more important.

I am also doing skateboarding, and I'd say you shouldn't do it, if you are skating at that level at the moment. Especially for just 3 cm.

Enjoy being at the peak of your skills at the moment, and do the operation a couple of years later, when you won't be doing 10 stair sets anymore and are content with some flatground stuff or riding pools (like I do, I am an 41 years old fart).



Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 05:37:43 PM
Imo if you're doing LL at least do 5cms. It'll make it worthwhile and you'll be 5.11.5 which is basically 6'.

Quite honestly 6' doesn't really appeal to me. I still want to be closer to the average height, just on the taller side vs. being actually tall. 6' to me is just too tall, and I could always achieve 6' in heeled shoes if I had to. As a matter of fact, I'm actually going to reduce my desired LL to 2.5cm.

I am also doing skateboarding, and I'd say you shouldn't do it, if you are skating at that level at the moment. Especially for just 3 cm.

Enjoy being at the peak of your skills at the moment, and do the operation a couple of years later, when you won't be doing 10 stair sets anymore and are content with some flatground stuff or riding pools (like I do, I am an 41 years old fart).

Do you really think it would affect my performance that much? Would it affect all stair sets and coming off of, say, a 2 foot ledge/hubba?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Alu on June 14, 2016, 06:08:54 PM
I mean for the thousands of dollars you're gonna burn, to the huge amount of risk your taking... 3 CM doesn't seem too worth it.

Think this really through..
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Penguinn on June 14, 2016, 06:25:07 PM
Quite honestly 6' doesn't really appeal to me. I still want to be closer to the average height, just on the taller side vs. being actually tall. 6' to me is just too tall, and I could always achieve 6' in heeled shoes if I had to. As a matter of fact, I'm actually going to reduce my desired LL to 2.5cm.

Dude I'm 5'2 and even I wouldn't do LL for 1 inch.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 06:29:38 PM
I mean for the thousands of dollars you're gonna burn, to the huge amount of risk your taking... 3 CM doesn't seem too worth it.

Think this really through..
That's why I came here, to get opinions of people who have gone through it and to see if there were any way I could do this procedure without running the risks that most LLers get by going below the maximum amount of 5cm.

So far I've read 3 people say no way, and 1 person say to consider it later in life. I'm still considering it, but not as much as I were before.

Dude I'm 5'2 and even I wouldn't do LL for 1 inch.

Why not?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Penguinn on June 14, 2016, 06:35:18 PM
Why not?

It's insignificant. And at a good height like yours.. doing this for just 1 inch.. whatever, if you're set on it. Guess everyone has their own perception.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 06:43:23 PM
It's insignificant. And at a good height like yours.. doing this for just 1 inch.. whatever, if you're set on it. Guess everyone has their own perception.

So, it's just because it's not a 4" - 6" increase that you say save my money? That makes sense, and I can see why people would say that, but I just really want to be 5' 11".

Besides that, would there be any negative consequences of a lengthening of ~3cm? I see lots of posts about the consequences of lengthening, but they're typically discussing things like 10cm+.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Penguinn on June 14, 2016, 06:45:58 PM
So, it's just because it's not a 4" - 6" increase that you say save my money? That makes sense, and I can see why people would say that, but I just really want to be 5' 11".

Besides that, would there be any negative consequences of a lengthening of ~3cm? I see lots of posts about the consequences of lengthening, but they're typically discussing things like 10cm+.

Not just your money. Time, pain and complications too.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 14, 2016, 06:46:33 PM
There's a flaw in your logic here OP.

1" (2.5cm) reduces the risk compared to 2" (5cm) but doesn't reduce the risk that LL 'as a whole' carries.

Nerves and tendons don't really have any "slack" in them (muscles could be debated)

The nerves and tendons are at the length they are supposed to be. So ANY amount of stretching carries huge risk.

Smaller amounts carry less risk than extreme amounts, yes. But not less risky than not doing LL at all.

LL carries huge risk regardless of amount done, you ADD to that risk depending on amount lengthened. But the starting risk level remains the same.

Hope that helps.

