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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Short Men Seek Surgical Stretching

Bone-breaking procedure gaining takers, at $100K a pop

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(Newser) – Short, and even not-so-short men who feel their height is holding them back in life are turning to surgery in growing numbers, Details reports. Clinics abroad offer cosmetic limb lengthening that can add a few inches of height, but the bill can top $100,000 and the procedure, which involves breaking and stretching the bones, leaves the patient crippled for months.

Experiences of the surgery vary. Some men end up flying home bankrupt, limping, and no taller than they were before, while others come back and delight in having gained an extra few inches. “I’m not bitter anymore,” said one man who turned to surgery to stretch his 5"6 frame. “I’ll be a better father and husband and son. I just want to be the best person I can be."

Many men who are shorter than the average feel that their height is holding them back and keeping them from getting on top in a tall man's world.
Many men who are shorter than the average feel that their height is holding them back and keeping them from getting on top in a tall man's world.   ((c) laffy4k)
Cosmetic limb lengthening is gaining popularity with people who think gaining a few inches in height will make all the difference in life.
Cosmetic limb lengthening is gaining popularity with people who think gaining a few inches in height will make all the difference in life.   (Shutter Stock)
The world's tallest man, Bao Xishun, who stands 7 feet 9 inches, waves at guests and members of the Chinese media as he stands with his bride.
The world's tallest man, Bao Xishun, who stands 7 feet 9 inches, waves at guests and members of the Chinese media as he stands with his bride.   (AP Photo/EyePress)
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