A peculiar cosmetic trend is surging in Turkey: exceptionally tall women are voluntarily undergoing leg-shortening surgery—known medically as “leg shortening surgery”—not to gain height, but to appear “more delicate” and improve their chances of romantic acceptance. The procedure is costly, painful, and medically risky.
An Inverse Trend in Height Perceptions
While many in Iran wish to grow taller, Turkey has seen the rise of a reverse trend—women opting for a procedure that shortens parts of their legs. This surgery involves removing a segment of the femur or tibia and stabilizing the bone with internal metal rods, reducing height by a few centimeters. Originally designed to treat leg-length discrepancies, today some women choose it for aesthetic reasons—to appear more petite and, they believe, more attractive. Clinics in Istanbul advertise it within medical tourism packages, offering hospital stays, meals, and even city or seaside tours.
The Procedure: What It Involves
At clinics such as Luna Clinic in Istanbul, the operation is performed by orthopedic surgeons. A section of the thigh or calf bone is precisely removed, and an intramedullary nail is inserted to hold the bones in place as they heal. Typically, the femur can be shortened by up to 5.5 cm and the tibia by up to 3 cm in a single procedure. For greater reductions, multiple staged surgeries with recovery intervals are offere.
Recovery, Risks, and Limitations
Recovery is an arduous process. Patients may stay hospitalized for several days, then rely on wheelchairs or walkers initially, followed by intensive physiotherapy over weeks or months. Full recovery may take several months. The operation brings significant risks: extreme pain, risk of infection, nerve damage, muscle weakness, non‑union of bones, and other serious complications are all possible. Clinics also typically require patients to weigh between 70 and 75 kg for eligibility.
Growing Numbers Amid Controversy
Despite the risks, the procedure is becoming more common. Since 2023, at least ten such surgeries have been performed at a single hospital in Istanbul. Many tall women feel their height hinders social acceptance or romantic relationships, seeing the surgery as a way to increase their chances of marriage.
Beyond a Fad: A Feminine Identity Crisis
This phenomenon extends beyond cosmetic preference—it reflects a deeper identity crisis spurred by fashion‑obsessed, Westernized cultural values that prioritize a woman’s physical proportions over her intellect or social impact. In contrast, traditional cultural ideals valued women’s presence, wisdom, and societal roles. These extreme procedures paint a grim picture of shifting beauty standards.
From: flymedi