Also, I'm not being snarky here either (serious), but how do average height guys find this site? How did you?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 14, 2016, 07:23:51 PM
Besides that, would there be any negative consequences of a lengthening of ~3cm? I see lots of posts about the consequences of lengthening, but they're typically discussing things like 10cm+.

There's actually relatively few that have done that many CM's on this forum. Without actually going through each diary, I believe that most do 5 to 8 cm's.

I'm not sure if there is a single example of anyone doing less than 5cm on this forum. (without doing quads)

Which means, most of the complications these guys have talked about are in the 5 to 8 cm range of LL.

There's lots of reports in the diaries that tightness and complications arose around the 5cm mark, and quite a few have expressed regret that they did more than 5cm.

But, 5cm is a psychological limit of sorts for most, since it is 2"

For the same reason retailers mark prices at $9.99 instead of $10.00, there is a mental change that happens at certain numbers. 5cm seems to be that number. 8cm is the next number, because it is the limit of internal precice rods.

In other words, there is little evidence that 3cm is less risky than 5cm.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 07:43:40 PM
Also, I'm not being snarky here either (serious), but how do average height guys find this site? How did you?

It helps, thank you for your time.

I found this site because I feel small and because the average height for white people is 5' 10". I wanted to be above average in height, and years ago I was extremely insecure about it so I looked up 'how to get taller'. I recently found this site by looking up how stretching can increase your height by 2cm, and I remembered years ago looking into LL surgery wanting to get to 6' 2", so I just researched it again and voila.

There's actually relatively few that have done that many CM's on this forum. Without actually going through each diary, I believe that most do 5 to 8 cm's.

I'm not sure if there is a single example of anyone doing less than 5cm on this forum. (without doing quads)

Which means, most of the complications these guys have talked about are in the 5 to 8 cm range of LL.

There's lots of reports in the diaries that tightness and complications arose around the 5cm mark, and quite a few have expressed regret that they did more than 5cm.

But, 5cm is a psychological limit of sorts for most, since it is 2"

For the same reason retailers mark prices at $9.99 instead of $10.00, there is a mental change that happens at certain numbers. 5cm seems to be that number. 8cm is the next number, because it is the limit of internal precice rods.

In other words, there is little evidence that 3cm is less risky than 5cm.

Not even theoretical evidence? I've read on old forums that 5cm is the maximum that anybody should do, and that it's the amount that carries the least complications and the least risk, so I figured less would decrease those chances by more. I guess I'll have to do more looking around.

Going off other's experiences, and just hypothetically, how do you personally feel about 3cm of increase? Or do you personally feel that any amount of increase in height is too risky for cosmetic purposes?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: TIBIKE200 on June 14, 2016, 07:44:06 PM
No one here has a right to tell you if 3cm is not worth it. If it's worth to you, than go with it that's all.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 14, 2016, 07:57:41 PM
Not even theoretical evidence? I've read on old forums that 5cm is the maximum that anybody should do, and that it's the amount that carries the least complications and the least risk, so I figured less would decrease those chances by more. I guess I'll have to do more looking around.

Going off other's experiences, and just hypothetically, how do you personally feel about 3cm of increase? Or do you personally feel that any amount of increase in height is too risky for cosmetic purposes?

I've decided against LL for myself. I'm neither pro LL nor against LL. Do what you want for sure. In actuality, I'd love to see a diary of someone doing so little. So make sure you post about it if you go forward.

LL might still be in my future at some point, but I have too much to risk right now. But I would never do this for such a small amount, just for the fact that no one, even myself, would even notice. There is not any benefit to 3cm, to me, that I can see. 3cm's isn't anything heeled shoes couldn't do for you.

One of the reasons I decided against LL was I'm not convinced 5cm is even enough, and I'm too chicken sh*t to do more.

Just think it through man, that's all you can do.


No one here has a right to tell you if 3cm is not worth it. If it's worth to you, than go with it that's all.

True.

ETA: Feeling small at 1/2" under average? Really? If I was 5'9.5 I'd take all that LL money and buy one-on-one training with the best personal trainer in town and put on some serious muscle. Or buy a BMW. Or a Mercedes SL400 (girls love those, trust me)
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 14, 2016, 08:11:09 PM
No one here has a right to tell you if 3cm is not worth it. If it's worth to you, than go with it that's all.

