A woman who paid $161,000 to extend her legs by 5.5 inches has been left with huge regrets.
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 designed to gradually extend the leg bone.
It is commonly used to correct leg length discrepancies and can also address conditions that cause irregular bone growth or shorter bones, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Due to its complexity, the procedure carries risks, and health experts warn that some patients experience long-term complications.
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, in addition to growing more bone, the body must also generate more muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. The process remains extremely complex, with a high complication rate.”
At just 24 years old, Fischer underwent the grueling leg-lengthening procedure, which involved inserting adjustable telescopic rods into her shins to gradually extend her legs.
Before the surgery, the influencer stood at 5ft 6, but after the operation, she now measures over 6ft.
In an August 2023 interview with radio network MDR Jump, then 31, Fischer claimed that her ex-boyfriend had pressured her into undergoing the procedure.
According to Daily Star, she recalled him saying: “Theresia, you know I like tall women. I would really like this. You could gain up to 14 centimeters.”
She also alleged that he manipulated her, repeatedly telling her, “You can’t do anything without me. You need me.” Over time, she said, the constant reinforcement made her believe she was nothing without him.
Although Fischer had always been happy with her body, she now feels regret over the drastic change.
“I am ashamed because I consented to a surgery that I shouldn’t have had,” she admitted. “I’ve never struggled with this before because I was always happy with my body.”
The leg-lengthening procedure hasn’t just taken an emotional toll on Fischer—it has also left her with periosteum inflammation, a condition where the connective tissue surrounding the bones becomes inflamed.
As a result, she was forced to quit the German version of Battle of the Reality Stars.
Filming reality TV was already challenging, but physically demanding tasks made it even harder.
“When I had to run or move quickly, it felt strange—running with metal in your legs isn’t natural,” she explained.
According to The Mirror, doctors also informed Fischer that the fibula in one of her legs had not grown as expected.
Now, she longs for the day when she can finally have the metal support rods removed.
