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Author Topic: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee  (Read 1586 times)

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Smiley BOI

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My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« on: January 16, 2025, 01:02:01 PM »

My Personal LON Leg Lengthening Journey as a Pretty Young Patient compare to Most of the Patients.
Dr. Donghoon Lee
   •   Dr. Donghoon Lee was my surgeon. He is the only doctor in the facility, so you can rest assured he performs every surgery himself. This dedication sometimes made him look a bit tired, which I found both impressive and funny maybe some people would find that scary haha.
Before I Started
   •    I was 164 or 165 cm idk the height measurements of the Clinic is well different, some say u need to add 1 cm some say it’s accurate who knows I will use the height machine when I go back home , and my reason for doing this surgery is the same as for all short people—height insecurities and mainly just finding hard to fit pants in the western country. These feelings affect both some men and some women I feel like.
The Process
   •The bone lengthening started on September 15, 2024.
   •My goal was to grow 6.5 cm, but I ended up reaching 7.9 cm, which made me very happy since I had good angle flexibility sometimes I got 40 degree if u have around 30 no need to worry about it.
Daily Routine
   •   My days were repetitive and could feel mentally draining at times. The routine was simple but necessary: wake up, eat, stretch, lengthen, and sleep. I followed this pattern every day for around 125 days.
The First Surgery
   •   My first surgery to place the device in my leg was done by Dr. Lee. Waking up after the surgery was difficult for the first three hours—it felt brutal. However, after that until I finish lengthening I had no physical pain at all, which the doctors said was unique to my case. It may be because I’m young, but this is not common for most patients.
Support During Recovery
   •   My physical therapist, Mr. Lee, was not only skilled but also very funny and kind. He was incredibly supportive throughout the recovery process and helped me stay motivated.
   •   My translator, Yujin, was incredibly helpful, funny, and kind, making the experience easier. The Japanese translator, though not my translator, greeted everyone warmly and had a glowing, kind personality. Translators are especially important if you’re a foreigner—they’re someone you can always rely on for help.
Honorable mention
Mr Kim from the Pt who is so generous and gentle
Kim who is well idk what she do but she greets me and a lot of patients very kindly.
The head nurse can be seen everyday in 3 floor she is very nice she look like a mother to most patients pretty funny.
Pin Care and Allergies
   •   I had an allergic reaction at the metal pin sites, but I took allergy medication that made the itching almost completely go away.
   •   I cleaned my pin sites three times per week, even though the recommendation was only twice. I was very careful because I was scared of infection, and thankfully, I didn’t experience any.
   •   Some patients, including one of the four close friends I made (who started at 161 cm and lengthened to 167.5 cm), got infections because they only cleaned once per week.
Challenges and Observations
   •   I personally experienced no physical pain throughout the process, but I learned from other patients that the hardest parts are the tightness, discomfort, and difficulty sleeping.
   •   The repetitive nature of each day added a mental challenge to the physical one.
   •   Regular X-rays and follow-ups were done every two weeks, costing around $65 per session.
Device Removal
   •   After the device was removed on January 13, 2025, I was able to walk everywhere with crutches just two days later, which is not normal. Most patients take around three weeks to achieve this level of mobility. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s important to do your own research and make sure you choose the right doctor for your journey.
Scars and Future Plans
   •   My scar is unfortunately quite noticeable due to my melanin production, but I plan to get laser treatment in the future to improve its appearance.
   •   In October 2026, I hope to undergo femur lengthening, depending on whether I can save enough money. I understand this will be costly, considering the price of surgery, physical therapy, and a 4 to 5-month hotel stay at around $55 per night, which added up significantly, probably will get more expensive next year but I’m just thinking of a investment to myself.
Food Delivery
   •   I used the app Baemin to order food during my stay. It’s not specifically foreigner-friendly, but foreigners can still use it without much trouble.
Looking Back
The  most memorable memory would be eating Fried Chicken almost  Everyday from Kyochon their garlic original flavor top tier thank me later ;) ;)
BEST ADVICE I personally can give
STRETCH,STRETCH and lastly and sadly STRETCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
« Last Edit: January 16, 2025, 01:33:24 PM by Smiley BOI »
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lengthenme

