Imagine looking out at the world's tallest twin skyscrapers and feeling dwarfed by the very skyline that should inspire awe. For Frank, this moment in Kuala Lumpur sparked a life-altering decision: to undergo leg lengthening surgery. He had shared with his new wife, Emilia, how his height had haunted him since his teenage years. Determined to conquer his insecurities, Frank made a bold choice and booked a trip to Turkey, where a clinic specializes in this controversial procedure.

As he rests on his hotel bed in Istanbul, his legs are now encased in braces, a constant reminder of the painful journey he's embarked on. “At the end of the day, someone’s going to break your legs,” Frank admits, reflecting on his mixed emotions about the surgery. For the first two weeks post-operation, he relied heavily on Emilia for assistance, but now, six weeks later, he has regained much of his independence.

But the process is anything but simple. Each day, the couple faces the daunting task of using a key to adjust the braces on Frank's thighs, forcing his femurs apart just enough for new bone to grow. It’s a meticulous routine, and Frank pushes himself to turn it five times per day, hoping to gain that extra quarter centimeter that will inch him closer to his goal of being 5ft 9in.

At 5ft 6in, Frank has always felt the sting of being below average height. However, chatting with other patients at the Wanna Be Taller clinic reveals a surprising truth about body image in a society obsessed with height. Men well over six feet tall are also opting for leg lengthening surgery, seeking to correct perceived imperfections or simply enhance their stature. One woman, who stood at 5ft 3in before her operation, quipped that shortness is “the last acceptable prejudice” in society. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with Frank.

Frank's ambition doesn't stop at simply gaining a few inches; he dreams of surpassing Emilia’s height. He’s well aware that achieving an additional 9cm, just above the maximum safely recommended, will be a grueling challenge. “Time to grow!” Emilia encourages, lightening the mood amidst the discomfort.

The journey to taller stature includes a rigorous rehabilitation process, drawing comparisons to medieval torture as physiotherapists work to help Frank relearn to walk. This procedure isn’t for the faint of heart, yet for many, like Frank, the desire for a bit more height drives them to endure it.

But it’s not merely physical pain that challenges Frank. The emotional weight of his past experiences weighs heavily on him. From childhood taunts to dating disappointments, these moments have shaped his view of masculinity and privilege. In today’s world, where dating apps allow users to filter by height, Frank reflects on how societal norms impose unrealistic expectations on men, making those who don’t meet them feel inadequate.

Despite the risks— complications can range from chronic pain to life-threatening blood clots—Frank remains resolute. The industry surrounding limb lengthening is growing, expected to reach $8.6 billion by 2030, and while clinics tout the benefits, they often downplay the dangers involved.

Even after facing a pulmonary embolism that threatened his life, Frank continued to soldier on, driven by his goal. Though ultimately, he had to cut his ambitions short when he learned that his body couldn't handle more stretching. He gained 7.3cm, just shy of his ideal height, but he isn’t deterred. This journey taught him that height isn’t merely a number; it’s about the perception of self-worth and societal acceptance.

As he looks at Emilia, who is now shorter compared to him, he beams with pride. The journey wasn't just about physical growth but a transformation in how he perceives himself and how he interacts with the world around him. “It’s worth it at the end,” Frank says, radiating newfound confidence.