Hello.. I started at 5'4 (163cm) and is very close to my goal of ~5'7 (170cm).
Is the difference big in how men and women will look at you?
I think the point of LL is to change how you perceive yourself since this is a problem we've created in our heads. Going from tragically short to just short has given me a renewed sense of vigor. I used to feel embarrassed going out as a man in a child's body, this feeling has mostly dissipated, now standing at almost ~169cm. I use a walker to visit restaurants near my guesthouse and can't help smiling inside knowing people are thinking 'disabled guy' instead of 'very short guy'.
Since I've undergone surgery, a huge burden was lifted from me, as if I unlocked a much greater capacity for life. I know that at 170cm I'm still short in a Western country, but it is a height that I can easily overcome with other traits: dressing better, social skills, job, cash money, personality, etc. Also, I just gained an extra billion women in my dating pool so thats nice.
I truly recommend this surgery if you are 170cm or less and have crippling height neurosis. Anything greater, the benefits vs risk is not as appealing, and you can gain confidence in other ways.
There is a huge difference. My son went from 5'4" to 5"7' and he seems much bigger physically. With shoes on he should be about 5'8" and that is a game changer.
I know exactly how your son feels. Having sneakers on feels incredible!!!