Cosmetic Procedures for Feet
- Cosmetic foot procedures often give individuals the confidence to wear sandals and flip flops again.Foot image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
During summer months, many people enjoy wearing sandals, flip flops and other shoes that expose the feet. However, individuals with unsightly foot issues are often too self-conscious to bare their feet, and may go to great lengths to keep them covered. Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures that podiatrists may perform to address foot issues, so patients are able to feel more confident about their appearance. Some of these procedures also have medical benefits, and help patients receive relief from pain. - A bunion occurs when the bone or tissue around the joint of the base of the big or little toe becomes enlarged. In addition to being unsightly, bunions are usually very painful. Bunion removal surgery aims to remove the uncomfortable bumps to lessen pain and improve the aesthetic look of the foot. When possible, doctors make the incision on the side of the foot, so scarring is minimized.
- Hammertoes are a painful condition in which the toes are clenched in a position that resembles a claw. Also known as claw toes or mallet toes, hammertoes typically occur in the second toe, but may be present in more than one. It is an extremely unsightly condition, so many patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, such as wearing specialized footwear or stockings, may opt for surgery. During the procedure, the tendons from the affected toes are cut to free the tissue from the bone in the foot. Further incisions are made so the affected toes are no longer curled in a claw-like position. Doctors then connect the middle joints of the toes with wire sutures or pins. If possible, the incisions are made between the toes or on the sides of the toes, so scarring is minimal. Corns are often present on the affected toes and may be removed during surgery, as well.
- One of the more extreme cosmetic procedures available for the foot is toe shortening. Some individuals may have toes that they find to be too long, such as the second toe extending further than the big toe. Doctors locate the appropriate place for the bone to be shortened and use a bone-cutting instrument to remove the desired length. Afterward, the skin must be remodeled or removed to preserve the appearance of the toes. Toe shortening procedures are usually done on an out-patient basis in a plastic surgeon's office. Patients are given a specialized shoe to wear afterward, and walking may be painful for a period afterward. Toe shortening is a controversial procedure, however, because there is a risk of infection and protracted swelling with no medical benefits. In some extreme cases, long-term nerve damage or loss of the toe may occur.
- Some plastic surgeons perform procedures designed to make the little toe thinner, known as a toe tuck. In many cases, individuals who elect this type of procedure have unsightly corns on the toe, which are removed as well. Slimming the little toe allows feet to fit more comfortably in stylish shoes that often feature narrow toe boxes.
- When patients have chronic toenail infections or ingrown nails, which may be thick, discolored and peeling, podiatrists may opt to remove the toenail in the hope that it will grow back healthier. This regrowth may take anywhere from three to six months. Toenail removal is a relatively simple procedure that may be performed in a doctor's office, but there is a risk that the toenail will not grow back or have the desired appearance when it does. There may be pain associated with the procedure, as well. While doctors have employed this method for years when medically necessary, more and more patients are having it done for cosmetic purposes.
