Stats:
Asian-American Male
17 years old
5'5" (165cm)
I have suffered from height dysphoria since I was 5 years old. I was always the shortest in my class by a significant amount, and I was teased for it. My worst school experience related to my height happened when I was in first grade, when the class collected data by measuring everyone's heights. Not only was I the only first grader who wasn't at least 4', the teacher even made me be the example one which meant that I was measured twice. Although this was a long time ago, it didn't get much better. I received a lot of "Oh, am I still taller than you even when ____?" It was at its worst in 6th grade when I was nearly half a foot shorter than everyone else.
I grew slightly faster than average during puberty, which was a great confidence boost for me. One year I grew almost 5". However, I never got to a height I was comfortable with. I was still always more than 3" shorter than most people my age I would meet and it always bothered me.
When I was 13, I watched Gattaca for school. When I saw the part where Vincent lengthens his legs in order to impersonate a taller character, I wondered when or if the surgery would become a real thing.
At 16, my little brother started coming close to my height. He has never shown any discomfort with his height and once made fun of me for having height dysphoria. One time, my mom even told me that I was a bad brother for being self-conscious about it.
It was about this time I found out cosmetic leg lengthening was indeed a real thing. However, the first thing I saw was the external procedures (even though internal existed at the time), which sounded extreme to me.
A few months later, I came across Rozbruch's video:
I found many of Sam's struggles to be relatable. It was at this point I started seriously considering this procedure. Ever since, I have done lots of research and understand the procedure, as well as the risks and commitment.
This is the only cosmetic procedure that I want, have wanted, and will ever want.
I feel worse and worse about my height every day knowing that I'm a day closer to my growth plates closing. I don't get teased as much anymore, but I feel that what I went through has had a permanent impact on my body image.
I'm expected to reach close to my dad's height of 5'6", but I wouldn't be content with that.
It would have a huge impact on my body image and emotional well-being if I could become 5'8" or 5'9", which could be achieved for me by doing 8cm in the femurs. I would do this with the STRYDE and from a reputable doctor, after I move out and get a job.
I'm not a competitive athlete, but I lift weights and enjoy building muscle. I want to continue doing this after I recover, although I understand this may not happen for a year or two.
Do you think that I would be a good candidate? Any feedback would be appreciated.