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Rich Rotella, 38 years old, an actor from Los Angeles (USA), invested over $100,000 in leg lengthening surgery with hopes of advancing his acting career in Hollywood.
As a teenager, Rich Rotella stood at 5 feet 5 inches and always wished to be taller due to feeling insecure among peers. However, he opted not to use growth hormones as advised by a doctor but decided to wait to see if he would grow taller due to late puberty. It was only after an accident while playing basketball that Rotella realized he couldn't grow any taller.
Not Given Lead Role Due to Height
The actor first considered leg lengthening surgery in 2013. At that time, he was already married. Research indicated that the surgery cost amounted to $100,000, an unreasonable expense at that time.
Rotella has been acting in Hollywood since 2009, collaborating with numerous famous stars, from Betty White to Mindy Sterling, and many talented filmmakers. However, he has only been cast in supporting roles throughout his acting career. Therefore, in 2019, on the 10th anniversary of his entry into Hollywood, Rotella asked some directors and filmmakers what they truly thought about his career.
Critics claimed Rotella couldn't play lead roles due to his height, as lead actors are typically 5 feet 8 inches or taller. This left Rotella astonished and increasingly self-conscious.
Went into surgery completely healthy and woke up with two broken legs
In October 2020, the actor stumbled upon a YouTube channel specializing in cosmetic surgery, including limb lengthening surgery. Impressed, Rotella immediately reached out to the channel owner in hopes of collaborating to create a documentary film about his limb lengthening surgery journey.
They pitched this idea to NuVasive, a company specializing in surgical devices. After numerous discussions, the company agreed to provide equipment throughout the process to assist in completing the film.
Rotella decided to choose Dr. Dror Paley at the Paley Institute (Florida), who had successfully performed over 20,000 surgeries. The actor kept his intentions secret from those around him. It wasn't until a few months before the surgery that he shared his plans with his girlfriend, whom Rotella started dating after his divorce.
Following the surgery, Rotella had to stay in the hospital for 3 months and undergo physical therapy sessions 5 times a week to rebuild his leg bones. 'The surgery itself only lasted 4 hours, but the recovery phase was time-consuming because it was both slow-paced and painful,' the actor said.
The cost of leg lengthening surgery depends on the method chosen by each person, including physical therapy. For instance, Rotella chose thigh bone lengthening and spent over $100,000. Insurance did not cover this surgery.
He gained 8cm in height, going from 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches after the leg lengthening process.
A painful yet unforgettable experience, but no regrets
'This is one of the toughest things I've ever experienced in my life. Your bones regenerate extremely slowly when the device only stretches the leg bone by 1mm each day,' Rotella said.
He advises those considering height increase like himself: 'You need to thoroughly research the method you want to undergo and the recovery process, consult with doctors, and follow each step throughout the process. Also, have a contingency plan because the surgery will affect your work as you won't be able to work for several months. You can't do it alone without assistance.'
Currently, Rotella is still finalizing the documentary film about his leg lengthening journey, expected to be released in 2024. He has begun contacting some major studios in hopes of selling the rights to his story. Additionally, the actor also intends to participate in some new film projects.
'I didn't expect to receive negative reactions like how people around me thought I made a mistake by having the surgery. Because for them, leg lengthening is just like other cosmetic surgeries. I just did what I wanted, and even if my career in Hollywood didn't exist, I believe I would still do it.'
According to Insider