Well, it's worth it to me until it isn't worth it to me, you know? I'm more than willing to take criticism from people on here so long as it's based around risks and not based around my goals.

If there's sound evidence supporting the idea that 3cm LL would result in 100% (or near 100%) recovery in athletic performance with a nearly negligible percent chance of running into complications, then I'm all for going through with getting the operation. I could just do spine hangs and stretches to make up for the other 1cm-2cm (well, 2cm if I'm lucky) for a true 5' 11" height.

However, if I won't be able to sprint, swim, jump, take impact, lift heavy weights, or anything of the like after 2 years/forever, then it'll definitely not be worth it, and I might just stick with the yoga, hanging, and other alternative methods of spine stretching to just peak above 5' 10" naturally.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Alittletooshort on June 14, 2016, 08:31:16 PM
Well, it's worth it to me until it isn't worth it to me, you know? I'm more than willing to take criticism from people on here so long as it's based around risks and not based around my goals.

If there's sound evidence supporting the idea that 3cm LL would result in 100% (or near 100%) recovery in athletic performance with a nearly negligible percent chance of running into complications, then I'm all for going through with getting the operation. I could just do spine hangs and stretches to make up for the other 1cm-2cm (well, 2cm if I'm lucky) for a true 5' 11" height.

However, if I won't be able to sprint, swim, jump, take impact, lift heavy weights, or anything of the like after 2 years/forever, then it'll definitely not be worth it, and I might just stick with the yoga, hanging, and other alternative methods of spine stretching to just peak above 5' 10" naturally.
I think 3cm´s seems to be a noticebale amount, especially if you consider that your recovery will be much switfer and that your proportions will stay pretty much undamaged.
My height is similar to yours and I can fully understand your decision to do a small amount. Once you hit 180 you´ll be considered pretty much average in all the western countries.
I personally would also do 4cm´s max and I may stick to 3 as well (If I really decide to do this).
If you believe that 3cm´s will make you happy do it. Every mm more increases the risk of complications and make the process much longer and more painful.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: TIBIKE200 on June 14, 2016, 08:53:59 PM
Well, it's worth it to me until it isn't worth it to me, you know? I'm more than willing to take criticism from people on here so long as it's based around risks and not based around my goals.

If there's sound evidence supporting the idea that 3cm LL would result in 100% (or near 100%) recovery in athletic performance with a nearly negligible percent chance of running into complications, then I'm all for going through with getting the operation. I could just do spine hangs and stretches to make up for the other 1cm-2cm (well, 2cm if I'm lucky) for a true 5' 11" height.

However, if I won't be able to sprint, swim, jump, take impact, lift heavy weights, or anything of the like after 2 years/forever, then it'll definitely not be worth it, and I might just stick with the yoga, hanging, and other alternative methods of spine stretching to just peak above 5' 10" naturally.

You are asking the wrong people about recovery.
99% of people here have never done LL. Out of the remaining 1%, more than half or even 3/4 did either femurs or tibs with  ty docs.
 Wanna know what will happen to you (Functionally speaking)? Talk to people who actually did it...
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Penguinn on June 14, 2016, 09:00:26 PM
99% of people here have never done LL.

That's a bit of a stretch..
Unless you meant this thread.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: TIBIKE200 on June 14, 2016, 09:04:34 PM
That's a bit of a stretch..
Unless you meant this thread.

This thread and almost all of the active members...
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: ortholengthening on June 14, 2016, 11:05:23 PM
There's a flaw in your logic here OP.

1" (2.5cm) reduces the risk compared to 2" (5cm) but doesn't reduce the risk that LL 'as a whole' carries.

Nerves and tendons don't really have any "slack" in them (muscles could be debated)

The nerves and tendons are at the length they are supposed to be. So ANY amount of stretching carries huge risk.


