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  • Writer's pictureDr. Yuksel Yurttas

How to Grow Taller After Puberty: The Science and Techniques You Need to Know

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your short stature? Do you wish you could permanently add a few inches to your height? Growing taller is a dream that many people have, but the process is not always easy to understand. In this article, you'll learn about the growth process and the various factors that can affect it, as well as discover the ultimate solution for increasing your height after puberty. From understanding human growth hormone to debunking height growth myths, this guide is packed with valuable information to help you achieve your height goals. So, if you're ready to learn how to grow taller after puberty, read on!


Gaining a deeper understanding of the growth process and finding safe and effective solutions can empower you to overcome the challenges associated with short stature and achieve your height goals. With this knowledge, you will be in control of your own growth journey, rather than relying on unproven methods or falling prey to false promises. Let's dive deeper into these topics and discover the ultimate solution for increasing your height after puberty.


Height growth in childhood and puberty


Human growth hormone (HGH), produced by the pituitary gland, is the primary growth factor in children and adolescents. This hormone helps regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism, and heart function. The average height increase during childhood is 6 cm per year, but it can increase up to 8 cm when puberty begins. Girls experience a rapid growth spurt 6–12 months before the onset of the menstrual cycle, while boys show a rapid growth spurt about two years later. Boys take longer to grow up than girls, and the highest growth is recorded before spermation (semenarche) at about 9 cm per year.

height examination in childhood
Height is influenced by genes and environment. Genetics accounts for 60-80% of height variation, while environmental factors and physical activity make up the remaining 20-40%.

Height is a complex trait influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. Research indicates that genetic factors account for 60–80% of the height variation among humans, with the remaining 20–40% attributed to environmental factors and physical activity. There are many genes that affect height, but some of the most significant ones are those in the growth hormone pathway, such as the genes for the growth hormone receptor, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). Variations in these genes may influence how growth hormone and other growth factors are produced and function, which may ultimately affect height.

Open growth plate
X-ray of a 16-year-old male with open growth plates and continuing growth.

In both sexes, height growth continues until the growth plates close toward the end of puberty. Growth plates usually close at 15–16 years old in girls and at 17–18 years old in boys. However, this period can rarely continue until a person is 19–20 years old.


Factors that Affect Height Growth


Although genetics is the most important factor in height growth, a healthy diet, good sleeping habits, and a variety of physical activities can all help promote growth during adolescence. If you are still in adolescence and want to get taller, you should review these habits now. For example, a nutritious diet that is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins can provide the necessary nutrients for bone growth.


Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing and high-intensity activities like running, jumping, and strength training, can stimulate bone remodeling and increase bone density, which can help people grow taller. Good sleeping habits, such as getting enough sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can also promote growth by allowing the body to release growth hormones during the night.


However, some habits, such as being overweight, having poor sleep habits, and smoking during adolescence, can have a negative impact on the body's natural growth process.


Height Growth After Puberty: Understanding the Reality


Hormonal changes, such as the production of growth hormones, cause the body to undergo numerous changes during puberty. These hormones play an important role in the growth and development of our bones and other tissues, resulting in an increase in height.


However, it is important to note that the primary period of height growth occurs during puberty. When puberty ends, the growth plates at the ends of our bones fuse, and our bones stop growing in length. This means that most people will not grow much taller after this age.


However, some people may experience minor height changes even after their growth plates have fused due to factors such as posture, exercise, and nutrition. Genetics also plays a role in determining our maximum potential height, and the timing and rate of growth during puberty can vary from person to person.


Do Pills, Medications, and Supplements Actually Promote Height Growth? The Truth Revealed


The answer is short and clear: no. Pills, medications, and supplements that claim to help people grow taller after puberty are often ineffective and can even be harmful. These products usually don't contain any scientifically proven ingredients that can affect height growth, and they may even contain dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems. It's important to be cautious and do thorough research before trying any supplement that claims to increase height.

height measurement
X-ray of an 18-year-old male patient whose growth plates have closed and height growth has stopped.

The Ultimate Solution to Growing Taller After Puberty: Limb Lengthening Surgery


It is true that once puberty is over, the growth plates in our bones fuse together, and we are not likely to grow much taller. However, for those who still wish to grow taller, there is a surgical solution known as limb lengthening surgery.


Limb lengthening surgery is an innovative technique that gradually lengthens the bones in the legs, which can give people a way to gain permanent height. It is a ground-breaking solution that has helped many people boost their self-confidence, open up new opportunities, and improve their overall quality of life.


The Science Behind Limb Lengthening Surgery


The surgery works by taking advantage of the body's ability to regenerate new bone tissue. The bone to be lengthened is cut and stabilized with various external and internal fixation devices or frames. The cut bone is gradually separated to promote new bone growth at the osteotomy site. The body continues to produce new bone tissue in the gap between the ends of the bones until the desired bone length is formed.

With the help of advanced technology and experienced surgeons, the procedure can add up to 6 cm (2.4 inches) to the lower leg (tibia) and up to 8 cm (3.2 inches) to the upper leg (femur) in just a single procedure within 3 months, and up to 14 cm (5.51 inches) in total with two procedures within 5-6 months. Limb lengthening surgery is now a safe and effective way to permanently increase your height.

osteotomy procedure animation
Limb lengthening surgery starts with an osteotomy procedure, which is the surgical cutting of a bone to allow for gradual lengthening.

How old do I have to be to have limb lengthening surgery?


Limb lengthening surgery is a permanent solution for increasing height after puberty, but it's important to consider the age requirement for the procedure. The age limit for limb lengthening surgery depends on the purpose of the surgery. For those with limb length discrepancies, there is no age limit for the surgery. However, for those seeking cosmetic limb lengthening surgery, the age limit is between 18 and 50 years old.


It's important to note that if you're under 18 and your growth plates haven't closed yet, there is still a chance to grow taller naturally through exercise, good sleep habits, and a nutritious diet. However, if you haven't been growing naturally for a long time, it's advisable to seek medical advice.


For adults, trying supplements, medications, and exercise programs to increase your height can be a waste of time. This is why it's crucial to understand that limb lengthening surgery is the only permanent solution for increasing height after puberty.

If you are considering limb lengthening surgery, our team of healthcare professionals is available to assist you. Contact us directly to book a free consultation and receive answers to any questions you may have.


WhatsApp: +90 533 973 5289

E-mail: info@dryukselyurttas.com

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