Thomas Keeper has sparked controversy after revealing he underwent a painful leg-lengthening procedure to increase his height. Research suggests taller candidates may indeed have an electoral advantage, potentially justifying Keeper’s drastic decision despite the procedure’s significant pain. How much influence does physical appearance have on voter decisions?
The Painful Price of Political Image
Thomas Keeper, a Liberal candidate for Calgary Confederation in Canada, underwent what’s considered the “world’s most painful operation” to increase his height from 5’6″ to 5’10”. The procedure, originally developed for medical conditions like limb length discrepancies and dwarfism, has become increasingly popular for purely cosmetic reasons.
#REPORT: Thomas Keeper, the Liberal candidate for Calgary Confederation, received a controversial cosmetic surgery to make himself three inches taller by breaking his legs and stretching them because his wife refused to marry him if he was too short. pic.twitter.com/eawCfsQAd0
— Canada Proud (@WeAreCanProud) March 24, 2025
The surgery costs between $75,000 and $100,000 and involves breaking the legs to insert steel rods that gradually extend the bones. Patients endure excruciating pain during the months-long recovery process, requiring extensive physiotherapy to regain normal mobility.
EXCLUSIVE: Liberal candidate had leg-breaking surgery to be 3 inches taller so that his wife would be interested in him. https://t.co/M5dBKISrWR
— Keean Bexte (@TheRealKeean) March 24, 2025
Height and Political Advantage
Research suggests taller candidates may have a distinct advantage in elections, with U.S. presidential races often favoring the taller candidate. Keeper acknowledged this reality, stating, “The world treats you differently. Look at the way people mock Tom Cruise and Nicolas Sarkozy.”
Despite the extreme nature of the procedure, Keeper expressed satisfaction with his decision, noting, “It has taken away that insecurity. I don’t worry about my height now.” The surgery appears to have delivered the confidence boost he sought, potentially enhancing his political prospects.
Aspiring liberal lawmaker undergoes 'world's most painful' cosmetic surgery to 'improve' his appearance https://t.co/3PoPeSWjsh
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 26, 2025
Growing Trend in Cosmetic Enhancement
Specialists report a threefold increase in requests for leg-lengthening procedures in recent years. Dr. Shahab Mahboubian, an expert in the procedure, emphasizes the psychological benefits, stating, “Being short can cause a huge psychological and mental impact on a person’s life and can decrease their confidence.”
The surgery typically increases height by an average of two-and-a-half inches, though gains of up to six inches are possible. The four-to-six-hour operation requires considerable recovery time but has become popular among both men and women seeking personal and professional advantages.
While some view Keeper’s choice as extreme, it reflects broader societal trends prioritizing appearance in professional settings. The fact that a political candidate would undergo such a painful and expensive procedure highlights the perceived importance of physical presentation in public life.