Frank, 38, has always felt like an outcast due to his height. At 5ft 6in, he’s slightly under the average male height worldwide. But after a life of being teased and belittled by others, Frank has decided to take drastic measures: leg lengthening surgery in Turkey.
“I had a lot of second thoughts,” Frank admits, reflecting on his decision. “But I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I needed to change my situation.” With the help of his wife Emilia, who’s been with him throughout the process, Frank embarked on a journey that would push his body and mind to the limit.
The surgery involved breaking his femurs and inserting metal rods into his thigh bones. Over the next six weeks, Frank will turn a key 5 times daily to stimulate new bone growth, aiming for a total gain of just over an inch. It’s a painstaking process, but one that he’s willing to endure for the chance to become average height.
As Frank prepares for his second surgery, which will remove the fixators after three months, he’s met with a mix of admiration and concern from others. Some see him as a pioneer in the field of leg lengthening, while others warn about the risks involved. But Frank remains resolute, convinced that the end result will be worth it.
“I’m not doing this for vanity or to impress anyone,” Frank says firmly. “I’m doing it because I want to feel average height, like everyone else.” Emilia, who’s been a constant source of support throughout his journey, shares similar sentiments. “For us, happiness comes from within, not from external things like material possessions or physical appearance.”
As the world watches Frank’s remarkable transformation, it raises questions about societal beauty standards and the impact they have on our lives. Is becoming average height truly a path to happiness, or is it just a fleeting illusion? Only time will tell, but for Frank, one thing is certain: he’ll continue to push his limits, no matter what the cost.
The Wanna Be Taller clinic in Istanbul has seen a surge in demand for leg lengthening surgery, with some patients opting for the procedure to correct bow legs or add extra height. But as the industry continues to grow, concerns about safety and aftercare remain. The clinic’s director, Serkan Aksoy, warns that patients must adhere to a strict regimen to avoid complications, which can include blood clots, joint issues, and chronic pain.
Frank’s journey serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in cosmetic surgery. With prices ranging from $32,000 to over £50,000, it’s an expensive proposition for many. But for Frank, the cost is worth it – not just for his physical transformation but also for the emotional weight he’s lifting off his shoulders.
As Frank looks back on his journey so far, he’s grateful for Emilia’s unwavering support and the lessons she’s taught him about life. “She’s shown me that happiness comes from within,” he says with a smile. And as he continues to grow, one centimetre at a time, it’s clear that Frank is on a path of self-discovery – one that will take him far beyond his current height.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/aug/17/being-short-is-a-curse-the-men-paying-thousands-to-get-their-legs-broken-and-lengthened