I would disagree. smaller amounts of lengthening DO present less risks to nerves and tendons.
the less you do, the less likelihood of ballerina.
the less stretch you put on nerves, less chance of nerve injury.
as an example when ortho surgeons perform total hip replacement and there is limb length discrepancy they will only lengthen a certain amount as greater lengthening exponentially exposes the nerve to injury
also less amount of lengthening means shorter period of lengthening, earlier initiation of consolidation, less chance of nonunion, shorter muscle atrophy, shorter rehab.
also if you are considering externals that means less time in pins, overall, less risk of pin tract infection.

that said, I too echo the sediments of many others in this thread when saying 3 cm in a 5'9.5'' person seems like much at all. but i guess to each his or her own.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Peaceout on June 15, 2016, 12:21:57 AM
Go for 4(or something like 4.2-4.3) cm.I really dont think 1 cm after 3 will be so devastating.3 cm is really wont worth the pain,time and the risk man(im not including money..)You will be a solid 180-181 which is a really great height imo.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: TIBIKE200 on June 15, 2016, 12:47:12 AM
I will tell you this based one what I heard from people who underwent or are still going through the procedure right now.

 The procedure is not risk free. One complication which is not so much rare for ex-tibs is misallignment (check sweden's diary). The question is; is your doc capabale of resolving such complication? Lumier had this complication during LL but it was resolved thanks to a capable doc. Sweden's complication on the other hand wasn't because Sarin is incompetent.
  You need to choose a doc based on two main criteria: (1) operative skills which means that any surgical complications are lowered to minimum (2) post operative skills which means that in case of some common complications, the doc will be able to resolve them without any sequelas (or atleast any sequelas that will have an impact on your daily life and activities).
 Budget should not be a consideration at all when it comes to safety. There are some low cost capable docs (in my opinion) but since I wasnt operated by them I wont post about them.

 From the ex patients I have spoken to, ALL have regained their previous athletisicm (after 1-2 years since frame removal) and the all did more than 3cm (even 6cm)
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 15, 2016, 07:42:22 AM
I will tell you this based one what I heard from people who underwent or are still going through the procedure right now.

 The procedure is not risk free. One complication which is not so much rare for ex-tibs is misallignment (check sweden's diary). The question is; is your doc capabale of resolving such complication? Lumier had this complication during LL but it was resolved thanks to a capable doc. Sweden's complication on the other hand wasn't because Sarin is incompetent.
  You need to choose a doc based on two main criteria: (1) operative skills which means that any surgical complications are lowered to minimum (2) post operative skills which means that in case of some common complications, the doc will be able to resolve them without any sequelas (or atleast any sequelas that will have an impact on your daily life and activities).
 Budget should not be a consideration at all when it comes to safety. There are some low cost capable docs (in my opinion) but since I wasnt operated by them I wont post about them.

 From the ex patients I have spoken to, ALL have regained their previous athletisicm (after 1-2 years since frame removal) and the all did more than 3cm (even 6cm)

Cheers for the info! Now, when you say they regained their previous athleticism, is that relative to the person? Meaning, they regained their previous athleticism but they weren't very athletic to begin with?

ETA: Feeling small at 1/2" under average? Really? If I was 5'9.5 I'd take all that LL money and buy one-on-one training with the best personal trainer in town and put on some serious muscle. Or buy a BMW. Or a Mercedes SL400 (girls love those, trust me)

I know, I still feel small though. All of my friends are within the 5' 11" - 6' 3" range, with maybe 2 of them being smaller than me (5' 7" and 5' 2").
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: aspirant185 on June 15, 2016, 11:25:09 AM
Your friends will notice and will tease you forever and will accuse you that you have uncertainties and psychological issues :)
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 15, 2016, 12:58:28 PM
I would disagree. smaller amounts of lengthening DO present less risks to nerves and tendons.
the less you do, the less likelihood of ballerina.
the less stretch you put on nerves, less chance of nerve injury.
as an example when ortho surgeons perform total hip replacement and there is limb length discrepancy they will only lengthen a certain amount as greater lengthening exponentially exposes the nerve to injury
also less amount of lengthening means shorter period of lengthening, earlier initiation of consolidation, less chance of nonunion, shorter muscle atrophy, shorter rehab.
also if you are considering externals that means less time in pins, overall, less risk of pin tract infection.

that said, I too echo the sediments of many others in this thread when saying 3 cm in a 5'9.5'' person seems like much at all. but i guess to each his or her own.

