Antalya, Turkey · Surgeon-led limb lengthening

Limb Lengthening Surgery in Antalya, Turkey

Explore personalised limb lengthening treatment in Antalya with Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an Orthopaedics and Traumatology specialist. Learn about surgical methods, realistic height gains, recovery and comprehensive patient support.

  • LON, PRECICE 2 and FITBONE treatment options
  • Personalised height gain assessment
  • Structured physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • International patient support in Antalya
  • Follow-up care after returning home

Start Your Limb Lengthening Consultation

Tell us your current height and your goals. Our team will guide you through the initial consultation process and explain the next steps for a personalised medical assessment.

  • 4.9 on Google · 228 reviews
  • Ministry of Health health tourism authorisation
  • English-speaking patient team
  • Written quotation before any deposit
  • Risks explained before consent
  • Easy connections from US cities via Istanbul

Documented patient cases

Before and After: Limb Lengthening Patient Cases

Each case below shows an individual patient's result, photographed before and after treatment. Height figures are the measured difference recorded by the clinic. Results differ from person to person, and these images are not a prediction of your outcome.

Results vary. The height increase that can be achieved safely depends on bone anatomy, age, general health, limb proportions and the method used, and is discussed with your surgeon after clinical examination and imaging. The images show individual outcomes and are not a prediction of your result. Photographs are published with signed patient consent.

Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış Orthopaedics & Traumatology · MSM Clinic, Antalya
Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış, Orthopaedics and Traumatology specialist at MSM Clinic, Antalya

Dr. Mesut Sançmış

Your Limb Lengthening Surgeon: Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış

17 years in orthopaedics and traumatology,
since 2009

At MSM Clinic, treatment planning is led by Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış, a specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Each patient undergoes an individual assessment to determine whether limb lengthening is appropriate and which surgical approach may be suitable.

Dr. Sançmış trained and practised at Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, worked for six years as a consultant in Turkish state hospitals and founded MSM Clinic in 2022. At MSM, limb lengthening sits alongside deformity correction, trauma surgery and joint replacement.

Dr. Sançmış leads your assessment, performs your surgery and makes the clinical decisions at each review, including the lengthening rate, device removal and return to activity. Nursing care, physiotherapy and travel coordination are provided by the wider MSM team, working to his treatment plan.

  • ◆ Orthopaedics & Traumatology specialist
  • ◆ In orthopaedics since 2009 · specialist since 2015
  • ◆ Ilizarov, TSF and intramedullary lengthening nails
  • ◆ Faculty member, Alanya University, since 2024
  • ◆ Peer-reviewed publications in orthopaedic journals

Licensed for international patients

Ministry of Health Health Tourism Authorisation

MSM Clinic health tourism authorisation
Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış Orthopaedics & Traumatology · MSM Clinic, Antalya

In their own words

Limb Lengthening Patient Experiences

Patients describe their treatment at different stages of recovery, including the more demanding months. Short explainer videos on the treatment are included alongside.

Google, Trustpilot and WhatClinic reviews

What Patients Say About MSM Clinic

These reviews come from patients treated at MSM Clinic for a range of orthopaedic conditions. They reflect the clinic's care and communication in general, not limb lengthening outcomes specifically.

4.0 Trustpilot reviews
4.9 228 reviews · Antalya
4.9 WhatClinic reviews

How the bone grows

How Limb Lengthening Surgery Works

Limb lengthening, also known as height increase surgery, uses a process called distraction osteogenesis. The bone is surgically divided (an osteotomy) and then separated gradually, usually by around 1 mm a day, while new bone forms in the gap. Once it has consolidated, the lengthened section is part of your own bone.

Femoral Lengthening

Thigh bones

Lengthening of both femurs. The segment most often used for height increase.

BeforeAfter

Tibial Lengthening

Shin bones

Lengthening of both tibias. Considered when limb proportions or femoral anatomy make it the more suitable option.

BeforeAfter

Femoral and Tibial Lengthening

Staged

Both segments lengthened in separate stages. This allows a larger total gain but involves a considerably longer treatment and recovery.

