Many of us wish that we could be taller for personal and professional reasons, but aside from wearing high heels or platform shoes to add a few inches, height is something that has always been out of our control—until now.

Silicon Valley Orthopaedics (SVO) in Fremont, California is a state-of-the-art orthopedic practice that utilizes new technology to offer elective limb lengthening surgery. Led by Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Kerisimasi Reynolds, SVO has helped patients across San Jose and the Silicon Valley reach their desired musculoskeletal health goals. The procedure can be life-changing for those who feel their height is holding them back.

The “Reach New Heights” limb lengthening surgery program can help achieve up to five inches of added height using minimally invasive procedures. SVO is one of the few practices across the country to offer this cutting-edge procedure and Dr. Gay ranks among the top orthopedic surgeons that perform it.

We interviewed Dr. Gay to learn more about the innovative Reach New Heights limb-lengthening procedure, who is a candidate for it, costs, and more.

What is the Reach New Heights Orthopedic Limb Lengthening Procedure?

Our “Reach New Heights” limb lengthening surgery program is really cutting-edge and can be life-changing for those who feel their height is holding them back in their personal and/or professional life. Using the most advanced medical technology and techniques, my orthopedic team at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics can help add up to five inches to a patient’s height using minimally invasive procedures. I bet that most people don’t even know this kind of surgery exists, so we are excited to be offering it!

How new is the orthopedic limb lengthening procedure and how long have you been offering it?

The procedure has been proven safe and effective to fix certain femur fractures for a while. I have been performing the procedure for a number of years. 

Is Silicon Valley Orthopaedics the only location currently offering limb-lengthening on the West Coast?

Actually, we are amongst the select few orthopedic surgeons to both offer this elective procedure, as well as have the experience needed to accomplish excellent results!

Can you tell us more about how the procedure works and what it consists of?

Elective bilateral femur lengthening is a complex cosmetic procedure used to extend the length of the upper leg bone, creating considerable added height. After the actual surgery is performed, the lengthening phase and physical therapy begin. Patients can undertake this second part of the process at home and under the guidance of a physical therapist with ongoing visits to the clinic to check on the progress every few weeks until completion. 

How long does it take to see results? 

Most limb lengthening is completed in three to five months. And now we can lengthen bones completely inside the body. No external hardware is required, which is great, and patients can walk again within a few days of surgery. The procedure requires a one-inch incision to access the femur and place an internal lengthening device on the bone that will slowly expand the length of the femur.

How long does the actual surgery take and what's the recovery time?

The procedure itself takes roughly an hour. So from start to finish, the total time in and out the door will be roughly three hours.

How does the body respond to the procedure?

It’s very flexible, which makes the procedure possible. To create additional femur length and added height, the femur is cut and a lengthening device is inserted into the bone. As the bone heals, it creates new bone to fill the gap. The lengthening device creates a larger gap to be filled with new bone. 

What happens after the actual surgery?

The lengthening is completed four times daily outside the skin using magnets with an external remote control in your own home. The lengthening occurs at a rate of about one millimeter a day until the desired length is reached. It’s quite amazing, really.

Is the procedure painful?

The lengthening is virtually pain-free once it is complete. Patients do require pain control while lengthening is occurring, but we have not had any problems in this regard.

Who is an ideal candidate for limb-lengthening?

The ideal candidate for our Reach New Heights bilateral femur lengthening is over the age of 18; a healthy, non-smoking young adult; and finished growing.

What's the average cost for this type of procedure?

The cost is $100,000 for both sides and includes all implants, OR time, anesthesia, x-rays, and clinic visits.

What advice would you offer to patients considering this?

I tell patients that limb lengthening is a journey that we go on together. And since patients can walk again within a few days of surgery, making our journey together much more enjoyable than in the past.

To schedule a consultation or for more information about the Reach New Heights limb lengthening procedure at SVO, please call (650) 379-4616 or visit here.

[Images courtesy of Silicon Valley Orthopaedics]

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Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk