A new bunion surgery procedure can get you back on your feet faster than traditional bunion surgery. With Lapiplasty, you can put weight on your foot within days of surgery and be out of your surgical boot in about six weeks.
But bunion surgery isn’t without its risks. Recurrence of the bunion is possible, but less common than it once was.
Reduced Recovery Time
If you’ve tried conservative methods and still can’t get rid of bunion pain, you may be a candidate for surgery. It’s a great way to relieve discomfort and improve your quality of life.
This is a significant advantage over the traditional bunion surgery. With a traditional bunion operation, patients must spend the first six weeks in a boot before they can walk with their shoes on again.
During that period, it is critical to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to reduce pain and swelling. This also helps to fasten wound healing and prevent blood clots.
It can take up to 6 months for your foot to return to its normal size and shape, although this is largely dependent on your own health. If you have any complications during this time, your doctor will be able to help you manage them.
Less Pain
Most people recover well from new bunion surgery and can go back to their normal activities in about six to 12 weeks. However, some patients may need a cast or surgical boot for longer.
Using a foot pillow, fitted boots or sleeves will help you remain comfortable during this time. In addition, you can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) as prescribed to reduce pain.
Many patients report significantly reduced pain after their bunion surgery. This is because the bunion deformity is now corrected and there is less pressure on the big toe joint.
After surgery, the bones and soft tissue are held in place as they heal by small wires, screws or plates. This prevents the bones from shifting and causing the bunion to return.
Less Scarring
As with any surgical procedure, scarring is a natural response to trauma. It can be a pleasant part of recovery, or it can be an unpleasant reminder that you had surgery in the first place.
But as a general rule, surgeons should try to minimize the chances of a big scar. The best way to do this is to understand your options and choose the right approach for you.
Some bunion surgeries are designed for a more attractive appearance, such as the Bunionplasty(r) 360deg procedure that uses tiny incisions that can be hidden along the inside of the foot.
Another reason why new bunion surgery offers less scarring is that it usually takes fewer steps and requires a smaller incision than other bunion correction procedures. This leads to a faster healing process, shorter hospital stay and more comfort post-operatively.
More Comfort
Over the years, innovations in surgical technique, equipment and philosophy have made bunion surgery possible with less pain, swelling and recovery time. Today’s surgeries typically involve minimally invasive techniques and can allow patients to put weight on their feet after a few days.
During the surgery, the doctor will use a small incision on your big toe joint to correct your hallux valgus and realign it into a more natural position. In addition, the tendons and ligaments surrounding your joint are rebalanced, which will keep the bunion from coming back.
In many cases, patients can return to sedentary jobs after surgery, but this depends on the surgeon’s protocol and type of bunion surgery performed. Those with jobs that require lots of walking and standing may need to take a medical leave of absence during the healing phase.