Theresia Fischer went to great lengths to become taller. Years after undergoing major surgery, she says she’s been left with deep regret.
Most people have a desire to look beautiful. Human beings naturally care about appearance, and throughout history, different beauty trends and cosmetic enhancements have come and gone.
Many people use makeup, dye their hair, or use products such as nail polish and anti-aging skincare. But in recent years, procedures such as fillers, Botox, and plastic surgery have become increasingly popular – and some people go much further than lip fillers or laser hair removal treatments.
Spent $161,000 to extend her legs
Theresia Fischer, who originally stood at five feet six inches, was determined to become taller by undergoing surgery to lengthen her legs. At 24 years old, she reportedly spent $161,000 to gain 5.5 inches by artificially elongating the bones in her legs.
Fischer, a former German Celebrity Big Brother contestant, has since admitted that the procedure may not have been the best decision.
According to reports, Fischer suffered from periosteum inflammation after the operation. Filming reality TV shows became more difficult, and she says running was a challenge.
In an interview she said: “When I had to run a little or be faster – it’s just strange to run with metal in your legs,” according to the Mirror.
“Pain that I endured for over 8 years”
One of the fibula bones in her legs reportedly did not grow as expected, and she eventually had the metal rods removed.
“Pain that I endured for over 8 years was so enormous (physical as well as mental) that I can’t even put 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 her Instagram.
Professor Hamish Simpson of the British Orthopaedic Association explained that, like any major surgery, the procedure comes with serious risks.
“The techniques and technology have improved substantially over the past couple of decades, making it a safer procedure,” Simpson told the BBC, according to VT.
“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.”
“I am ashamed”
In 2023, Fischer told German radio network MDR Jump that she was pressured by her ex-boyfriend into undergoing the surgery.
According to the Daily Star, Fischer said he told her: “‘Theresia, you know I like big ladies. So I would really like this. You could get up to 14 centimeters more.’”
“[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.”
Today, Fischer says she feels ashamed that she underwent such a major and complex procedure in an attempt to please someone else.
“I am ashamed because I consented to an operation that (I) shouldn’t have had,” she said, according to VT.
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