Concerns Rise Over Limb Lengthening Surgery Amid Severe Complications and Medical Scams in China

Limb lengthening surgery has historically been a medical solution geared toward treating congenital deformities, addressing acquired limb shortening, and rectifying bone defects among other medical issues. However, recent incidents have brought the spotlight back to this procedure, particularly through the case of a Chinese woman who faced severe complications following surgery in Turkey.

This type of surgery, often referred to in China as "breaking bones to boost height," is explicitly prohibited for cosmetic reasons. According to an investigation by CCTV, it has come to light that various "medical scammers" are deceiving healthy individuals into undergoing risky limb lengthening surgeries by using falsified medical records. The implications of these procedures can severely impact both physical and mental health, leading to a diminished quality of life.

During the investigation, a CCTV reporter encountered a medical scammer named Adi, who misrepresented the surgery as a corrective measure for deformities. Patients are misled about the credentials of the doctors involved and coerced into paying large sums of money in cash. One referred doctor, a purported expert with years of experience, acknowledged the associated risks but assured the reporter of the reliability of his procedures, despite expert opinions highlighting the complex and risky nature of limb lengthening.

Many individuals pursuing height enhancement are unaware of the severe risks involved, which can lead to long-standing physical consequences. In interviews, several patients recounted their distressing experiences post-surgery, including complications that hinder their mobility and overall well-being. One patient reported persistent leg issues that left him unable to walk properly.

Moreover, the case of Fang, another individual who sought surgery abroad in 2021, illustrates the possible dire outcomes. After experiencing a significant infection post-surgery, she was met with lack of support from the intermediary that arranged the procedure, exposing the significant risks associated with clandestine surgeries.

Experts emphasize that successful limb lengthening depends on a well-managed recovery process that can take a year or more—something that is typically unachievable without proper oversight. Additionally, post-2006 regulations in China restrict such surgeries to qualified medical institutions and specifically forbid cosmetic surgeries, which were rampant prior to the restrictions and often led to disastrous results for patients.