I had LON tibia surgery about 6 months ago with Dr. Doan in Vietnam. I was 165 cm and lengthened to 172 cm—that’s a full 7 centimeters. The procedure cost $15k, and with accommodations included, the total came to around $20k.
I wasn’t planning to write or post anything about this because I want to keep my identity private. This procedure is still considered taboo and shameful by many. But I always wanted to be a little taller.
The first few days after surgery weren’t too bad for me—I hardly took any medication. But there was a constant pain, usually between levels 1 to 4. At one point, it spiked to a 9 or 10, and that was excruciating. The best way I can describe it is like having my foot stuck in a grill—it just kept burning. Fortunately, I was only 4 hours away from getting my fixators removed. But those 4 hours were pure hell.
I also dealt with constipation, many sleepless nights, sore thumbs, some back pain, leg stiffness, burning sensations, and random sharp pains in my legs—but no fevers.
Now, about six months post-op, I’m doing okay. There’s some tightness around my ankles that’s been lingering for over a month. Hopefully, that goes away soon. I can walk without crutches, but not for long distances, and I probably won’t be walking normally for at least another six months. I sleep fine now.
If you’re seriously thinking about doing this, my best advice is to ask yourself if the height increase will genuinely improve your life. For me, I’m not sure yet. I’m still using crutches, I’m not dating, and I haven’t returned to work. Only time will tell. But overall, I’m pretty happy with the height increase itself.
Just be ready—this process comes with intense pain. It's also mentally draining. Physiotherapy was no joke either.
Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll try my best to help.
Got 7cm Taller – My LON Tibia Experience in Vietnam (6 Months Later)
Being significantly over or under the ideal tibia-to-femur ratio of 0.8:1 can increase the risk of mobility issues and joint stress over time. But that’s not all—other complications can surface decades later, like abnormal joint wear, spine curvature, lower back pain, bowing, refractures, or nonunion zones. Some muscles may never fully adapt to their new length. It’s just one of the many risks you sign up for. Who knows—maybe I’ll be completely immobile by then. I sure hope not.
Here’s the real trade: you gain real inches of height… in exchange for years of discomfort, physical limitations, emotional highs and lows, financial strain, and a small but very real risk of permanent damage.
So—is it worth it?
If height has been the deepest thorn in your side, and you’re clear-eyed about the grind and the gamble, then yeah—it can be. But if you’re hoping to walk out of it a brand-new person without confronting what’s already inside, limb lengthening won’t bring you peace. It’ll just make you taller in the same storm.
My proportions are even better now. Many people are born with shorter arms and long legs and vice versa, so that was the least of my worries.
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