Can I Lengthen My Clavicle Bones 2cms Per Side?

Q: Dr. Eppley ,I am a 32 year-old male interested in undergoing your clavicle lengthening surgery. I am 6ft. tall, slender frame, with a bi-deltoid width of approximately 18 inches. Although I am fully aware of the individual factors determining the outcome, I was hoping to gain 2 cm per side without loss of mobility.

A: Unfortunately with the techniques that are available today clavicle lengthening of 1 to 1.5cm per side is what can be reasonably expected given the restrictions of the soft tissues of the shoulder girdle. I would be more enthusiastic about the procedure if 2 to 2.5vms per side could be consistently obtained in every patient.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon