A new and potentially extreme body modification trend, aesthetic limb lengthening, is gaining traction, according to a South Florida cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Gevork 'JoJo' Tatarian of Elevé Cosmetic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale warned that some surgeons are performing procedures to increase a patient's height, a practice he believes is dangerously excessive.
Dr. Tatarian explained that the procedure involves fracturing the bone in the legs, separating the pieces by a gap, and then fixing them in place. New bone then grows to fill the space, a process akin to natural bone healing after a break. "They actually fracture the bone in your legs, and they spread it, give some distance between it, and then they plate it in place," Tatarian said.
He noted that while the practice has been occurring for about five years, it is not yet mainstream, with many surgeries happening internationally. However, some clinics in Australia offer the procedure for both reconstructive and cosmetic purposes, with costs ranging from AU$70,000 to AU$180,000 depending on the technique used. Tatarian claims to have seen individuals on social media who have undergone multiple procedures, gaining as much as six inches in height.
Dr. Tatarian, who is double board-certified in the U.S. and performs various body enhancement procedures, including the controversial 'Barbie Waist' surgery, stated that he draws a line at altering the body's functional capabilities. The 'Barbie Waist' procedure involves micro-fracturing ribs to create a narrower waist, a trend that has been popularized by influencers and has generated significant media attention. One such case involved 'Married At First Sight' star Bec Zacharia, who documented her decision to undergo the procedure.
Tatarian expressed concern about the long-term consequences of limb lengthening for aesthetic purposes. "When you're starting to mess with the functional outcome, I mean, what's gonna happen to these folks?" he questioned. "Now they're six inches taller. Their muscles weren't meant to be that long. Are they going to be able to run as fast? Are they going to be able to jump as high? Are they going to be able to get up off the chair?"
He elaborated that the body's muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons are not designed for the increased bone length, making the long-term effects unpredictable and the risks substantial. "It's just a gamble that's not worth taking in my opinion," Tatarian concluded.