Public Awareness and Perceptions Toward Cosmetic Stature Lengthening: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Cosmetic stature-lengthening surgery is a topic of growing conversation, but there is limited information regarding its awareness, attitudes, and determinants of willingness. Questions/Purpose: To evaluate public awareness, ethical perceptions, and willingness toward cosmetic stature lengthening, and to identify associated demographic, psychosocial, and decision-making factors influencing acceptance and interest.

The survey was of cross-sectional nature and used 255 respondents. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, risk-taking scores and history of previous cosmetic procedures were measured. Chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests were done to analyze associations with willingness to have surgery.

The median age was 27 years (IQR 23-41) and median height 167 cm (IQR 160-175). The rate of awareness on height-lengthening surgery was good (73.3%), although just one-third (31.4) of them had ever thought of visiting a cosmetic surgeon, and 9.8% had ever undergone cosmetic surgery. There were no notable correlations between the readiness to have surgery with sociodemographic factors, perceived height, previous cosmetic history, and risk-taking scores. It was also found that occupational constraints, in particular, the necessity to have a longer duration without an opportunity to work, were also strongly correlated with decreased willingness (p = 0.019).

Although the knowledge of cosmetic stature-lengthening surgery is considerable, the readiness to obtain the surgery is low and independent of demographic or anthropometric variables to a great extent. Occupational barriers are practical constraints that are very important in decision-making.