Guide to the First 10 Days of Limb Lengthening Surgery
Are you considering a journey to increase your height? Leg lengthening surgery in Istanbul might be your answer. In this guide, we will walk you through the crucial first 10 days following your surgery, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. This period is key to your recovery and sets the stage for the entire process.
Our focus is on providing you with a complete understanding of the postoperative experience, starting from the moment you arrive in Istanbul. We know this is a significant step for you, and we aim to make it as smooth and comfortable as possible. From detailed descriptions of your daily activities to insights into the recovery process, this guide aims to prepare you for the journey ahead.
In the following sections, we'll cover everything from your arrival, meeting with the doctor, the surgery itself, and the initial phase of physiotherapy. We will also give you a glimpse into the ongoing lengthening and recovery process, helping you understand the complete picture.
This guide is designed to ease your worries and answer your questions about limb lengthening surgery. We want to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout your journey towards achieving your desired height. Let's begin this transformative experience together.
First 10 Days After Surgery
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and rest at the hotel
Your journey begins with your trip to Istanbul. We will pick you up from the airport with a VIP vehicle and take you to the hotel.
Day 2: Meeting with the Doctor, examination, and preoperative tests
You will meet with the doctor at the hospital, finalize the details of the bone segment (femur lengthening or tibia lengthening) and discuss your expectations, undergo pre-operative tests (ortho x-ray, x-ray, blood test, etc.), have your height measured, and undergo a physical examination.
Day 3: Surgery day
You will be taken to the hospital with your caretaker and a staff member from our healthcare team. You will be prepared for surgery by the medical team at the hospital. Eating and drinking must be stopped 10 hours before the surgery. Limb lengthening surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours with the LON method and 1.5 to 2 hours with the Precice 2 method. After the surgery, you'll be taken to a single private hospital room.
Day 4: Post-surgery care in the hospital room
The day after the surgery, you will start to feel pain as the effect of the anesthesia wears off. On this day, the necessary medication and treatment protocol is applied according to the severity of your pain. You are visited by the doctor and medical team and you spend your day resting. In addition, all your needs are met by your caretaker and nurses 24/7.
Day 5: Getting back on your feet
Your pain is expected to decrease and be more manageable on this day. After the doctor's permission, you'll take your first steps after your surgery with the assistance of nurses and the support of a walker. Additionally, you'll be instructed to do bed exercises as part of your recovery process.
Day 6: Rehabilitation in the hospital
On this day, you will rest in your room, do bed exercises and take short walks. In addition to rest and short walks, our medical team will introduce gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. These exercises are designed to prevent muscle atrophy and promote blood circulation to aid in the healing process.
Day 7: Rehabilitation in the hospital
As you enter the seventh day of your recovery, you'll begin to notice improvements in your overall well-being. The pain will continue to subside, and you'll gain more confidence in your mobility.
This day marks a pivotal moment as you embark on longer walks within the hospital premises under the supervision of your caretaker and nurses. These walks will help you regain your balance and coordination while strengthening the muscles around the lengthened bone.
Day 8: First lengthening
The first lengthening typically begins five days after the surgery, as your body needs time to adapt to the initial changes. Our healthcare team will provide detailed instructions on how to perform the daily lengthening procedure safely and effectively. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns to ensure you're comfortable with the process.
Day 9: Discharge from hospital
After the completion of the hospitalization, you will be discharged from the hospital to your hotel by a private ambulance. Our healthcare team at the hotel will place you in your room and bring your medicines and train you on how often to use them. Your first physiotherapy will be performed in your room by our physiotherapists at the hotel.
Day 10: Beginning of physiotherapy and exercise program
On Day 10, we kickstart your physiotherapy and exercise program, tailored to your specific needs and designed by our specialist physiotherapist. Your progress will be closely monitored by our team of experts, and you are expected to attend physiotherapy sessions at a scheduled time every weekday, following the instructions provided to you. For patients who are returning home after the surgery, we don't leave you alone, we provide you with customized exercise programs and education on aftercare. And in case you need it, we also offer online physiotherapy sessions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Beyond: Lengthening and Recovery Process
After successfully completing the initial 10 days of limb lengthening surgery, patients continue with the lengthening process. During this phase, the body undergoes a gradual lengthening, supported by physiotherapy and exercise, followed by a significant milestone – the removal of external fixators (LON method), paving the way for mobility and recovery.
60-80 Day: Distraction Phase (Lengthening and Physiotherapy)
The daily lengthening amount is 1 mm in most cases. You'll continue the lengthening process for 60 days for 6 cm and 80 days for 8 cm of lengthening. During this phase, your muscles and soft tissues surrounding the bone are also lengthened with physiotherapy and exercise.
Day 70-90: External fixator removal (LON Method)
In the limb lengthening procedure with the LON method, the external fixators are removed with a minor operation after the completion of the lengthening phase. Patients can start walking with assistance the day after the procedure. (External fixator removal is free of charge for our patients)
Day 70-150: Bone Consolidation and Transition to Normal Walking
After the distraction phase is completed and the external fixators are removed, the bone consolidation process begins. You will begin to walk without support day by day and your gait will return to normal over time. Physical therapy may be prescribed to help improve your strength and range of motion during this time.
Day 150-365: Bone Consolidation and Full Recovery
The bone consolidation phase takes about 3-5 months after completion of the distraction (lengthening) phase. During this time, it is important to maintain a diet rich in vitamins, protein, and calcium to promote bone healing. You should also engage in regular exercise and avoid activities that put excessive stress on your legs. As your bones continue to heal, you will be able to return to normal activities such as work and daily tasks. Finally, after the bones are fully consolidated, the internal nails placed in the bone marrow can be removed with minor surgery.
Leg lengthening surgery requires patience and a commitment to following post-operative instructions. The bone consolidation and recovery process can take several months and may vary for each individual. Remember to follow the surgeon's recommendations maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and avoid putting excessive stress on your legs until you're fully recovered.
If you have any questions or need further information about height surgery, please don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way.
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