Safe limit to avoid Achiles tendon lengthening

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I would say 4.5 cm or so but that doesn't guarantee 100% success.

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Catagni opts for achilles lengthening as it makes overall recovery (walking normally) progress much faster.
As to whether or not the achilles will consequently be weaker, I'm not sure. I do know that achilles lengthening/release procedures are fairly common in the U.S. (obviously most are completely unrelated to LL) and I think there are different approaches to the surgery.

When I had turned 5.4 cm(actual gain of 5 cm), the doctor was impressed with how flexible I had remained. However, during the last cm (5 to 6), my achilles tightened up significantly.
I was only able to avoid achilles lengthening because I continued physio for another 3 weeks after I stopped turning.

*I did stretches for about 2 months prior to surgery

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@Whereintheworld? so is it possible to stop lengthening when you see ballerina feet developing? I would like the doctor to tell me: We either stop here or you'll need ATL if you want to gain more

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One thing is a fact

  achilles lengthening weakens the leg.  That's not an opinion, but a fact...   

Think about in terms of levers.. The achilles is  stretched, thinned,  and made less taut ,while the material remains the same. There is no way the achilles will be as strong after the surgery. Ask Paley

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Quote from: randomguy on December 11, 2016, 07:55:12 PM@Whereintheworld? so is it possible to stop lengthening when you see ballerina feet developing? I would like the doctor to tell me: We either stop here or you'll need ATL if you want to gain more

At the 5cm mark, I was told that I could probably gain one more cm without having to have ATL so long as I began physio- they were right.
You'll probably be seeing your doctor at least once a month during lengthening during which times I'm sure he will be able to tell you how your achilles is doing.
Some on this forum have mentioned that, for them, ballerina foot came suddenly.
If you're worried about tightening up between doctor visits, a good test is to stand up straight with your back against a wall, barefoot, and try to touch your heels to the floor.