BeforeAfter

The achievable height increase depends on the selected method, bone anatomy, limb proportions and individual medical assessment. Your surgeon will discuss an appropriate target after reviewing your examination findings and imaging.

Surgical Methods: LON, PRECICE 2 and FITBONE

All methods use the same biological process. They differ in how lengthening is driven and whether an external frame is needed; your surgeon recommends one after assessment.

Lengthening over nail

LON

How it works
An internal nail plus a temporary external fixator, which does the lengthening and is then removed.
External fixator
Yes, during lengthening only.
Consider
A further procedure to remove the fixator, and daily pin-site care. Usually the lower-cost option.
Main risks
Pin-site infection and reduced mobility while the fixator is fitted.

Magnetic internal nail

PRECICE 2

How it works
A telescopic nail inside the bone, lengthened in short daily sessions with an external magnetic controller.
External fixator
No.
Consider
Suitability depends on bone dimensions and nail size; weight-bearing is limited by the device.
Main risks
No pin sites, but nerve symptoms, stiffness, delayed healing and implant problems can occur.

Motorised internal nail

FITBONE

How it works
A motorised nail, powered through a small receiver under the skin and an external transmitter.
External fixator
No.
Consider
Requires the implanted receiver; suitability depends on bone anatomy and nail size.
Main risks
As for other internal nails, including implant-related problems.

Femur and tibia

Staged

How it works
Femurs and tibias are lengthened in two separate stages.
External fixator
Depends on the method used for each stage.
Consider
Two operations and a considerably longer treatment; proportions are assessed carefully.
Main risks
The risks of each stage apply, so overall exposure is greater.

Your Treatment Timeline (Estimates)

Recovery after limb lengthening is gradual and varies according to the surgical method, amount of lengthening, bone healing and individual rehabilitation progress. Regular medical reviews and physiotherapy are essential throughout the process. The timings below are estimates; your surgeon decides when you move to each stage, based on clinical examination and imaging.

Stage 1

Assessment Before You Travel

Your medical history, full-length standing X-rays and any other requested tests are reviewed to assess suitability, alignment and proportions. A provisional plan is discussed and confirmed after examination in Antalya.

From home · approx. 1–3 weeks

Stage 2

Surgery

The osteotomy is performed and the device is fitted: an internal nail, an external fixator or both, depending on the agreed method. You stay in hospital for a few nights.

Antalya · day 0

Stage 3

Latency

A rest period of about a week before lengthening begins, allowing the tissues around the osteotomy to settle. Training with walking aids and pain management begin.

Antalya · approx. days 1–7

Stage 4

Lengthening

Lengthening at around 1 mm a day, adjusted to how the bone and soft tissues respond, with physiotherapy and regular X-ray reviews. If bone formation is slower than expected, the rate may be reduced or lengthening paused.

Antalya · approx. weeks 2–14

Stage 5

Consolidation and Device Removal

The new bone hardens. An external fixator is removed when imaging shows sufficient consolidation, not on a fixed date. Walking without aids returns gradually; timing varies widely between patients.

Antalya, then home · approx. months 4–6

Stage 6

Strength and Return to Activity

A gradual return to full weight-bearing, then exercise such as swimming and gym work, and later impact activity, each only on your surgeon's clearance. Whether an internal nail should be removed later is discussed with your surgeon.

Home · approx. months 6–12

Structured Physiotherapy Throughout Your Stay

Your rehabilitation programme includes physiotherapy sessions five days per week, tailored to your treatment stage and recovery progress. The programme focuses on maintaining joint mobility, managing muscle tightness and supporting functional recovery. Physiotherapy is an essential part of treatment, not an optional extra.

Understanding the Risks of Limb Lengthening Surgery

Limb lengthening is a major orthopaedic procedure. The figures below come from published studies across different patients, devices and techniques; they show the nature of each risk, not MSM Clinic's own results.

