India is a popular destination for limb lengthening surgery due to the lower costs, high success rates and experienced orthopedic surgeons at top cities. India is also a good choice for those looking for affordable alternatives to the US, Germany or other Western countries as it offers the same (or better quality) at lower costs due to the low cost of living.
This procedure was originally developed to treat conditions like dwarfism, congenital deformities, or injuries causing uneven leg lengths. However, it has recently gained popularity among healthy adults seeking a taller stature.
The following sections will explore all about limb lengthening surgery in India, its cost and the different techniques available here. We'll also list the top surgeons excelling this surgery.
Limb lengthening surgery is a surgical procedure that increases the length of bones in the legs (femur or tibia) to treat discrepancies or, in some cases, for cosmetic height enhancement. The process involves carefully cutting the bone and slowly stretching it over time, allowing new bone tissue to form in the gap.
The surgery follows a carefully controlled process divided into three main phases:
The surgeon makes a small incision and cuts the bone (usually the femur or tibia). This is done with precision to avoid damaging surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
After the bone is cut, a mechanical device—either an external fixator (attached outside the leg) or an internal nail (placed inside the bone)—is used to gradually pull the bone apart.
Rate of Lengthening: About 1 mm per day (or 1 inch per month).
New Bone Formation: As the gap widens, the body naturally fills it with new bone tissue in a process called distraction osteogenesis.
Once the desired length is achieved, the bone needs time to harden and strengthen. This phase can take several months, during which patients undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Lower costs Up to 70% less than the US, ranging between $7,000-$12,000 and varies depending on the city, hospitals/surgeons and method.
Experienced surgeons like Dr. IPS Oberoi, Dr. Sharat Kumar and others in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi/NCR. India has experienced surgeons executing the surgery perfectly with the use of advanced technology and techniques as per the patient's requirements.
Cost is a major deciding factor for many patients, so here's a comparative look at the limb lengthening cost in India vs. other countries:
|
Country |
Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
|
India |
$18,000-$35,000 |
|
USA |
$70,000-$150,000 |
|
Germany/UK |
$50,000-$100,000 |
|
Turkey |
$25,000-$40,000 |
| Technique | Typical Cost (INR/USD) |
|---|---|
| Ilizarov (external fixator) | ₹4.5-8 lakhs ($4,500-$8,500) |
| LON (Lengthening Over Nail) | ₹4.4-7.2 lakhs ($4,800-$7,500) |
| Internal (e.g., PRECICE) | ₹8-20 lakhs+ ($8,500-$22,000) |
Note: These are the base cost of the surgery excluding hospitasl stay, physical therapy/physio, accommodation and travel.
The cost differs depending on the city and hospital you choose for the surgery. For example, the cost of limb lengthening surgery in Delhi NCR ranges from ₹5.3-9.5 lakhs ($6,500-$11,500) while the same surgery costs between $9,000-$14,000 in cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru. You can get an all-inclusive package that brings the cost of everything else lower and covers everything from hospital stay to medication and physical therapy.
Now that you know all about the limb lengthyening cost, here's a list of the top hospitals in India for this surgery:
An experienced orthopedic surgeon with high success rate, Dr. Oberoi specializes in limb lengthening and orthopedic deformity surgery. He uses modern devices and techniques for limb lengthening like external fixators and motorized intramedullary nails. He is famous for safe and effective limb lengthening and is trusted by international patients for this surgery. You can find the doctor at Artemis Hospitals.
A top orthopedic and trauma surgeon with experience in limb lengthening surgery along with complex reconstructive surgeres. He is skilled at both minimally invasive and traditional limb lengtheing techniques. He is known for helping patients achieve better symmetry, mobility and function. You can find him performing surgeries at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.
With 19 years of experience , Dr. Singh specializes in pediatric orthopedic and limb lengthening surgery in India. He is known for using advanced techniques like intrameduallry lengthening nails and external fixators that safely increases limb length and correct deformities. He is associated with Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
Associated with Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Dr. Marya has 40 years of experience in orthopedics and he is an expert in limb lengthening surgery along with deformity correction and complex orthopedic reconstruction surgeries. With over 1000 surgeries to his credit, he uses advanced limb lengthening surgeries to correct deformities and discrepancies.
The amount of height increase depends on which bones are lengthened:
Femur (Thigh Bone): 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches).
Tibia (Shin Bone): 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches).
Combined (Femur + Tibia): Up to 5-8 cm (2-3.1 inches).
Surgeons usually recommend not exceeding 5-6 cm per bone to minimize complications.
While modern techniques have improved safety, this surgery still carries significant risks:
Infection (especially with external fixators).
Nerve damage, leading to numbness or muscle weakness.
Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Bone not healing properly (non-union).
Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Chronic pain or arthritis in later years.
Some patients report decreased athletic performance or difficulty with high-impact activities after surgery.
If you are interested in getting a limb lengthening surgery in India, this blog should help you make the right decision. Getting limb lengthening surgery for medical or cosmetic reasons is easier when you know all about the surgery - but knowing where you can get the best of everything is a game changer. Yapita can help you get the best orthopedic surgeons for consultation, get in touch with our patient coordinators for a personalized treatment plan from the best surgeons in India.
Unlike medical limb lengthening (for deformities or medical conditions), cosmetic limb lengthening surgery is purely for height increase.
Average Height Gain: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in femurs, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in tibias.
Recovery Time:
US/Europe: 6-12 months (gradual distraction + physical therapy)
India: Similar protocols but at lower costs
Patient Satisfaction: Over 85% report improved confidence, but some experience long-term joint stiffness.
Pros:
Cost-effective (great for self-paying patients)
Some top hospitals use FDA/CE-approved implants
English-speaking doctors
Cons:
Less insurance coverage for international patients
Fewer documented long-term success studies
Travel risks (post-op care may require longer stays)
People with the following conditions can find great satisfaction after a limb lengthening surgery:
Yapita ca help you get a consultation with surgeons at the above hospitals within 24 hours. Get in touch today!
Limb lengthening surgery is best offered in US, Germany India, and Turkey. If you are looking for affordable options that brings expertise as well as the highest quality, India and Turkey are the best options.