Height has a direct effect on a person's life quality. According to Gallup's study, taller people are more likely to report positive emotions like happiness and less likely to experience anger, sadness, and stress. Data suggests that moving from below-average to above-average height would have the same effect on the person's satisfaction as a 29% income increase.
People with average height may not understand how several inches can have such a significant impact on a person's well-being. However, these inches can go a long way toward improving the quality of life.
Limb lengthening surgery is currently the only way to make people taller by as much as 6 inches. Even though the recovery process is time-consuming and somewhat uncomfortable, the results are more than impressive.
Is limb lengthening surgery worth it? Let's take a closer look at the benefits of becoming taller.
1. Higher Salary
It may seem illogical, but taller people earn more than those whose height is below average. According to an article published in the Journal of Human Capital, in western countries, four to five extra inches of height are associated with a salary increase between 9% and 15%.
Research done by journalist and sociologist Malcolm Gladwell for his book Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking shows that just one extra inch could increase your salary by as much as $800 per year.
Why would your salary increase be based on height? The main reason is the lack of confidence short people experience when going through interviews, asking for raises, and trying to outdo the competition. Taller people are generally more confident, which helps them achieve better results are work.
2. Better Self-Esteem
According to research, shorter people are more prone to feeling paranoid, depressed, and mistrustful. They constantly feel inferior to taller friends, colleagues, and rivalries. For example, taller teenagers of both sexes usually date more than shorter adolescents do.
Italians have a saying "altezza mezza bellezza," which means "height is half of the beauty." People tend to perceive height as beauty and power. That's why shorter people often feel a lack of it.
By getting a limb lengthening surgery, short men and women can regain their self-esteem. With higher self-esteem and boosted confidence, they can stop feeling inferior by eliminating height-related psychological issues.
3. More Opportunities
Even though we live in a body-positive world, jokes that target short people are far from being extinct. Men and women who are shorter than average don't just have to deal with self-esteem problems, they are constantly reminded about their height. This, in turn, leads to psychological issues.
When it comes to height, size does matter. According to a social behavior study, taller men are considered more sexually attractive. Such an attraction is purely instinctive. Women choose tall partners to bear healthy offspring (i.e. tall people can pack more muscle and have a higher chance of survival).
While the advantages taller people have are mostly psychological and based on instinct, the perception won't change in the nearest future. Society is likely to continue putting high emphasis on a man's height.
That's why a limb lengthening surgery could be the only answer to height-related psychological and physical problems.
4. Higher Productivity and Success
The main reason why shorter people tend to achieve less in life than their taller counterparts doesn't have anything to do with their intellect or physical strength. Low self-esteem, stigma, and disturbed emotional state that often accompany a short person, keep them from achieving personal and financial goals.
By adding several inches to their height, these people gain confidence and become more productive. Getting rid of psychological issues helps them improve their lives tremendously.
5. Improved Aesthetic Appearance
Initially, limb lengthening surgery was created to help straighten the legs for children with growth abnormalities. Today, many people still live with such issues as LLD (Leg Length Discrepancy). These conditions can reduce the quality of life and lead to health and appearance issues.
Limb lengthening surgery can take care of some deformities and allow a person to lead a normal life.
Limb Lengthening Surgery: Benefits vs Risks
While a limb lengthening procedure comes with an impressive variety of benefits, it's still surgery. Such risks as blood clots, infection, joint stiffness, and poor bone development exist. However, they are less than 5% combined.
The latest techniques and equipment coupled with the surgeon's experience keep risks to a minimum. For the majority of people, the benefits tend to outweigh the potential risks.
Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Worth It for Me?
If you are wondering whether limb lengthening surgery is worth it, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I think about my height regularly? (People who are satisfied with their height rarely think about it.)
- Do I feel bad about my height?
- Do I feel inferior to taller colleagues at work?
- Do I feel depression and anxiety without apparent reasons?
- Do I have trouble dating because potential partners are taller?
- Do I have dreams about being taller?
- Do I fear that my height may affect my professional growth?
- Do I feel that my height is affecting my social life?
Finally, imagine yourself several inches taller. Does this thought make you happy? Then, you should definitely speak to a doctor about limb lengthening surgery.
Choosing Limb Lengthening Surgery
Shortness is not a life-threatening condition. However, below-average height often reduces the quality of life, keeping people from achieving their full potential. Limb lengthening surgery can eliminate numerous psychological issues and help people lead happy and healthy lives.
It's up to each person to study the pros and cons to make the right decision about getting such surgery. At Height Lengthening, we are always ready to provide all the necessary information about the procedure. Dr. Shahab Mahboubian, D.O., MPH and his team use the latest limb lengthening technologies like PRECICE STRYDE™ System to help patients enjoy lives to their fullest.
