Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cosmetic stature lengthening has unique ethical and safety considerations. This study sought to evaluate the general population's perception of cosmetic stature lengthening and to determine what factors influence these perceptions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was performed utilizing a 40-question survey distributed through an online marketplace. After collecting baseline demographics, participants were queried on previous experience with cosmetic surgery, ethical opinions on cosmetic surgery, ethical opinions on stature lengthening and personal interest in stature lengthening surgery. RESULTS: There were 496 participants, 273(55%) males with an average age of 43.7(21-78) years. 63% of participants believed that stature lengthening is ethically acceptable, and 70% thought cosmetic stature lengthening is ethically equivalent to conventional cosmetic surgery. 7% of participants stated that they would consider getting cosmetic stature lengthening. Those that were open to conventional cosmetic surgical procedures were more likely to consider cosmetic stature lengthening(P < 0.01), regardless of if expenses were out of pocket(P = 0.03) or covered by insurance(P < 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated no correlation for willingness to undergo limb lengthening and subjective beliefs about personal height. However, when this same analysis was assessed based upon their objective, numerical height, shorter people were more willing to get cosmetic limb lengthening. CONCLUSION: The primary findings of this study were that a majority of the population believes cosmetic stature lengthening is ethically acceptable, while only 7% of the population would personally consider undergoing cosmetic stature lengthening. Objective participant height was found to be significantly related to interest in undergoing cosmetic stature lengthening. While these findings provide unique insights into the general populations' perceptions of stature lengthening, further studies should focus on identifying factors contributing to the opposition against stature lengthening. It is important to further elucidate the prospective patient's understanding of the significant commitment required to have a successful stature lengthening experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.