MSM Clinic explainer — part 1
Explore limb shortening surgery in Antalya with Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış. Learn about treatment options, recovery and personalised care.
Tell us your height and what you would like to change. Our team will explain the consultation process and help you understand which assessments may be required.
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Have a question about limb shortening? Message our English-speaking patient team on WhatsApp.
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A documented patient case
−6 cm
Before 178 cm · after 172 cm
5′10″ → 5′8″
4 cm from the femur and 2 cm from the tibia, both legs. The reduction was shared across two levels.
Results vary and depend on bone anatomy, muscle length and the segment used. This case is not a prediction of your result. Published with signed patient consent.

Dr. Mesut Sançmış
17 years
in orthopaedics and traumatology,
since 2009
Op. Dr. Mesut Sançmış is an Orthopaedics and Traumatology specialist. He leads each patient's assessment and treatment plan at MSM Clinic.
He 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.
Limb shortening is a narrow indication. Cosmetic enquiries are assessed clinically and psychologically, and a case is declined when surgery is unlikely to help.
Licensed for international patients
Ministry of Health Health Tourism Authorisation
Explainer videos
Short videos from MSM Clinic about treatment and what to expect.
MSM Clinic explainer — part 1
MSM Clinic explainer — part 2
MSM Clinic explainer — part 3
Google, Trustpilot and WhatClinic reviews
Most of these reviews relate to MSM Clinic's general orthopaedic services rather than limb shortening.
Reviews from across the practice — knee, foot and ankle, trauma and deformity work. This is the surgeon’s day job, not a sideline.
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely. When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me. While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case.
Service was excellent. I'm forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I'm still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I'm confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver, he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy, who was with me throughout the whole process, made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn't feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visited me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them.
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options and plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again.
Superb service and very quick and professional, made me feel at ease, reassured me every step of the way. If you need pain blocking or facet joint injections then come here, they will solve your problem. From the minute I arrived I knew I had chosen the best surgeon and team to help me. I had an MRI and x-ray within an hour of my consultation, 2 hours later I had a full diagnosis and treatment plan, 20 minutes after that I had my treatment. They've taken away my pain and I'm so happy. I will return if I ever need help in the future, 100%.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day. The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmış. The consultation was clear, supportive and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmış showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed. The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally. I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness and attention to detail. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the hospital procedure and the after care — absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen, with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great clinic. Thanks MSM.
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great service via WhatsApp, they speak English. Modern clinic, all innovative methods, state of the art equipment. Near hotels in Lara and Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
I had a really painful neck and back. I had two therapy sessions and it really, really helped. I now don't feel pain and the movement in my back is so much better. Thank you!
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided. Dr. Mesut Sançmış and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused. It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems? Here's your source for these and much more. Please don't hesitate to book your first consultation to start on the path of healing.
What is removed, and from where
Limb shortening, also called height reduction surgery, removes a planned segment of bone. The ends are held together with a nail inside the bone while they heal. There is no lengthening phase and no external frame.
Thigh bone
A measured segment is removed from the femur and the bone ends are fixed with an internal nail. The femur usually allows a larger reduction than the tibia, but the safe amount is set individually after assessment.
Shin bone
A smaller segment is removed from the tibia, as the calf muscles and nerves have less slack. It may be used alone for a small reduction or combined with femoral shortening. The safe amount depends on your anatomy.
One leg
The longer leg is shortened so that both legs match. The amount is based on an accurate measurement of the difference on full-length standing X-rays. It may reduce the need for a shoe lift.
Recovery times vary from person to person. The timings below are approximate and are confirmed after medical assessment.
Full-length standing X-rays measure your legs. Cosmetic cases also include a psychological assessment.
From home · approx. 2–4 weeks
The segment to be removed and the nail size are planned on your imaging before surgery.
Before surgery
The planned segment is removed and the bone ends are fixed with an internal nail. Whether one or both legs are treated is decided individually.
Antalya · day 0
A short hospital stay, then walking with crutches. Physiotherapy starts early and focuses on muscle strength.
Antalya · approx. weeks 1–3
Weight-bearing increases as the bone heals on X-ray. Many patients stop using crutches within several weeks.
Home · approx. weeks 3–12
Regaining full muscle strength usually takes several months of structured exercise. Sport returns on your surgeon's clearance.
Home · approx. months 3–9
Limb shortening is a major operation on healthy bone, and its risks differ from those of lengthening. The figures come from published studies and are not MSM Clinic's own results.
Some complications need further treatment or surgery. Your surgeon explains your individual risks before you consent.
Our team can help arrange accommodation around your treatment and mobility needs. Ramada Plaza Antalya is one option to discuss during planning.
Ramada Plaza AntalyaAccommodation option · near the old town (Kaleiçi)
Distances are approximate.
For international patients
Practical support before, during and after your stay in Antalya.