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2025, 03:08:17 PM »

Hey Bro,
Congrats on your journey , how much doesn't cost for LON tibia with Dr Lee . Also it is strange that he is doing LON not internal , I remember Dr Lee is not a big fan of external frames
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Smiley BOI

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2025, 03:51:27 PM »

At the physical therapy center, I saw many patients using both the LON and Precice methods. Most of the Korean patients I met had the support, financial resources, and time to choose the Precice method, which makes them quite lucky. In fact, many Korean families even visited and stayed in the hospital to help their sons or daughters mainly sons through the process. I’ll admit, I felt a little jealous seeing that kind of family support.
For international patients like me, the journey is different. You typically have to work harder to afford the process, especially if considering Precice I think if u are not mentally prepared it will be hard since u can’t stand for around 3 to 4 months depending on the conditions I’m focused on saving money because Precice costs about double what LON does.
Most reason why Patients goes for LON this goes both for international and the Koreans is because of the cost,I also asked around a lot did not know Korean cares so much about proportion and the scars it is kinda scary lmao.

The LON surgery itself costs around 55 million won (approximately $44,000 USD). However, after reviewing my bank statements, I realized I spent a total of around $60,000 USD This includes physical therapy, prescription,my hotel stay, food, and other expenses during my time in Korea. It’s definitely a significant investment since it’s more than average salary in the States.I think for future precise patients I would say u need at least 100k to afford the surgery’s,hotel,pt every thing this is just my roughh estimate.
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carpetendro

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2025, 04:58:42 PM »

How did you deal with the shower issue because you won't be able to shower with the LON frames. Do you just use wet wipes to clean yourself down for 3 months?
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Smiley BOI

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2025, 05:11:25 PM »

Last week, when I was admitted to the hospital for the removal of my fixator, I noticed something interesting. The LON patients at the hospital used plastic bags and hard tape to cover their legs during showers, which looked quite painful and inconvenient. I suggested they try a leg shower cast cover, which you can easily find on Amazon for about $15 because most international patients use that.

During my lengthening, I used the shower leg cover and was able to take a shower every day. However, I noticed that most patients only shower every three days or so because they’re often too tired, and their upper body feels weak. It was the same for me I felt physically drained but I couldn’t sleep without a warm shower, so I either be tired and can’t sleep or tired and can sleep.Taking a daily shower at the hotel helped me sleep so much better personally most people who stayed at the apartment would prefer staying in the hotel mainly because of that the restroom is much bigger, I do notice though since the Hotel only have a limited amount of room like less than 9 rooms I believe most people now have to book it like way in advance especially since there is so many new patients or find a apartment to stay or the hospital even the hospital can be full so doing everything in advance is the safest options.
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Bagga

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2025, 02:00:11 AM »

At the physical therapy center, I saw many patients using both the LON and Precice methods. Most of the Korean patients I met had the support, financial resources, and time to choose the Precice method, which makes them quite lucky. In fact, many Korean families even visited and stayed in the hospital to help their sons or daughters mainly sons through the process. I’ll admit, I felt a little jealous seeing that kind of family support.
For international patients like me, the journey is different. You typically have to work harder to afford the process, especially if considering Precice I think if u are not mentally prepared it will be hard since u can’t stand for around 3 to 4 months depending on the conditions I’m focused on saving money because Precice costs about double what LON does.
Most reason why Patients goes for LON this goes both for international and the Koreans is because of the cost,I also asked around a lot did not know Korean cares so much about proportion and the scars it is kinda scary lmao.

