Hello there,
I've been reading here since 2015 and FINALLY I made up my mind - I decided it that I want the surgery. But with the big decisions, the doubts come right to you: "What doctor will I give my legs to?"
The first one I had in consideration was Dr Sarin, from India, although after reading some of his patients' diaries I got a bit scared, so I discarded him. Obviously Dr. Paley is in the minds of many, but it is too expensive and I have to be realistic... I cannot afford him. Dr Xia, some Russian doctors and other Indians were my options, however I was still doubtful and started to think about ditching my dream of gaining a few inches. 
Days ago I read about Dr. Pili, from Italy, and boy, I think this is it. Could any of his patients tell me if it's worth going 8 to 9 months to Italy by myself and start this trip to be taller? It would be really nice to read some of your opinions or experiences.
Take care y'all.
- A. Lecter
On choosing a doctor for LL / What can you tell me about Dr. Pili?
Quote from: myloginacct on April 29, 2018, 01:50:18 PMMost of his and Catagni's patients stopped posting here.
You need to go into the patients' diaries section of the forum and use the search terms "Pili" or "Catagni".
Sarin is called a "butcher" around these parts, and a Chinese user recently warned us Xia is not even a certified doctor in China. Sringari also had terrible results. India is a non-option unless you go to Parihar (based on all of what I have read in my time here).
I'm not one of his patients, but I can at least share my opinion. My main issue with Pili is that he seems to be fine with almost anything (e.g. lengthening 8cm on tibias, patients traveling far away post-op). However, I respect Catagni a lot and their patients had good results so far. That's all I can say without being a LL veteran.
Hi man, I've read most of their patient's diaries and they seem to be doing pretty good.
Yeah I know Sarin's reputation, he fked up Sweden and some others. I'm not fking going there to be 'butchered'.
Right now my options are Pili or Salameh in Germany. Is he good for what you know?
My goal is to lengthen like 6 cm MAX and not getting by any means the ATL surgery because obvious reasons.
Take care buddy, thanks for the info.
- A. Lecter
Quote from: Body Builder on April 29, 2018, 03:27:02 PMGo to Pili and especially Catagni for external tibias and do about 6cm without problems.
But never let him perform you atl surgery to lengthen more because you'll simply be crippled.
So yes, Pili is a very good option for externals but stay away from atl at all costs.
Pili and Catagni seem like my particular best option based on budget, language (I speak italian and I have family there) and location because it's kinda scary going to india or russia by myself.
I'm not doing the atl surgery, that's just not an option.
Take care man.
- A. Lecter
Quote from: Great321 on May 01, 2018, 06:50:13 PMI sent an email to Dr. Pili today:
Dear Dr. Pili,
I have read good things about you and I’m planning to do this surgery (5-6cm – external tibia) soon.
I have a few questions:
1. Is it possible to get an surgery appointment by the end of August or in September?
2. Do you recommend (for safety reasons) to stay in Italy for the lengthening and consolidation phase?
3. If I aim 5-6cm how long does it take until the frames come off?
4. What location do you recommend for me to stay a few to several months that are not too expensive (less than 500/month) and not too far away from an airport?
5. How much PT is needed and how much does it cost?
His answer a few hours later:
You can have indeed 5-6 cm with HEF on tibia, it should take 7-11 months.
You can have an appointment with me in August-September.
http://drpiliortopedico.it/bookings/ for bookings
You can stay in Italy in Lecco for as long as you like. There are apartments you can rent for around 500 € and we will help with visa.
The surgery costs 19-20.000 €, if Achilles tendo lengthening is needed (80% chance) it will cost you around 4500 €, for frame removal another 3500 €.
Kind regards
Dr D Pili
[email protected]
www.drpiliortopedico.it
Is the Achilles tendo lenghtening really that common? I think it's strange that the cost of the frame removal isn't added to the price in the first place. On their website it's also written that full consolidation takes up to 5-6 months for 8cm. But he wrote me something with 7-8 months for 5-6cm ...?? I don't understand that
Thanks for the info man! it really helped me.
I'm pretty convinced with Pili... except for the ATL surgery. I don't trust that and I think the recovery that will be longer or you'll be movement-limited for life. That's just my opinion but I'd better ask a few doctors that I know to see what they think about it.
Does anyone here in this forum has had the ATL surgery? Did you recover after it?
- A. Lecter
Quote from: LongueEpopée on May 01, 2018, 11:17:43 PM
is it me or you're just comparing internal price (paley) with external price (pili) ?
Pili charges like 50 K for internals, I guess.
I send doc Pili an e-mail regarding the ATL surgery and other subjects. Here are his responses:
ME:
Ciao, Dottore Pili. Come stai?
I've been hearing a lot about you on some forums about Limb lengthening surgery and I'm really curious about some things:
1- Why is ATL surgery needed?
Some doctors and patients say that is not quite necessary and fairly dangerous.
2- Is there a possibility that you rise your prices in the future? I'm aware that LL with HEF is around 20k € and that's a reasonable price but I'm worried that it could rise because I'm not from Europe and that means that I have to save quite a lot of money.
3- I want to stay in Italy until my recovery is finished. Do I need a visa? How can I obtain it?
DR PILI:
1 - ATL surgery is needed to avoid equinus foot deformity.
It is not dangerous at all in my experience as I never had ant serious complication following this surgery.
If you get equinus foot during lengthening (80% chance over 4-5 cm lengthening) it is necessary to achieve a good alignment, to walk during the treatment and avoid long recovery time after frame removal.
2 - It is possible for me to rise the price as I have many requests… I can keep the price for you if you will come within 1 year or so…
Do not forget you need a 30 k budget at least considering medical all costs.
3- You need a visa if you come from outside the EU, where are you from?
- A Lecter
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