I agree with you, because you agree with me. My first line literally said the risk of 3cm is less than higher amounts of lengthening.

You just spell out why the risks are less.  :P

But this is a high risk surgery even if you don't lengthen at all. So if you went to the doc, went under general anesthetic, had an epidural, had your bones reamed, internal rods installed, your bones cut in half (2-4 depending on segment), given narcotics, and then did no lengthening at all...it would still be high risk. Extremely invasive.

That's the "base level" of risk I am talking about. You add to the risk depending on how much you lengthen.

Didn't microman get ballerina after like 2-3cm's?

Was it Iamready's or difm's diary that talks about a guy at the Paley institute that quit after an inch or so because of difficulties?

I believe the OP is asking, "Is the risk at 3cm so much less than the risks at 5cm+, that it would be worth it?"

1. As Tibike pointed out, "worth it?" is the OP's opinion, so no way to know that.

2. As I pointed out, there is really no one that has done so little of an amount on this forum, so who knows? (which is why I would love to see a cosmetic diary for 3cm)

I've now talked to 13 total patients outside of this forum. (in person or skype, so I know they are legit) and ALL are happy. None did less than 5cm (except one who did 4cm on a single leg for a discrepancy, but he was still in an external frame) But none of them sugar coated the realities of this surgery. (which I don't think you or most other's here do either)

I actually believe that most patients turn out fine in the long run. Assuming they didn't go to a sh*t doctor.

I know, I still feel small though. All of my friends are within the 5' 11" - 6' 3" range, with maybe 2 of them being smaller than me (5' 7" and 5' 2").

I'm 5'7.5

Most my friends are taller, but not all. Wife is taller. Other girls are taller. Dad is taller. I have a 6'7 cousin. I am the shortest male cousin. I just don't give a sh*t. They never give me sh*t over my height either. Not once. I understand the feelings though, I have been there.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: ub40 on June 15, 2016, 01:04:35 PM
I agree with you, because you agree with me. My first line literally said the risk of 3cm is less than higher amounts of lengthening.

You just spell out why the risks are less.  :P

But this is a high risk surgery even if you don't lengthen at all. So if you went to the doc, went under general anesthetic, had an epidural, had your bones reamed, internal rods installed, your bones cut in half (2-4 depending on segment), given narcotics, and then did no lengthening at all...it would still be high risk. Extremely invasive.

That's the "base level" of risk I am talking about. You add to the risk depending on how much you lengthen.

Didn't microman get ballerina after like 2-3cm's?

Was it Iamready's or difm's diary that talks about a guy at the Paley institute that quit after an inch or so because of difficulties?

I believe the OP is asking, "Is the risk at 3cm so much less than the risks at 5cm+, that it would be worth it?"

1. As Tibike pointed out, "worth it?" is the OP's opinion, so no way to know that.

2. As I pointed out, there is really no one that has done so little of an amount on this forum, so who knows? (which is why I would love to see a cosmetic diary for 3cm)

I've now talked to 13 total patients outside of this forum. (in person or skype, so I know they are legit) and ALL are happy. None did less than 5cm (except one who did 4cm on a single leg for a discrepancy, but he was still in an external frame) But none of them sugar coated the realities of this surgery. (which I don't think you or most other's here do either)

I actually believe that most patients turn out fine in the long run. Assuming they didn't go to a sh*t doctor.

I'm 5'7.5

Most my friends are taller, but not all. Wife is taller. Other girls are taller. Dad is taller. I have a 6'7 cousin. I am the shortest male cousin. I just don't give a sh*t. They never give me sh*t over my height either. Not once. I understand the feelings though, I have been there.

Has anyone heard from Microman, he just kind of vanished. It would be nice to get his feedback since he is well past consolidation at this point
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 15, 2016, 01:09:27 PM
Has anyone heard from Microman, he just kind of vanished. It would be nice to get his feedback since he is well past consolidation at this point

It would be nice to hear from him. Hope he's alright...

