There are several ways you can change your feet with cosmetic surgery. Your toes, for example, can be shortened, lengthened, or straightened, and in some cases, even more than that can be done. Most people think foot surgery seems entirely aesthetic, but it can also make logical sense for many who struggle with foot issues.
Other examples of functional foot surgeries include reconstructive procedures to fix physical deformities or traumatic injuries, a bunionectomy (see below for more), and corrective operations for those who struggle walking.
On the other end of things, cosmetic foot surgery is relatively new and unexplored compared to functional foot procedures. This article will review why people opt for such foot treatments and some of the more common methods used by cosmetic surgeons today.
When Should Foot Surgery be Performed?
Cosmetic procedures on the feet, better known as foot and ankle reconstructive and orthopedic procedures, are designed to decrease pain, give you better function, and improve the appearance of your feet. Despite the numerous benefits, you should consider foot surgery as a last resort only once all nonsurgical and conservative treatments have proven unable to produce positive results. For those with advanced foot problems, your doctor may bypass traditional options and jump straight to recommending surgery as the best choice to improve your foot condition.
These types of procedures are less invasive than in the past because current techniques allow for rapid recovery rates and minimal scarring. For example, lasers are now used to treat nails and eliminate unpleasant fungal infections, whereas in the past hands-on surgical tactics were employed instead.
As mentioned above, common examples are toe shortening procedures that aim to correct a toe that is too long, which can be aesthetically displeasing and can make it challenging to slip into particular shoes. Despite advancements in modern surgical technology, risks are still relatively high with these treatments. Insurance will usually cover procedures meant to correct painful features that affect someone’s quality of life or inflict pain frequently. More superficial treatments focused on aesthetics are less likely to be covered by insurance, meaning you will have to pay out of pocket.
What Are Some Other Things You Can Fix on Your Feet Through Surgery?
Bunions
Bunions are malformations found in the big toe’s joint, resulting in painful, lumpy growth at the edge of the toe. This bump causes the toe to rotate at uncomfortable angles, producing significant unwanted pain. Bunions often end up rubbing against the shoes, creating an incredible amount of distress inside the joint and a permanently disfigured look.
The consequences of bunions range from misalignment of the toes, overlapping on the third toe, and, if severe, difficulty walking and the initial development of arthritis. Several factors can cause bunion formation, including genetics, flat feet, arthritis, joint damage, and a pattern of wearing wrongly-fitted shoes.
A cosmetic foot surgery called a bunionectomy can easily handle bunions in a couple of hours. This customizable procedure involves the cutting and corrective positioning of the bone, resulting in a narrower foot free of disturbing growths in the joint. Recovery from a bunionectomy can take up to six months.
Hammertoes
Also known as claw toes, these are uncomfortable deformities that cause flexion of the toes and the curvature of the middle joints. Causes can vary depending on the patient and their lifestyle, but most commonly, the condition can be attributed to flat feet, genetics, arthritis, foot injury, and advanced age. If left untreated, the toes can become permanently curved, resulting in painful calluses at the top of the toes that trouble patients regardless of the shoe they wear.
That being said, people with hammertoes will tend to avoid tight, narrow shoes, instead opting for wide, spacious alternatives. These may not offer a permanent solution, but in the meantime, can provide some relief for less advanced cases.
The surgery to remove hammertoes first will remove the first joint of the trouble toe, straightening and hardening it permanently. This process is known as a fusion. Tensions in the toe are released, and then a wire is inserted to keep the toe straight for about a month.
The postoperative surgery recovery plan will require you to do specific exercises to re-strengthen your feet, such as lifting objects by squeezing the toes.
Ganglions
Another treatable foot condition is ganglia. These are fluid-filled cysts found around the tendons and joints of the foot, with sizes ranging from pea to ping pong ball-sized.
Glands are harmless and may disappear naturally. They occur because the synovial fluid around the joint leaks out and collects in a sac. If draining the liquid with a needle does not show results, then surgery may be in order. This procedure involves the surgical excision of the ganglion. A rare chance of recurrence after the operation does exist.
Additional Surgical and Noninvasive Treatments for the Feet
Liposuction
While more typically performed on the thighs, butt, stomach, or other sizeable body parts, liposuction can also help to slim out the toes to give them a thinner, more extended look.
Recovery will take roughly one month, with several associated risks like bruising, hematoma, seroma, and possible malformation. The cost of toe liposuction will fall in the range of $1,000 to $2,000.
Filler and Botox Injections
Using soft fillers injected into the feet can provide a cushioning effect to the heel and bottom of the foot. These injections can help reduce the pain that frequently affects women who wear high heels daily. Filler injections will cost between $500 and $800 per syringe.
Botox is a widespread injection commonly used on the face but also can provide solutions in the feet. These injections can help address a condition called hyperhidrosis, or excessive foot sweating. Recovery is swift, with only minor side effects like numbness, redness, and swelling possible. The cost of a botox foot treatment will fall around $800 to $1,000 per foot.
Laser Treatments and Foot Resurfacing
Lasers can help treat excessively hairy feet, fungal toenails, and infections caused by yeast or mold. Such fungal conditions affect up to 50 million Americans, or one in six people, making this procedure a highly popular one. Pain associated with laser foot treatments is moderate, with minimal recovery time and risks comparable to botox recovery. A treatment including three to four sessions will cost between $500 and $1,000.
Skin resurfacing procedures done on the feet can usefully address hyperpigmentation and excessive dead skin. Like resurfacing on the face, minor risks and mild pain should be anticipated due to the chemicals used during the process. A foot resurfacing procedure will cost around $200 per treatment.