In an out patient surgery center or the clinic under sedation and local anesthesia, the procedure (Toe shortening, toe lengthening, mallet toe correction, claw toe correction) may or may not require an internal pin. Occasionally an additional procedure may be necessary (eg. spur removal), but the time in the operating room is usually 20 minutes per toe. If indicated, the skin lesion or corn is removed during the procedure or it will naturally fall off 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery.
The incision is minimal (0.5cm to 1.5cm) and sutures are removed at 2 weeks. Weight bearing in a post operative shoe or open toe sandal is allowed after 48 to 72 hours of rest and elevation. Sports, exercise, and different types of shoes (dress, work, running, etc.) can be worn as soon as 3 weeks depending upon patient preference, swelling, incision sensitivity.