A strange but growing medical trend is pulling women from different parts of the world to Turkey. This time, it’s not for the popular Brazilian butt lift or liposuction, but for something even more extreme—leg-shortening surgery.

The controversial procedure, offered in select clinics in Istanbul, involves cutting a section of the leg bone (usually the thigh bone), removing a part of it, and then fixing the bone back with a metal rod. In some cases, the lower leg is also shortened. Reports say the surgery can reduce height by about 5.5cm in the thigh and an extra 3cm from the lower leg.

While clinics often advertise the operation as leaving little to no scars, the reality is far from simple. Recovery is tough, involving months of physiotherapy, long periods on crutches or in a wheelchair, and the risk of serious complications. Some patients have reported weak muscles, joint dislocations, delayed bone healing, blood clots, and in rare cases, death.

So, why are women putting themselves through such pain? For some, it’s about confidence and relationship preferences. Surveys have shown that many men prefer shorter partners, and a number of patients admitted they felt “too tall” to be seen as attractive. Others said they went under the knife to fix leg-length differences or for health reasons.

One American woman who had the surgery in Istanbul last year went from 172cm to 167.9cm. A month after the operation, she was still relying on crutches and heavy physiotherapy. Another woman reportedly trimmed almost 5cm off her height.

Despite the dangers, demand for the surgery is rising. A clinic named Height Reduction in Istanbul claims to have carried out 10 such operations since 2023. To lure clients, many hospitals package the procedure as part of a “medical tourism deal,” offering luxury accommodation, city tours, and other perks along with the surgery.

Before approval, patients must go through psychological tests to confirm they understand the risks and can handle the physical and emotional recovery process.

Health experts, however, warn that this should not be treated as an ordinary cosmetic fix. The risks are high, and complications could last a lifetime. Still, researchers say society’s perception of height plays a big role in why some women go this far.

Interestingly, science has also linked height to health challenges. A Swedish study discovered that for every 10cm above average height, a woman’s risk of developing certain cancers increases by 18%. Tall women have also been found more prone to conditions like endometriosis.