Theresia Fischer went to great lengths to increase her height, but years after undergoing major surgery, she now says she is left with deep regret.
For many people, appearance matters. Humans naturally care about how they look, and throughout history, beauty standards and cosmetic trends have constantly evolved.
Today, people commonly use makeup, hair dye, nail polish, and anti-aging skincare products. In recent years, however, procedures such as fillers, Botox, and plastic surgery have become increasingly common, with some going far beyond minor cosmetic enhancements.
Spent $161,000 to extend her legs
Theresia Fischer, who originally stood at 5 feet 6 inches, made the decision to undergo leg-lengthening surgery in order to become taller. At the age of 24, she reportedly spent $161,000 to gain around 5.5 inches in height by having metal rods inserted to gradually lengthen her leg bones.
The former German Celebrity Big Brother contestant has since admitted that she now questions whether it was the right choice.
Reports state that Fischer later developed periosteum inflammation following the procedure. She also found everyday activities more difficult, saying that even running became a challenge while filming reality TV shows.
“When I had to run a little or be faster – it’s just strange to run with metal in your legs,” she told The Mirror.
“Pain that I endured for over 8 years”
One of the bones in her lower leg reportedly did not grow as expected, eventually leading to the removal of the metal rods.
“Pain that I endured for over 8 years was so enormous (physical as well as mental) that I can’t even put it into words. Today is THE DAY I finally get my last 2% of my past removed from my body. The two extension rods with screws have finally been removed from my lower thighs,” she wrote on Instagram.
Professor Hamish Simpson of the British Orthopaedic Association explained that while the procedure has improved over time, it remains highly complex.
“The techniques and technology have improved substantially over the past couple of decades, making it a safer procedure,” he told the BBC. “However, as well as growing more bone – muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and skin also have to adapt, and the procedure remains extremely complex with a high complication rate.”
“I am ashamed”
In 2023, Fischer told German radio station MDR Jump that she was pressured by her ex-boyfriend into undergoing the surgery.
According to The Daily Star, she recalled him saying: “‘Theresia, you know I like tall women. So I would really like this. You could get up to 14 centimeters more.’”
She also said: “[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 start to believe you are nothing without him.”
Today, Fischer says she feels ashamed that she agreed to such a major and life-changing procedure in order to please someone else.
“I am ashamed because I consented to an operation that I shouldn’t have had,” she said, according to VT.
