A woman decided to undergo a unique and costly journey to extend her leg length by 5.5 inches, only to face significant regrets.

Meet Theresia Fischer, a known influencer and former contestant on Germany’s Celebrity Big Brother. At the age of 24, and standing at five foot six, she opted for leg-lengthening surgery.

This intricate procedure involves lengthening the leg bone, initially developed to correct leg length discrepancies.

Professor Hamish Simpson, affiliated with the British Orthopaedic Association, shared insights with the BBC, explaining: “Over the years, improvements in techniques and technology have made this procedure safer. However, it involves not just growing more bone but also additional muscle, nerve, blood vessels, and skin, making it a highly complex process with high risks of complications.”

Theresia initially celebrated her procedure. However, she later began to express regret over her decision. Now 31, in a candid conversation with MDR Jump radio, she disclosed that her decision was influenced by her then-boyfriend. He had expressed his preference for taller women, suggesting she undergo the surgery for an additional 14 centimeters in height.

She said, “[He would say] ‘You can’t do anything without me. You need me.’ And if you hear that repeatedly, you begin to believe you are incomplete without him.”

Theresia admitted, “I am ashamed because I consented to an operation that I shouldn’t have agreed to.”

Despite having never struggled with her body image before, this choice left her facing unexpected challenges.

She is now dealing with periosteum inflammation, an issue where the connective tissue enveloping the bones becomes inflamed.

While filming the German version of Battle of the Reality Stars, she faced physical struggles: “Running or quick movements felt awkward with metal in my legs,” she shared.

Today, she eagerly anticipates the removal of the metal support rods from her legs, yearning to return to her natural state.