Theresia Fischer, an influencer and a former German Celebrity Big Brother contestant, stood at five foot six when she underwent the unusual procedure at age 24.
Although she was initially happy about the life-changing operation, it appears she now has some regrets.
Leg lengthening surgery is a complex procedure that gradually makes the leg bone longer.
It’s often used to treat differences in the length of the legs and can also treat conditions that cause bone growth irregularities or shorter bone length, per the Cleveland Clinic.
As it’s complex, the procedure doesn’t come without risks and health experts say some people are left with long-term problems.
Professor Hamish Simpson, of the British Orthopaedic Association, told the BBC: “The techniques and technology have improved substantially over the past couple of decades, making it a safer procedure.
“However, as well as growing more bone – more muscle, nerve, blood vessels, and skin have to be grown and the procedure remains an extremely complex process, with a high complication rate.”
Fischer underwent the brutal procedure at the age of just 24. It involved inserting adjustable telescopic rods into her shins and gradually, her legs extended.
Before the operation, the influencer measured 5ft 6 and after undergoing the knife, she now stands at over 6ft.
In an August 2023 interview with radio network MDR Jump, aged 31, Fischer alleged her ex-boyfriend ‘urged’ her to undergo the procedure.
She claimed (per Daily Star): “‘Theresia, you know I like big ladies. So I would really like this. You could get up to 14 centimeters more.’”
“[He would say] ‘You can’t do anything without me. You need me.’ And if you are told that 20, 30, 60, 70 times – then you believe that you are nothing without him.”
The influencer said she’s always been ‘happy’ with her body but now feels ‘shame’ about drastically changing her appearance.
“I am ashamed because I consented to an operation that shouldn’t have had,” Fischer continued.
“I’ve never dealt with that before because I’ve always been happy with my body.”
Yet the leg-lengthening procedure hasn’t just affected Fischer emotionally – she now has periosteum inflammation, which is a condition that occurs when the connective tissue that surrounds bones becomes inflamed.
This condition led the influencer to quit a German version of the Battle of the Reality Stars show.
She said filming reality TV shows was always challenging, especially when she was required to run or move around a set quickly.
“When I had to run a little or be faster – it’s just strange to run with metal in your legs,” Fischer said.
The influencer has also been informed the fibula bone in one of her legs had not grown as planned, as per the Mirror.
Now Fischer is ‘longing’ for the day she can have her metal support rods removed.
