subject: Cosmetic Surgery For The Feet [print this page] Pedicures, massages, paraffin wax treatments - these are some of the most frequently performed treatments for the feet. But did you know that a small number of patients are taking their concerns over the appearance - and comfort - of the feet to the next level by actually undergoing surgical procedures on the feet for purely cosmetic reasons. While finding a podiatrist or plastic surgeon to perform your surgery can be difficult, as the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and American Society for Plastic Surgeons do not approve of the use of cosmetic surgery for the feet when there is no medical indication for treatment, there are a few surgeons out there who will perform such treatments. If patients are truly serious about undergoing cosmetic surgery of the feet, and understand the potential risks associated with treatment, they should choose a surgeon that has the proper credentials to perform the treatment.
Dermal Fillers for the Balls of the Feet
Probably the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery treatment of the feet, the injection of dermal fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, and Juvederm can add more padding to the balls of the feet. This can make it much more comfortable for women to wear high heels, as the volume created by these dermal fillers creates more of a cushion for the foot.
Liposuction of the Feet
Some women notice that excess fat on the foot can draw attention away from the beautiful shoes that they are wearing. If the skin on the feet bunches up when wearing heels, it can be distracting. Liposuction can be performed on this delicate area to permanently remove excess fat and produce a more flattering appearance when wearing high heels. More precise forms of liposuction, such as SmartLipo, are ideally performed on smaller areas such as the foot.
Toe Shortening
The length of the toes has a considerable affect on the appearance of the feet. For some patients, the second and/or third toe is longer than the big toe. The toe can actually be surgically shortened by grinding down the bone. This can produce a more appealing appearance for the foot. However, this treatment is rarely performed for aesthetic purposes.
Toe Lengthening
Some patients may feel that some of their toes are too short and result in a stubby appearance. The toes can be elongated with bone lengthening treatment, but this treatment is only performed on patients with Brachymetatarsia, a growth defect of the toes.
Foot Narrowing
Some patients are unhappy with the look of their feet because they feel they are too wide. It is possible to narrow the foot through the use of liposuction surgery, or a procedure to grind down the bone on either side of the foot. However, patients would have a hard time finding a doctor who will perform the bone grinding treatment for cosmetic reasons only.
While an increasing number of patients are requesting cosmetic surgery for the feet, most experts recommend that men and women stick to traditional means of beautifying the feet.
