What is the LON Method?
The LON (Lengthening Over Nail) Method is a hybrid surgical technique used to increase a person’s height by gradually extending the leg bones. This procedure combines two powerful orthopedic systems: an internal intramedullary nail placed inside the bone and an external fixator attached outside the leg. Together, they allow for safe, controlled bone elongation with strong internal support during the healing process.
The method is trusted worldwide for its mechanical reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to support weight early in the recovery. At Estetik International, we perform the LON procedure with advanced imaging technology, expert orthopedic planning, and continuous medical supervision.
How Does the LON Method Work?
Surgical Placement A titanium nail is inserted into the center of the femur (thigh) or tibia (shin). An external fixator is then attached to the leg through small incisions.
Gradual Lengthening Starting a few days after surgery, the patient manually adjusts the external fixator daily. The bones are gently separated by 1 mm per day, allowing new bone tissue to regenerate in the gap.
Bone Healing After reaching the desired height (usually over 2–3 months), the fixator is removed. The internal nail remains in place for added support until full bone consolidation occurs.
Key Benefits of the LON Method
✅ Weight-Bearing from Day 1: Patients can walk with a walker immediately after surgery, as the structure can support up to 100% of body weight.
✅ No Delay in Elongation: Bone growth begins immediately after surgery.
✅ Faster Unassisted Mobility: Most patients can walk unaided 1–2 months after the external device is removed.
✅ Stable and Long-Term Support: Internal nails provide essential alignment and reinforcement during the healing phase.
✅ Affordable Solution: Offers a cost-effective alternative to fully internal systems.
✅ Proven track record: One of the most widely used and trusted techniques globally.
Surgery Duration
3 to 5 hours under general anesthesia.
Recovery in Istanbul
Minimum 3 months of on-site support is recommended. You’ll be monitored daily and receive tailored physical therapy, pain management, and nutritional care.
Lengthening Process
1 mm/day = 1 cm every 10 days
Up to 7–8 cm per bone segment
Dual-lengthening (femur + tibia) can achieve 12–14 cm total
Fixator is typically removed at 3 months
Walking Timeline
With walker: Within the first week
Standing for daily tasks: 2–4 weeks
Unassisted walking: After fixator removal (~3 months post-op)
Full mobility: After bone consolidation (6–9 months)
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The LON Method is ideal for patients who:
Are physically and psychologically healthy adults (ages 18–45)
Want a safe, time-tested surgical height increase
Can commit to a disciplined recovery program
Are comfortable with the appearance of external fixators during healing
Prefer an affordable, mechanically supported approach
Scarring and Aesthetics
This method requires external hardware during the lengthening phase, which leads to:
Approximately 10 small scars per leg (1–2 cm)
Minor scarring that typically fades and can be treated post-op
If scar minimization is a priority, Estetik International offers post-surgical scar management and regenerative treatments as part of our aftercare options.
LON vs. Other Limb Lengthening Methods
Device Type — Internal + External — Fully Internal
Weight-Bearing — Yes, early — No, delayed
Scars — Moderate — Minimal
Cost — Lower — Higher
Infection Risk — Moderate (external) — Low (internal only)
Walking Recovery — Sooner — Slower
Pre-procedure Tips for LON Method
Careful preparation helps ensure your LON surgery and lengthening phase go as smoothly as possible. Before your procedure, our team will guide you through the following steps.
Complete a full orthopedic evaluation and imaging to plan nail and fixator placement precisely.
Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products well in advance, as smoking impairs bone healing.
Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements as instructed by your surgical team.
Arrange for at least 3 months of on-site recovery support in Istanbul, including accommodation.
Begin any recommended pre-operative strengthening exercises for the legs and core.
Operation Day: Step by Step for LON Method
On the day of surgery, our orthopedic team follows a precise, well-established protocol to place the internal and external components safely.
General anesthesia is administered, and the surgical site is prepared under sterile conditions.
A titanium nail is inserted into the center of the femur or tibia through a small incision.
An external fixator is attached to the leg through additional small incisions and pins.
The bone is carefully cut (osteotomy) to allow controlled lengthening to begin days later.
You are moved to recovery for monitoring before returning to your private room.
Post-procedure Tips for LON Method
The weeks following surgery are critical for safe bone regeneration and a smooth recovery. Our clinical team will provide daily guidance, but the following general principles apply.
Begin daily fixator adjustments only as instructed, keeping to the prescribed 1 mm per day lengthening rate.
Use a walker for support during the first week, progressing to standing for daily tasks within 2 to 4 weeks.
Keep pin sites clean and dry, following your hygiene protocol closely to reduce infection risk.
Attend all scheduled physical therapy sessions to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.
Avoid smoking and maintain a nutrient-rich diet to support bone consolidation.
Patient stories
Breast Implants & Tummy Tuck · DKFrom Beautiful to Gorgeous!As a fitness model, Mia needed to keep her body in the best shape. She contacted Estetik International to give her the right touch to her gorgeous body. Check out her journey.Watch on YouTube 
Secondary Rhinoplasty · FRA Moving Story!After an unfortunate accident that broke her nose and altered her facial features, and after being rejected by many doctors in France due to her complicated case, she chose Estetik International and came to Turkey to have her nose fixed by our amazing surgeon Prof. Dr. Cenk Şen. She finally got her beauty and happy life back. Check out her full story here.Watch on YouTube 
Organic Hair Transplant · DEGorgeous Hair Loading!As a young man, baldness can make you look older. Our dear patient Andreas, decided to say “stop” to baldness and chose Estetik International to get his organic hair transplant done by our experts. Check his story and see how he decided to come with his friend to Istanbul to get their new hair.Watch on YouTube Frequently asked questions
The LON (Lengthening Over Nail) Method is a hybrid limb lengthening technique that combines an internal titanium nail with an external fixator to gradually and safely increase height. It suits physically and psychologically healthy adults, generally between ages 18 and 45, who want a time-tested, mechanically supported approach to height increase. Good candidates are able to commit to a disciplined recovery program and are comfortable with the temporary appearance of an external fixator during the lengthening phase.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 3 to 5 hours. A titanium nail is inserted into the center of the femur or tibia, and an external fixator is then attached through small incisions. A few days after surgery, the fixator is adjusted daily so the bone is gently separated by about 1 mm per day, allowing new bone tissue to regenerate in the widening gap while the internal nail provides ongoing structural support.
Patients can bear weight with a walker within the first week, since the LON construct supports early mobility. Standing for daily tasks is usually possible within 2 to 4 weeks. The external fixator is generally removed around 3 months, after which unassisted walking gradually resumes, with full mobility expected after bone consolidation at 6 to 9 months. A minimum stay of 3 months in Istanbul is recommended, with daily monitoring, physical therapy, and nutritional support.
Lengthening progresses at roughly 1 mm per day, or about 1 cm every 10 days, allowing up to 7 to 8 cm per bone segment. Combined femur and tibia lengthening (dual-lengthening) can achieve a total of 12 to 14 cm. Once the bone fully consolidates and the internal nail has done its job, the height gained is permanent, as the new bone tissue matures and remodels just like natural bone.
Because the LON Method uses external hardware during lengthening, patients can expect approximately 10 small scars per leg, each around 1 to 2 cm, which typically fade over time and can be further improved with post-operative scar management. As with any surgery involving external fixation, there is a moderate risk of pin-site infection, which is minimized through strict hygiene protocols and close monitoring. Estetik International also offers regenerative aftercare to support optimal healing and scar appearance.
Considering LON Method?
Share a few details and a patient coordinator will plan your consultation with the right surgeon.