  • Pin-site infection up to ~52% with femoral external fixation Only with an external fixator; managed with daily pin-site care.
  • Delayed healing or non-union ~6–8% Monitored on X-ray; lengthening may be slowed or paused.
  • Nerve-related symptoms ~3–30% across studies Usually temporary, but permanent injury can occur.
  • Joint stiffness & contracture ~19% Physiotherapy throughout lengthening is essential.
  • Re-fracture after removal ~13% with external fixators Removal timed by imaging; gradual return to load.
  • Blood clots uncommon, serious Preventive measures and early mobilisation.
  • Implant-related problems varies by device Can require further surgery.

Some complications need further surgery and not all resolve fully. Your surgeon explains your individual risks, in writing, before you consent.

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation in Antalya

Your stay in Antalya is an important part of your treatment journey. Our international patient team can help coordinate suitable accommodation, transfers and practical arrangements based on your mobility requirements and treatment plan.

~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport

Distances are approximate.

What We Arrange With You

  • Suitable roomSuited to walking aids, confirmed when you book
  • BathroomAdaptations, where available
  • Lift accessTo your floor
  • BreakfastIf included in your package
  • Clinic transfersTo clinic and physiotherapy appointments
  • Local supportHotel reception and your patient coordinator
Ask About Accommodation Details depend on your treatment plan.
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For international patients

International Patient Services

Treatment involves an extended stay in Antalya, much of it with walking aids. Our international patient team coordinates the practical arrangements, so you can focus on your recovery.

Private transfer from Antalya airport to MSM Clinic

Travel and Transfers

Antalya Airport (AYT) is reachable from major US cities with one connection, usually via Istanbul. Our team arranges your transfers during treatment.

  • Private airport transfers, with accessible vehicles on request
  • Transport to clinic and physiotherapy appointments
  • Guidance on planning your flights
  • Assessment before you are cleared to fly home

Find Out Whether Limb Lengthening Is Right for You

Share your current height and your goals. Our team will explain the assessment process, the information we need from you and the next steps towards a consultation with Dr. Sançmış.

No obligationConfidentialEnglish-speaking supportAdults 18+

Transparent pricing

Transparent Treatment Planning and Pricing

Treatment costs depend on the surgical method and individual treatment requirements. Before proceeding, you will receive a written quotation outlining the proposed procedure, included services, payment arrangements and any potential additional expenses.

Itemised in Your Quotation

Each item is listed as included or not included
  • • Surgery and implants
  • • Hospital stay
  • • Medical assessments
  • • Imaging
  • • Physiotherapy
  • • Accommodation
  • • Airport and clinic transfers
  • • External fixator removal
  • • Internal nail removal
  • • Follow-up care
  • • Additional surgery required for complications

MSM Clinic · Antalya

Confirmed in writing after assessment
  • ✓ Internationally used systems: LON, PRECICE 2 and FITBONE
  • ✓ Physiotherapy five days per week during your stay
  • ✓ Lengthening-phase X-rays and reviews in Antalya
  • ✓ Fixator removal: inclusion stated in your quotation
  • ✓ Written quotation before any deposit
Method
External fixator
How lengthening is controlled
LON
Yes, during lengthening
External fixator over an internal nail
PRECICE 2
No
Magnetic nail with an external remote controller
FITBONE
No
Motorised nail with an external transmitter
Staged femur and tibia
Depends on the methods used
Two separate stages

Height gain, recovery time and length of stay are set individually after assessment; timings on this page are estimates, not guaranteed outcomes. Your written quotation lists what is included and what is not, such as flights, a companion's costs or imaging in your home country, together with any costs that may arise if additional treatment is needed.

Your questions answered

Limb Lengthening Surgery in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions

The achievable height increase depends on the selected method, bone anatomy, limb proportions and individual medical assessment. Your surgeon will discuss an appropriate target after reviewing your examination findings and imaging. A larger total gain generally means a longer treatment, and the gain that suits your proportions may be lower than the one you hope for.

It depends on your bone anatomy, including the width of the bone canal, your target, your general health and the specifications of each device. LON uses a temporary external fixator; PRECICE 2 and FITBONE are fully internal nails. Your surgeon recommends a method after assessment and explains the alternatives.