The LON surgery itself costs around 55 million won (approximately $44,000 USD). However, after reviewing my bank statements, I realized I spent a total of around $60,000 USD This includes physical therapy, prescription,my hotel stay, food, and other expenses during my time in Korea. It’s definitely a significant investment since it’s more than average salary in the States.I think for future precise patients I would say u need at least 100k to afford the surgery’s,hotel,pt every thing this is just my roughh estimate.
why are you so surprised?
korea is well known of plastic Surgery.
Most korean has done it in their teen.
There is nothing to hide and sometimes not to reveal to friends and family.
Again, with hefty fees - not all korean family can afford even they are supportive to their children.
What you saw is from the rich or upper class korean families.
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Bagga

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2025, 02:04:05 AM »

My Personal LON Leg Lengthening Journey as a Pretty Young Patient compare to Most of the Patients.
Dr. Donghoon Lee
   •   Dr. Donghoon Lee was my surgeon. He is the only doctor in the facility, so you can rest assured he performs every surgery himself. This dedication sometimes made him look a bit tired, which I found both impressive and funny maybe some people would find that scary haha.
Before I Started
   •    I was 164 or 165 cm idk the height measurements of the Clinic is well different, some say u need to add 1 cm some say it’s accurate who knows I will use the height machine when I go back home , and my reason for doing this surgery is the same as for all short people—height insecurities and mainly just finding hard to fit pants in the western country. These feelings affect both some men and some women I feel like.
The Process
   •The bone lengthening started on September 15, 2024.
   •My goal was to grow 6.5 cm, but I ended up reaching 7.9 cm, which made me very happy since I had good angle flexibility sometimes I got 40 degree if u have around 30 no need to worry about it.
Daily Routine
   •   My days were repetitive and could feel mentally draining at times. The routine was simple but necessary: wake up, eat, stretch, lengthen, and sleep. I followed this pattern every day for around 125 days.
The First Surgery
   •   My first surgery to place the device in my leg was done by Dr. Lee. Waking up after the surgery was difficult for the first three hours—it felt brutal. However, after that until I finish lengthening I had no physical pain at all, which the doctors said was unique to my case. It may be because I’m young, but this is not common for most patients.
Support During Recovery
   •   My physical therapist, Mr. Lee, was not only skilled but also very funny and kind. He was incredibly supportive throughout the recovery process and helped me stay motivated.
   •   My translator, Yujin, was incredibly helpful, funny, and kind, making the experience easier. The Japanese translator, though not my translator, greeted everyone warmly and had a glowing, kind personality. Translators are especially important if you’re a foreigner—they’re someone you can always rely on for help.
Honorable mention
Mr Kim from the Pt who is so generous and gentle
Kim who is well idk what she do but she greets me and a lot of patients very kindly.
The head nurse can be seen everyday in 3 floor she is very nice she look like a mother to most patients pretty funny.
Pin Care and Allergies
   •   I had an allergic reaction at the metal pin sites, but I took allergy medication that made the itching almost completely go away.
   •   I cleaned my pin sites three times per week, even though the recommendation was only twice. I was very careful because I was scared of infection, and thankfully, I didn’t experience any.
   •   Some patients, including one of the four close friends I made (who started at 161 cm and lengthened to 167.5 cm), got infections because they only cleaned once per week.
Challenges and Observations
   •   I personally experienced no physical pain throughout the process, but I learned from other patients that the hardest parts are the tightness, discomfort, and difficulty sleeping.
   •   The repetitive nature of each day added a mental challenge to the physical one.
   •   Regular X-rays and follow-ups were done every two weeks, costing around $65 per session.
Device Removal
   •   After the device was removed on January 13, 2025, I was able to walk everywhere with crutches just two days later, which is not normal. Most patients take around three weeks to achieve this level of mobility. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s important to do your own research and make sure you choose the right doctor for your journey.
Scars and Future Plans
   •   My scar is unfortunately quite noticeable due to my melanin production, but I plan to get laser treatment in the future to improve its appearance.
   •   In October 2026, I hope to undergo femur lengthening, depending on whether I can save enough money. I understand this will be costly, considering the price of surgery, physical therapy, and a 4 to 5-month hotel stay at around $55 per night, which added up significantly, probably will get more expensive next year but I’m just thinking of a investment to myself.
Food Delivery
   •   I used the app Baemin to order food during my stay. It’s not specifically foreigner-friendly, but foreigners can still use it without much trouble.
Looking Back
The  most memorable memory would be eating Fried Chicken almost  Everyday from Kyochon their garlic original flavor top tier thank me later ;) ;)
BEST ADVICE I personally can give
STRETCH,STRETCH and lastly and sadly STRETCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
You did Tibias over 9cm?
Dr. Lee allowed you to do so..?
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Kv8n11

