People will sometimes go to great lengths to change their looks. Sometimes it is for the better and other times, they regret the effort.

One influencer and a former German Celebrity Big Brother contestant, Theresia Fischer certainly went the extra mile when it came to making a change. She was 5’6″ when she started but after going through a leg lengthening procedure at the age of 24, she added 5.5 inches.

When she first had the surgery, she was happy with the results but she eventually ended up regretting it. Leg lengthening surgery is no walk in the park, as it is a complex procedure that gradually makes the bones in the leg longer.

Typically, this type of procedure is used to fix a difference in the length of the legs but if the bone is shorter, or irregular, it may be used for that as well. People have also been using it as a cosmetic procedure recently.

Since the procedure is difficult to do at times, there are risks associated with it. It is also a growing technology, as Professor Hamish Simpson, of the British Orthopaedic Association says.

“The techniques and technology have improved substantially over the past couple of decades, making it a safer procedure.

“However, as well as growing more bone – more muscle, nerve, blood vessels, and skin have to be grown and the procedure remains an extremely complex process, with a high complication rate.”

Fischer was only 24 years old when she underwent the procedure. She had telescopic rods inserted into the shin that were adjustable so her legs could be extended gradually.

She went from 5’6″ to over 6 feet when all was said and done. When she was 31 years old, she gave an interview that said her ex-boyfriend had ‘urged’ her to have the procedure.

He allegedly said: “Theresia, you know I like big ladies. So I would really like this. You could get up to 14 centimeters more.”

The influencer revealed: “[He would say] ‘You can’t do anything without me. You need me.’ And if you are told that 20, 30, 60, 70 times – then you believe that you are nothing without him.”

Although she has been happy with her body, she now feels some shame about changing her appearance so drastically. She said: “I am ashamed because I consented to an operation that shouldn’t have had.

“I’ve never dealt with that before because I’ve always been happy with my body.”

It was more than just an emotional effect, she has posterior sternum inflammation, which occurs when connective tissue surrounding the bone becomes inflamed. As a result, she had to quit the German version of the Battle of the Reality Stars show.

It seems as if there may also be some difficulties because one of the bones in her legs has not grown as planned. She is now looking forward to the possibility of someday having the rods removed.