Also, I think this thread is all hypothetical, because I think the reason we don't see anyone doing 3cm is because most come to the conclusion that it is not worth it. Especially if you are average to begin with.

I don't think the few guys here that talk about such small amounts will ever actually do it.

ETA: Ub40, how many cm's ya at now? Going well I hope?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 15, 2016, 01:17:42 PM
Your friends will notice and will tease you forever and will accuse you that you have uncertainties and psychological issues :)

I've already thought of a lie about my height increase. They know I do extreme sports, so telling them that I broke my legs would cover why my legs have scars on them, and stating that I did yoga and gained an inch wouldn't be hard to sell to people.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Anna21 on June 15, 2016, 01:58:59 PM
Try reading some literature regarding lengthening. Go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed and type in cosmetic leg lengthening or click on 'advanced' and search up publications from the doctor you are interested in. You'll find that research has been done (obviously) and has been published and you can read about results and conclusions. I hope that helps ease your mind a bit and give you a better view of what this surgery is all about and what can happen, as well as complications.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 15, 2016, 04:18:31 PM
I just looked in the mirror at myself and realized that my tibia/fibula are almost the same size as my femur anyway, I'd say nearly 51:49. I guess I already have a decently long tibia/fibula, so maybe I should get an internal femur instead (if I were to do it)?

I'll check the link above, thank you for providing me a path! Would a femur be more risky than a tibia, the same, or less risky? I've realized that I definitely did have some stunting in my growth, since I remeasured my reach and it's about 6' 2". I hardly feel like I was meant to have a 5 inch difference in my reach to height ratio (imagine how monkeyish I look walking around with my big arms swinging at 5' 9.5").
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: LLCaptain on June 16, 2016, 12:23:22 AM
3cm on tibias is very dangerous. You will never skateboard again, and when you lose the ability to do flips and grind rails, you'll just be a normal guy with a funny walk.

I have heard about people dying from complications from LL surgery. Read that one guy crimsontides diary.. he tells the truth about LL.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Anna21 on June 16, 2016, 02:47:19 AM
LLCaptain, I think you might be going a bit overboard...
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: crimsontide on June 16, 2016, 05:20:22 AM
not going to die, but it's not worth it

life's too short. Wear lifts
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 16, 2016, 09:30:46 AM
not going to die, but it's not worth it

life's too short. Wear lifts

You think 3cm on the femur (changed from tibia since my tibia/fibula are nearly the same size as my femur) would impact me that much?
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: aspirant185 on June 16, 2016, 11:00:04 AM
if it is only about 3 cm u really can wear lifts. Its such a small difference that people might not figure it out when u have or dont have the lifts. I think LL is worth it at the 5cm, unless u grow at least 2 inches, I dont think it makes sense to spend so much money, break ur legs, risk damaging your muscles and nerves. 3 cm is really nothing, it is difficult to even differentiate whether one is 3cm taller or no, unless you know that person very well and know how tall he is relative to you.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 16, 2016, 01:39:21 PM
if it is only about 3 cm u really can wear lifts. Its such a small difference that people might not figure it out when u have or dont have the lifts. I think LL is worth it at the 5cm, unless u grow at least 2 inches, I dont think it makes sense to spend so much money, break ur legs, risk damaging your muscles and nerves. 3 cm is really nothing, it is difficult to even differentiate whether one is 3cm taller or no, unless you know that person very well and know how tall he is relative to you.

Would you say it's worth it at 4cm? I just want to get the most possible while sacrificing the least. I understand that, in that case, not doing LL is the only 100% guarantee that I won't have any complication, but I still want to be 'naturally' 5' 11". That's why I've come here, though, to ask about whether or not a small amount like 3cm - 4cm would be a better idea when considering LL surgery to retain athleticism and avoid things like nerve damage and muscle tightness.

