Limb lengthening is a procedure that allows you to increase the length of your limbs by several inches. You can undergo limb lengthening surgery for cosmetic purposes or to correct a deformity. When you decide to undergo the procedure, you'll likely ask yourself, "How much does limb lengthening surgery cost?" In this post, Height Lengthening explores the costs associated with limb lengthening surgery to help you prepare a financial plan. We go into details about out-of-pocket expenses, insurance, and financing options such as CareCredit.

Cost of Consultation

Before you can undergo any procedure, you need to go through a consultation. Through consultation, the specialist, Dr. Shahab Mahboubian, assesses your limbs and takes you through the main events of the procedure. The doctor also asks for your medical history and takes x-rays to look at your bones and choose the right nail size for you. With the proper information, the doctor can inform you if you're a good candidate for limb lengthening surgery and advise you on a suitable treatment plan for you. Fortunately, you can have the consultation in-person or online. However, remember that you still need to visit Height Lengthening for x-rays. The consultation cost is $800 whether you do it in-person or online.

Surgery Costs

Anesthesia

Before you undergo surgery, you need anesthesia to prevent pain and control how awake you are during a procedure. While most people imagine that anesthesia only plays a role in putting you to sleep, it does more than that. An anesthesiologist ensures that your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure remain steady during the procedure. More importantly, an anesthesiologist is one of the certified professionals who work with your surgeon to ensure your safety. The cost of anesthesia is $1,750 at Height Lengthening. Check with your insurance provider to find out if they cover all or part of the anesthesia costs. 

Procedure and Nails

Limb lengthening surgery is a cosmetic procedure, which means that your health insurance provider won't cover the costs. After cutting through your skin and bone, the surgeon installs the Precice STRYDE nail and secures it with screws. The nail helps with the limb lengthening by gently pulling the bone apart and allowing new tissue to develop. At the end of the procedure, you have natural bone and tissue.

The prices of the procedure vary depending on the type of nail you're getting.

• Bilateral femur lengthening (Precice nail) - $75,000
• Bilateral tibia lengthening (Precice nail) - $85,000
• Combined tibia and femur lengthening 3-4 weeks apart- $155,000

The nails also vary in weight-bearing capacity. The new STRYDE nail system can carry up to 250 lbs. post-surgery. You can upgrade to a full weight-bearing Precice STRYDE nail for an extra $5,000.

Besides the costs of the nail, you also have to pay for:

• Hospital diagnostic tests before your surgery
• Your hospital stay and follow-up care for at least three days
• Operating room costs and surgery recovery
• X-rays and radiologist costs for the recovery period. (3 months +)

Post-Surgery

After your surgery, you have to stay in the hospital for the doctors to monitor your progress and vitals before releasing you to stay at home. During this period, the staff will attend to your needs and also perform tests and x-rays. Everything that happens during your hospital stay and recovery process attracts extra costs. The costs vary per patient, so it's crucial to speak with your doctor at Height Lengthening to find an approximate amount and prepare adequately.

Cost of Nail Removal

After the nail is installed, the next phase, called distraction, can take several months. During this period, your body generates new tissue and bone to fit the space created by the nail. Once you achieve the desired height, the surgeon removes the Precice nail to help you get back to your normal life. At Height Lengthening, the cost of nail removal is between $13,000 and $15,000. This cost includes the facility fees. You can check with your insurance provider to find out if they can cover this cost. 

Medication and Support 

Limb lengthening is a complex procedure, and recovery takes at least three months. During this period, you'll take prescribed medication, especially for your pain. The cost of drugs may vary, so it's important to consult with your doctor to plan for them. In most cases, your health insurance coverage pays for the medication, but it's important to confirm. Besides medication for pain management, you also need supplements. Vitamin D and calcium are vital for healthy bone development. Since you'll be restricted in movement during your recovery, you also have to get a wheelchair and crutches to help you move around.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is a crucial part of the recovery process. PT ensures that your limbs adjust after the surgery and remain strong for use once the lengthening is complete. Standard physical therapy helps you combat stiffness in your joints and limbs, and regain strength, especially when movement becomes challenging after surgery. Usually, physical therapy lasts up to three months but can last longer depending on your healing period.

Usually, insurance covers the cost of physical therapy. However, it's essential to confirm if your health insurance will cover the expenses. Coverage may also vary if you are in an in-network or out-of-network facility. Some coverages may also only kick in if you pay your deductible. If you're paying out-of-pocket, the cost may vary depending on the complexity of your PT and the physical therapist's rate per hour. Besides the therapist, you may also have to pay for equipment such as exercise balls, weights, and balance boards.

Food and Nutrition

The food you consume after your surgery affects your recovery. Your doctor will recommend a nutritious diet plan to provide necessary nutrients such as Vitamin D and calcium that help with recovery. Your special diet is also part of your recovery costs.

CareCredit and Loans

If you have a great credit score, you can also apply for loans to help you pay for your limb lengthening surgery. CareCredit specializes in providing credit cards to help you pay for health costs not covered by your insurance provider.

Consult Height Lengthening To Discuss Costs

The costs of limb lengthening surgery vary depending on your procedure and post-op costs. The best way to prepare yourself financially is to book a consultation with Height Lengthening.