Russian Model Lolita Afanasyeva Undergoes Ilizarov Bone‑Lengthening Surgery

Nineteen‑year‑old Russian aspiring model Lolita Afanasyeva, who stands 173 cm tall, chose to undergo the Ilizarov orthopedic procedure to increase her height for a modeling career. The surgery involves deliberately breaking the leg bones and attaching an external fixator that slowly pulls the bone segments apart, allowing new bone tissue to fill the gap. Afanasyeva aims to gain about five centimetres and has already achieved roughly two centimetres.

The Ilizarov method, developed in the Soviet era by orthopaedic surgeon Gavriil Ilizarov, is used for limb lengthening and correcting deformities. It is known for intense pain and carries risks such as infection, joint stiffness, and nerve or vascular injury. The technique has previously been used by other models, including German model Therese Ficherová, who reportedly added 14 cm to her height.