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'Even 2 years post-surgery, the scars and marks still linger, not completely gone,' shared the young woman.
For many, physical appearance is a delicate matter. Sometimes, a few careless words can inflict a lifetime of self-consciousness! Tâm (nickname Hyanna, 1996, Hanoi) underwent leg lengthening surgery two years ago due to 'psychological discomfort.'
Tâm (nickname Hyanna, 1996, Hanoi) underwent leg lengthening surgery due to 'psychological discomfort.'
Originally standing at 1m48 with a lively personality, Tâm faced numerous rejections and hesitations to participate in artistic activities due to her 'short' stature. Moreover, she was teased by friends, missing out on many developmental opportunities for the same reason. Tâm gradually became self-conscious, less expressive, and hesitant to mingle with others.
To address this psychological barrier, she opted for leg lengthening. 'This is the most correct decision in 27 years.' After over 2 years of undergoing this major surgery, Tâm's life has undergone significant changes.
Scars remain unhealed after 2 years.
Tâm once shared about her ongoing leg lengthening journey. She started this surgery at the end of February 2021. It's known that the total cost Tâm incurred was over 200 million VND. This amount includes surgical fees, physical therapy sessions, and post-surgery recovery. When starting the surgery, the number of centimeters to be lengthened depends on each individual's physique rather than a specific figure. For Tâm, this figure was 7cm. Currently, she stands at a height of 1m55.
Initially, Tâm mentioned that the first few centimeters wouldn't be too painful. However, by the 5th or 6th centimeter, the pain started varying every day: 'Some days it's the thigh, some days the ankles, tendons here and there. But honestly, the pain doesn't compare to the insomnia and numbness in my feet.' She also advised against relying too much on sleeping pills because even if taken, sleep wouldn't be restful.
Every night, Tâm manages to sleep for 2-3 hours before waking up. Upon waking, she massages her legs to alleviate the ache before going back to sleep. This cycle repeats every night. Tâm also shares a tip for those undergoing leg lengthening like her: 'Sleeping at an angle makes it easier to fall asleep. However, there's a risk of knee contractures, so one must be cautious. If you want future physical therapy to be easier, it's still better to endure sleeping straight.'
The symptoms persisted until the 4th month after removing the screws. However, thankfully, those pains are now a thing of the past. Sleep has also improved and no longer affects her currently.
Furthermore, there's the issue of scars, which are one of the telltale signs of Tâm's leg lengthening. Because even 2 years after surgery, the scars and marks are still there, not completely gone. Apart from surgical scars, there are marks from wearing the fixed frame and remnants of the screws. When there are important events, she uses concealer to blur them out a bit.
However, the pains, insomnia, and scars are not something ugly; rather, they are what make Tâm a better version of herself today.
How different is it before and after leg lengthening?
If there's one thing that has changed the most before and after leg lengthening, for Tâm, it's confidence. No longer overshadowed by insecurity standing next to her 1m6 tall friend, now even though she still has to wear high heels to match, Tâm is happy with it.
Tâm shares what she gained after leg lengthening: More opportunities in life and work, a more comfortable lifestyle, and much more confidence. Especially, social issues have been greatly improved.
However, after sharing her leg lengthening story on social media, there were people who commented negatively, 'I don't understand why you have to go through so much just for a few centimeters,' or even worse, 'You're already fine, what if you end up in a wheelchair for life?'.
But Tâm explains: 'For me, everything is worth it. The decision I made, the difficulties I endured, and the sacrifices I accepted to pursue my dream, what's wrong with that? I just want to do the things I dreamed of when I was young so that I won't regret it later. Now, even though there are still some minor issues, I can wear the clothes I like, go out without looking up at other people's noses anymore!'.
Spending her own money and enduring the pain and aftermath of pulling her leg, Tâm has overcome it all. Therefore, at present, what matters most is living well and being happy, that's Tâm's priority. As for the future, who knows how it will turn out?
