A Story for the Vertically Challenged

[amcnj]

Software engineers from big tech firms like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are paying at least $75,000 to get 3 inches taller, a leg-lengthening surgeon says

Here's how it works: The doctor breaks the patients' femurs, or thigh bones, and inserts metal nails into them that can be adjusted. The nails are extended a tiny bit every day for three months with a magnetic remote control, GQ reported.
It can take months to slowly lengthen the bones and for the legs to heal. One software engineer told GQ he spent the first three months after his surgery alone in his apartment and ordered delivery food during that time to go from 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9.
The procedure costs between $70,000 and $150,000, depending on whether the patient wants to grow 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches, GQ said.

 

[easyas123]

I read that article, it referenced a gentleman who happened to be a software engineer, didn't necessarily say all people who were getting the surgery were software engineers.

For what it is worth, this type of surgery has been around a long, long time. I'm a female who considered getting it in the late 80's/early 90's. My reasons were more medical, and in the end the recovery was rough which made me decide against it...but hey - it someone wants to spend their own $$$ on this than I say have at it, whomever they are.

 

[Karin1984]

And they are doing this because ...

 

[John VN]

And they are doing this because ...

SIZE matters

 

[Karin1984]

But is there an immediate benefit? Like a pay raise after recovery, a promotion. Or is it just to increase their chances as tall people get better pay etc.

 

[CinderEmma94]

But is there an immediate benefit? Like a pay raise after recovery, a promotion. Or is it just to increase their chances as tall people get better pay etc.

The person referenced in the article happened to be a software engineer but it’s not like it’s a common thing. I can’t see one of those companies incentivizing being out of work for what is a cosmetic procedure (if not done for medical reasons of course) for months. But, stranger things have happened.

My husband is a software engineer and gave me the strangest look when I read him this thread. He was like uhh we work sitting/standing at a desk why should height matter? It’s not like we are basketball players that said he doesn’t work for one of the companies listed so he can’t say for sure. It’s certainly never come up in conversation with his coworkers before.

 

[fly girl]

Yes, this surgery has been around for a while. I remember hearing about it when I was in my late teen/early twenties. As a shorty, I would love to be taller, but not by that route. Seems like a lot of pain and recovery for a few inches. I'll pass.

 

[nancipants]

But is there an immediate benefit? Like a pay raise after recovery, a promotion. Or is it just to increase their chances as tall people get better pay etc.

I’m 4’10”. I hate being so short. Step stools everywhere in the house. Not being able to reach things in stores. People overlooking you all the time. Saying you’re so “cute” and not respecting you as an adult even though you’re 40+. I’ve noticed I have gotten a lot more respect/responsibilities since I started working remotely. I would love to be taller, but not like this. I won’t even wear heels because they hurt too much.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I can't see over the deli counter, however I am not big on pain. I had a TKR three years ago and it was an 11 pain wise for at least a week and dropped slowly afterwards even with pain med. No, no, no!

 

[GAN]

SIZE matters

Why? Their feet grow too???

 

[sailorstitch]

Yeah... no. I like being 4 ft 11.

 

[Allison Joy]

I’m 4’10”. I hate being so short. Step stools everywhere in the house. Not being able to reach things in stores. People overlooking you all the time. Saying you’re so “cute” and not respecting you as an adult even though you’re 40+. I’ve noticed I have gotten a lot more respect/responsibilities since I started working remotely. I would love to be taller, but not like this. I won’t even wear heels because they hurt too much.

Oh my goodness. You are my soul sister here. 4'10" (that's technically if I round off) and I don't wear heels either. Even though that's like the first suggestion anyone has. But my reason is because my feet turn out when I walk, and so I'd basically fall/break my ankles if I wore heels. Or at least that's what I imagine.

 

[John VN]

Why? Their feet grow too???

Guess I had an inadequate attempt at double entendre humor?

 

[Mysterian]

And they are doing this because ...

 

[Mysterian]

It’s probably cheaper to get an amputation and prosthetic legs. Like Lt. Dan, of course. Save money on socks and/or pedicures too.

Stay tuned for more penny-pinching tips!

 

[shh]

I’m 4’10”. I hate being so short. Step stools everywhere in the house. Not being able to reach things in stores. People overlooking you all the time. Saying you’re so “cute” and not respecting you as an adult even though you’re 40+. I’ve noticed I have gotten a lot more respect/responsibilities since I started working remotely. I would love to be taller, but not like this. I won’t even wear heels because they hurt too much.

But you RULE when it comes to air travel, right? Plenty of comfy legroom even when the seat in front inclines back...while taller folks sit in contorted misery for all those hours.

 

[SirDuff]

But you RULE when it comes to air travel, right? Plenty of comfy legroom even when the seat in front inclines back...while taller folks sit in contorted misery for all those hours.

Yup. I'm taller (almost 5'2") but even in economy with the person in front of me reclining, my knees aren't pressed against the seat back.

Though I do sometimes have to resort to standing on the seat to get stuff from the overhead bin (only if I'm in the aisle seat that I'm standing on, of course).