My idea was to get 5cm - 6cm increase through two different sources, one being LL the other being a 1cm - 2cm gain from yoga (guaranteed). If the majority of people here feel it unsafe to do 4cm on the femur, or at least unlikely I'll be 100% in athleticism, then I probably won't do it at all and will just do the back stretching and hope for a 2cm increase in height + add my shoe height to my true height. I'll be at least 5' 10.5" at that point, which I guess isn't that bad.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Knik on June 16, 2016, 03:53:28 PM
3cm on tibias is very dangerous. You will never skateboard again, and when you lose the ability to do flips and grind rails, you'll just be a normal guy with a funny walk.

I have heard about people dying from complications from LL surgery. Read that one guy crimsontides diary.. he tells the truth about LL.

In this level it's propaganda
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: Cheez on June 16, 2016, 04:13:32 PM
Do you really think it would affect my performance that much? Would it affect all stair sets and coming off of, say, a 2 foot ledge/hubba?

I don't say you will never skate again, because that's bollocks. Also, you won't die from having an LL op (or let's say, the chances of you dying are as high or low as for any other operation).

You are probably a young dude, if you are still doing 10 stair sets. Why not enjoy that level of skating a couple of years more, until you are getting into other things in life a bit more which don't require such a high level of balance and foot/legs coordination. And then, do LL.

Even if you have a perfect recovery, which is certainly possible, whatever some people on this forum will tell you, you will still be out of skateboarding for at least a year and a half, in a time which might be your prime.

Do it, just do it a couple of years later.

You still have much time.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: vaas on June 16, 2016, 04:32:54 PM
I don't say you will never skate again, because that's bollocks. Also, you won't die from having an LL op (or let's say, the chances of you dying are as high or low as for any other operation).

You are probably a young dude, if you are still doing 10 stair sets. Why not enjoy that level of skating a couple of years more, until you are getting into other things in life a bit more which don't require such a high level of balance and foot/legs coordination. And then, do LL.

Even if you have a perfect recovery, which is certainly possible, whatever some people on this forum will tell you, you will still be out of skateboarding for at least a year and a half, in a time which might be your prime.

Do it, just do it a couple of years later.

You still have much time.

That's true. I guess I'll just stick to the original plan of doing those spine stretches for now. I'll still be 5' 11" in most shoes at that point, and it's not like the majority of people see me outside of footwear.

Cheers!
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: TIBIKE200 on June 16, 2016, 04:47:58 PM
Just do the calculations..
 Think what is worth more for you now or in the next couple of years. If you think that it's worth risking your skateboarding skills than by all means go for it. If not than don't do it.
 
It all comes down to gain/risk. Do the calculations in your head and you will know what to do.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: westercoasten on June 19, 2016, 06:51:21 PM
if it is only about 3 cm u really can wear lifts. Its such a small difference that people might not figure it out when u have or dont have the lifts. I think LL is worth it at the 5cm, unless u grow at least 2 inches, I dont think it makes sense to spend so much money, break ur legs, risk damaging your muscles and nerves. 3 cm is really nothing, it is difficult to even differentiate whether one is 3cm taller or no, unless you know that person very well and know how tall he is relative to you.
You can not wear lifts on the beach, och pool partys and stuff like that, not if you dont want to come across as awkward as f*ck, so lifts can only take you so far...
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: ub40 on June 25, 2016, 02:25:19 PM
It would be nice to hear from him. Hope he's alright...

Also, I think this thread is all hypothetical, because I think the reason we don't see anyone doing 3cm is because most come to the conclusion that it is not worth it. Especially if you are average to begin with.

I don't think the few guys here that talk about such small amounts will ever actually do it.

ETA: Ub40, how many cm's ya at now? Going well I hope?

Not great man, my fibula preconsolidated so I had to have another minor surgery to break it again. Not too much of an inconvenience but set me back 3 weeks schedule wise
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: CCMidwest on June 25, 2016, 02:58:36 PM
Not great man, my fibula preconsolidated so I had to have another minor surgery to break it again. Not too much of an inconvenience but set me back 3 weeks schedule wise

Seems to be a common problem with tibia LL, unfortunately.

Sorry to hear that. Glad you're making progress now though.
Title: Re: How risky would 3cm be on the tibia?
Post by: crimsontide on June 25, 2016, 10:16:51 PM
no such thing as a perfect recovery

You have 0% chance of being 100% again. If that's okay with you, get the surgery