Our team arranges your transfers during treatment.

Accommodation options are shown above. Your stay is planned around your mobility after surgery.

A named coordinator supports you throughout. Clinical instructions are given in writing, in English.

You receive a follow-up plan for imaging, rehabilitation and contact with the medical team.
Remote reviews do not replace urgent care. With fever, increasing pain, swelling, calf pain, breathlessness or new numbness, seek local medical help first, then contact us.

You receive a written quotation before any deposit.
Contact MSM Clinic to learn about limb shortening surgery, recovery and personalised treatment planning.
Transparent pricing
The cost depends on the procedure, whether one or both legs are treated and your medical needs. You receive a written quotation after assessment.
Your quotation lists each item above as included or not included. Flights, a companion's costs and imaging in your home country are usually not included. Prices are confirmed only after assessment, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Answered properly
There is no single safe figure. The amount depends on the bone used, your muscle length and your anatomy, and the femur usually allows more than the tibia. Your surgeon sets a safe target after examination and X-rays. Larger reductions increase the risk of lasting muscle weakness.
In principle, yes, but recovery is different. There is no daily lengthening phase or external frame, so the stay is usually shorter. The main challenge after shortening is regaining muscle strength, because the muscles are left relatively slack.
For a leg length difference, shortening the longer leg is often simpler than lengthening the shorter one. Lengthening may be preferred if you do not want to lose overall height or the difference is large. The choice is made with your surgeon after measurement.
Usually around two to three weeks, including a short hospital stay, wound checks, physiotherapy and a control X-ray before you fly. The exact length depends on your procedure and progress, and is stated in your treatment plan.
You usually walk with crutches soon after surgery. Many patients stop using crutches within several weeks, depending on bone healing. Return to driving and work depends on your job, which leg was treated and your surgeon's advice.
Yes, at first. After shortening, the thigh or calf muscles are relatively slack and need months of targeted exercise to regain strength. Staying within the planned reduction helps protect long-term function.
Your legs become shorter while your sitting height stays the same, so your torso looks relatively longer. How noticeable this is varies between people. Your surgeon reviews your proportions with you before you consent.
Yes, for cosmetic height reduction. The change is permanent and cannot be reversed, so we need to be confident that surgery is likely to help. If the assessment suggests otherwise, the case is declined.
Yes. Inserting the nail requires small incisions, usually near the hip or knee depending on the bone treated. Scars fade over time but do not disappear completely. Your surgeon can show you where they will be.
Not always. Many patients keep the nail permanently. If it causes discomfort, it can be removed in a shorter second procedure once the bone has fully healed. Your quotation states whether removal is included.
Treatment is only for adults aged 18 and over, once bone growth is complete. There is no fixed upper limit, but bone healing slows with age, so older patients are assessed individually.
You have a named contact, and your follow-up imaging can be reviewed remotely. For urgent symptoms, seek local medical care first. The cover for complications, and for how long, is set out in writing before you pay a deposit.
From enquiry to Antalya
Share your height, what you would like to change and any X-rays. If you have none, we tell you which ones are needed.
A video consultation with Dr. Sançmış and, for cosmetic cases, a psychological assessment. A written quotation follows; the final plan is confirmed after examination.
Our team helps arrange transfers, accommodation and physiotherapy. Most of the recovery continues at home.
Confidential Enquiry | English-Speaking Support | No Obligation
Why Antalya
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.