Which Shoulder Widening (Clavicle Lengthening) Technique Works The Best?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am reaching out because I have some questions regarding an uncommon procedure that I am seriously considering, and that is shoulder widening. I am a male with noticeably narrow shoulders (even after working out for some time) that measure just barely under 17 inches across which takes a hit to my confidence. Anyways….

1.) Do I qualify for this type of procedure? I am pretty young, turning 20 in a month so I do not know if that plays a factor for such a procedure like shoulder widening. As far I know, I have completely settled and stopped growing.

2.) What is the overall cost of the procedure? I have done some research but I keep getting different answers.

3.) Of these two techniques of shoulder widening, (Bone graft and Split Sagittal Osteotomy) how many inches in total width can one one expect to gain?

4.) Does one technique produce more shoulder width length than the other?

5.) Is one technique more risky than the other?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, It would mean so much to me to be able to work with you in the future Dr. Eppley. With all that set and done, what would be the next step in advancing?

A: In answer to your shoulder widening questions:

1) As long as one is 18 years or older shoulder widening surgery can be performed.

2) My assistant Camille will pass along the cost of the surgery to you.

3) As a general rule one inch per shoulder is achieved with either technique.

4) Both clavicle lengthening procedures produce similar results…but differ greatly in recovery. (bone graft harvest is longer)