Amber’s Journey: From Doubt to Confidence – Finding Balance Through Height Reduction Surgery
When Amber first contacted our team, she was in her twenties, a bright, thoughtful woman of Turkish and British descent living in the United Kingdom. Having already undergone several surgeries as part of her personal journey, she was no stranger to the hospital environment.
Although she had long struggled with her height, the idea of ever being able to change it had never truly crossed her mind. So, while working on herself and going through different transformations, her height remained a quiet thought at the back of her mind, a wish she didn’t think could ever become reality.
Standing at 184 cm, Amber often felt slightly out of place, especially among other people. She had learned to carry herself with confidence, but deep down, she knew something still felt off.
When she came across Height Reduction Surgery, performed exclusively by our medical team in Istanbul, she was both intrigued and skeptical. Could such a thing really exist, and, more importantly, could it be done safely?
At first, the idea seemed impossible. Having already gone through several medical procedures, the thought of another surgery naturally brought hesitation. Yet, her curiosity and determination led her to extensive research on the psychological impact of body proportions, and how physical alignment could affect confidence and comfort.
“This was not about fixing something broken,” she later told us. “It was about finally aligning how I look with how I feel.”
A Rare Surgery, A Life-Changing Decision
When Amber learned that the procedure was only performed in one place in the world, in Istanbul, she realized just how rare this opportunity was.
Our clinic, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Öç, is the first and only medical team to perform cosmetic height reduction safely and successfully.
This uniqueness, however, came with hesitation. Amber knew she would be among the very few; the 10th person in the world to undergo this surgery for cosmetic reasons. Naturally, she had doubts. Could this really be done safely? Would her body recover normally? Would she ever walk comfortably again?
Despite her concerns, she spent months researching, reading medical studies, and even getting in touch with other patients who had undergone the procedure. Soon, they became friends, sharing their thoughts and emotions about height and self-image.
She also explored the psychological connection between body proportions and mental well-being, reinforcing her belief that this change could bring her the peace she had been seeking.
Preparation: Strength, Discipline, and Support
Before being approved for surgery, Amber had to meet strict medical conditions.
Dr. Öç advised her to lose 35 kilograms to make the operation and recovery safer, a demanding process that required persistence, patience, and discipline.
Throughout this journey, our team stayed by her side. From her very first consultation to the months leading up to surgery, our coordinators and nutrition specialists remained in close contact with her. We guided her through every stage of her preparation, provided motivation, and ensured she felt supported not just as a patient, but as part of our community.
“When I finally reached my goal, we all celebrated together,” Amber said. “It felt like we were one team, walking toward the same dream.”
The Surgery and Recovery in Istanbul
Amber’s femur reduction surgery was performed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Öç and his highly experienced team using a closed internal fixation technique.
Her bone was shortened by 5 centimeters at the safest point, ensuring proper bone healing and balanced proportions.
After the surgery, Amber stayed in Istanbul for two months, until she was able to walk independently again. During this period, she received daily physiotherapy, nutritional support, and regular medical check-ups.
Our team remained in constant contact with her every single day, monitoring her progress, assisting with her exercises, and making sure she never felt alone throughout her recovery.
By the sixth week, Amber began walking without assistance, enjoying short walks outdoors and feeling stronger each day. Her recovery went smoothly, and she often expressed gratitude for the entire team that genuinely cared about her well-being.
Overcoming Fear, Finding Harmony
Before the surgery, Amber admitted she was afraid, not just of pain, but of the unknown.
“I knew I was only the 10th person in the world to do this,” she said. “That thought alone was terrifying. But I also knew I was in the hands of the best team possible.”
After losing 5 cm in height, she described feeling “lighter”, both physically and emotionally.
At 179 cm, she finally felt in balance with herself, at peace when she looked in the mirror.
She now speaks openly about the psychological importance of body-image alignment, encouraging others to seek experienced professionals and to never underestimate the emotional preparation that such a transformation requires.
A Message for Others
Today, Amber continues her daily life with confidence and gratitude. She keeps in touch with our team, sharing updates about her recovery and future plans, including her decision to undergo a second procedure in the near future.
When asked if she would do it again, she smiled and said:
“Absolutely. This wasn’t just about height. It was about harmony, and with your help, I finally found it.”
