Like any surgery, the costs involve the surgeons fees, anesthesiologist fees, surgery center or hospital fees, as well as any lab testing or any surgical implants and biologics. They range from $1000 (usually small procedures performed in the clinic) to $20,000 (multiple procedures in the hospital that may include both feet).

We primarily perform “Corrective Cosmetic Foot Surgery.” This surgery is covered by insurance since we are addressing a deformity that has a true diagnosis code. These problems include the usual discomfort in shoes and other issues with activity that warrant a corrective procedure. The only difference between this type of corrective foot surgery is that both the smaller incision and type of surgeries emphasize a more aesthetic goal in combination with a better functional outcome.

There are many definitions attached to this iconic reference, but the general understanding is to perform surgery on a larger foot to make it fit into a particular shoe. A google search pulls up “The so-called Cinderella procedure is a preventive bunion correction that results in a narrower foot. The “Perfect 10!” is a toe-shortening operation that is meant to make the toes twinkle in sandals.”

In reality, these are the best types of surgeries to correct structural problems that make fitting shoes easier and more comfortably. Other bump removal procedures like the pump bump coined for this bone prominence at the back of the heel are simple to correct as well. The more aggressive procedures that are necessary to shorten the foot significantly as well as narrowing a size or two have extremely high risk and inconsistent outcome rates.

The recovery for cosmetic foot surgery is primarily the same as any other foot surgery. Where the lifestyle difficulties and length of recovery time both increase are the more complex surgeries, usually involving more attention on the bone, joint and tendon structures of the foot. For example, a toe or digital procedure allows the patient to walk after surgery and then back into a shoe when the incision is healed between 2 and 3 weeks. A joint procedure like the common Bunion surgery has different stages and requires different surgical procedures. For example, a moderate or severe bunion surgery with a large first metatarsal phalangeal joint angle requires an osteotomy or surgical bone fracture.

These procedures require the patient to remain completely non-weight bearing for 3-6 weeks depending upon both the procedure performed and the patient’s overall healing capabilities (age, medical conditions, medications, etc.). Returning to shoes, especially high heels, is a gradual process between 4-8 weeks depending on the patient’s overall health status, incision placement, scar tissue remodeling, and joint range of motion.