Puberty is a period when lots of changes occur in the human body. One of the most obvious is the typical growth spurt. For girls, that typically comes between the ages of 10 and 14. Boys spurt up later, usually from age 14 to 16. Some teens have their full height – but not full muscular development – by age 15. Others may have a late growth spurt and not reach their full height until their late teens. Once puberty is over, you will not grow taller.
Just as physical attractiveness has an effect on how people perceive and treat you, height makes a difference. Children who are shorter are more likely to be bullied. Research shows tall men and women typically date more and report being happier. Men who are taller are more likely to attain higher education levels. Taller men also tend to earn more. Both men and women prefer that the man be the taller partner in a relationship.
Although you can't actually grow taller once you pass puberty, you can become taller through height lengthening surgery. Through a minimally invasive procedure in which a special adjustable metal rod is inserted into the bones of the legs, you can gain as much as six inches in height. The surgery does not have definitive age limits, although you must have stopped growing – your bones and joints must be fully developed. The youngest age is around 16 and some patients as old as 60 have had the surgery.
Height lengthening is an elective procedure. Most surgeons recommend the procedure for those who are considerably shorter than the average – less than 5 feet 9 inches for men and 5 feet 4 inches for women. You should be in good health. However, the presence of some medical conditions doesn't automatically mean you can't have the surgery – it may mean more careful preparation and care are necessary. It's best if you are not a smoker, as nicotine affects circulation and healing. If you have bone diseases or a bone infection, you may not be a candidate. Each case is evaluated individually.
Height lengthening surgery takes advantage of the bones' innate healing capabilities. If you break a bone, the body heals it, forming a “scar” known as a callus. The metal device inserted into the bones – usually the thigh, although lower legs bones can also be used – puts tension on the bone because it is very gradually adjusted every day. The body automatically fills in the gap with new bone, and new blood vessels, muscle and nerve tissue grow as well. Once the healing is complete, the device is removed.
No matter what your genetic heritage is in the matter of height, it is not possible to grow taller after your growth plates have fused– but it is possible to become taller. Height lengthening surgery can truly make a difference in your appearance, self- esteem and life. Contact a qualified orthopedic surgeon for an assessment.