Limb lengthening involves significant discomfort, particularly after surgery and during the lengthening phase, when muscles and tendons are stretched. Pain is managed with medication and physiotherapy but cannot be avoided entirely. Experiences vary between individuals and methods.

Your stay covers surgery, the lengthening phase and enough consolidation for safe travel home, so it usually lasts several months; staged treatment of two segments takes longer. Your treatment plan states the expected duration, which can change depending on your progress.

Recovery is gradual and continues for many months after you return home. Walking without aids, returning to exercise and resuming impact sport each depend on bone healing and are decided by your surgeon using imaging, not by a fixed date.

The main risks include infection (particularly around external fixator pins), joint stiffness, delayed bone healing, nerve-related symptoms, blood clots, re-fracture and implant-related problems. Some need further treatment or surgery, and some can be permanent. Your surgeon discusses your individual risk before you consent.

This depends on the method and package. Your written quotation lists each item, including surgery, implants, hospital stay, imaging, physiotherapy, accommodation, transfers and device removal, as included or excluded, together with any costs that may arise if additional treatment is needed.

Physiotherapy is an essential part of treatment. During your stay in Antalya, sessions take place five days per week. Physiotherapy after you return home is usually arranged locally and is not included unless your quotation says so.

You follow an individual follow-up plan covering imaging, rehabilitation and contact with the medical team, with the timing set according to your method and progress. Remote reviews do not replace urgent care: if you develop warning signs such as fever, increasing pain or new numbness, seek local medical attention first and then contact us.

An external fixator is removed in a separate procedure once the bone has consolidated. Internal nails may be removed later, often 12–18 months after surgery, but removal is not always necessary. Whether removal is included is stated in your quotation.

Lengthening the legs does not change the length of the torso, so an excessive gain can alter body proportions. Proportion analysis is part of your assessment and may lead your surgeon to recommend a smaller gain or a particular segment.

Bone growth must be complete. MSM Clinic treats only adults aged 18 and over for cosmetic limb lengthening. Bone healing tends to slow with age, so older patients are assessed individually.

Once the new bone has fully consolidated, the gained length is part of your skeleton and does not reverse. Complications such as re-fracture or poor healing can affect the outcome, which is why follow-up matters.

The implant systems and surgical principles are the same; the difference comes mainly from local costs of hospital care, staffing and accommodation. When comparing clinics, consider the surgeon's experience with your method, monitoring, rehabilitation and written aftercare arrangements as well as price.

From enquiry to Antalya

Take the First Step Towards Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Considering limb lengthening surgery in Turkey? Contact MSM Clinic to learn more about your options, the assessment process, expected recovery and treatment costs. Our team will help you understand the next steps before making a decision.

1

Send Your Enquiry

Share your height, your goals and how to reach you. If you already have X-rays, you can send them; if not, we will tell you which images are needed.

2

Consultation and Assessment

A video consultation with Dr. Sançmış to discuss your goals, suitability, the possible methods and the risks that apply to you, followed by a written quotation. Your final treatment plan is confirmed after clinical examination and imaging.

3

Plan Your Stay in Antalya

Our team helps coordinate transfers, accommodation and your physiotherapy schedule before you travel.

Confidential enquiry | English-speaking support | No obligation

Why Antalya

Recover in Antalya, on the Mediterranean Coast

Clinic, physiotherapy and accommodation within a short distance of each other, in a city your family will enjoy while you recover.

MSM Clinic · Muratpaşa, Antalya

A look at Antalya and the clinic, before you decide.

  1. Mild Climate and a Level Seafront A flat coastal promenade for walks during recovery, in one of the warmest cities on the Mediterranean.
  2. Short Journeys During Treatment Clinic, physiotherapy and accommodation are a short drive apart, so there is less travel on walking aids.
  3. Somewhere Your Family Will Enjoy Old town, harbour, beaches and mountains: visitors can enjoy their time in Antalya while you recover.
  4. Easy Connections Antalya Airport (AYT) is reachable from major US cities with one connection, usually via Istanbul.

Randevu / Bilgi Al

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