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2025, 02:50:56 AM »

You did Tibias over 9cm?
Dr. Lee allowed you to do so..?

where are you getting over 9cm. he said his goal was 6.5cm but ended up reaching 7.9cm
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Ted68

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2025, 02:28:08 AM »

7.9 cm on tibias ?.... I dont think so. Maybe he did it on femur.
On the other hand, only crazy people are doing LON on femurs...
So, for me, this is a weird case and seems to be a quad surgery.
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My adventure, Precice-quad with dr. Gokhan Bilgili:
http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=84914.0

Smiley BOI

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2025, 11:48:32 AM »

As far as I know Dr Lee only perform LON on tibia and also yes 7.9 on tibia but I’m a rare case as previously said, My ankle flexibility was very good to Begin even the patients at the PT are shocked when they realized how much I lengthened it’s highly not recommended, most of the patients go for 5 cm on the tibia and around 6 on the femur but even 5 cm is not a small amount.
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Ted68

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2025, 01:33:21 PM »

As far as I know Dr Lee only perform LON on tibia and also yes 7.9 on tibia but I’m a rare case as previously said, My ankle flexibility was very good to Begin even the patients at the PT are shocked when they realized how much I lengthened it’s highly not recommended, most of the patients go for 5 cm on the tibia and around 6 on the femur but even 5 cm is not a small amount.

Dr Donghoon perform Precice too. He is one of the best in the field... but he has very high prices !
But the problem is you, because you seem to be a medical anomaly. 7.9 cm is a lengthen for femur, not for tibia !!

So, I have few questions:

- Dr Donghoon is a very professional and careful person and he will never let anybody to destroy his health elongating tibia more than 5 cm... so this is MY MAIN QUESTION: Are you sure you did this with dr Donghoon ?
- Did you check your proportion before this huge lengthen ?... How your tibia look comparing with femur ?
- Now you need to do femurs, too ?
- Your biomecanics changed dramatically, so how can you walk, contract muscles, your force, making basic motions ?
« Last Edit: January 21, 2025, 03:19:47 PM by Ted68 »
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My adventure, Precice-quad with dr. Gokhan Bilgili:
http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=84914.0

newyagusa

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #11 on: January 22, 2025, 06:41:04 AM »

Good luck with the rehab! Wish u all the best.
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Smiley BOI

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #12 on: January 22, 2025, 07:25:37 AM »

- Dr Lee is very conservative true which is why I stated I was a rare case it is highly not recommended to do almost 8 cm in one segment.
- My wingspan is 172.5 so currently I would be more proportionate and looks better in my opinion but I would say the tibia looks really long which I’m fine with for my beauty standards is Long Tibia.
-As stated in my diary I will be doing Femur.
-As also stated today marks 1 week and 3 days and I’m already walking without my crutches in my hotel room but I use the crutches when walking long distance like the gym in the hotel.Stamina and strength is my biggest weakness that need to be improved and I’m focusing now.
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Barbaric

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2025, 05:55:20 PM »

How long did it take for you to walk natural without aid as of surgery?
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yevan

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Re: My Limb Leg Lengthening Journey in Korea With Dr Donghoon Lee
« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2025, 12:27:47 AM »

Did you have to apply for a medical tourism visa? If so, did the clinic help you apply for the visa? Also, did the clinic help you with finding nearby accommodations?

Thank you!
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