Dr. Emily Splichal, "fit feet for shuz" columnist, examines the recent trend in cosmetic foot surgery to answer the question ... "are feet the new face?"

Botox, Restalyne, Silicone….it seems like plastic surgery is everywhere we turn.  We are all familiar with Plastic Surgery for the face and body, but how about the feet?  Introducing cosmetic foot surgery – a trend claimed by cosmetic foot surgeons to be skyrocketing!   I do not know the exact statistics but I do know that none of my friends are banging down the door of the Podiatrist’s office requesting to get their toes shortened.

So what exactly constitutes cosmetic foot surgery?  Can bunion surgery be cosmetic surgery for one patient and necessary surgery on another.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plastic surgery falls into two categories – cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.  Cosmetic surgery is concerned with improving the aesthetic appearance of a person while reconstructive surgery is concerned with improving function.

When it comes to foot surgery and cosmetic procedures, the distinguishing factor is “do you have pain” and “does it prevent you from doing daily activities or activities you enjoy”?  If the answer is yes than it is more of a reconstructive procedure.  If you are seeking procedures such as a “foot facelift” or “toe tuck” simply to fit into your Jimmy Choos or Manolo Bhlanik, that would be considered more cosmetic surgery.

Considering cosmetic foot surgery?  It is important to remember that all surgery – including cosmetic surgery – is still surgery!  It involves the same risks of pain, swelling, infection, scars and time off of work.  Most of the women who undergo foot surgery – whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive – are happy with their results and notice improved function, decrease in pain and are able to fit back into their fashionable shoes.

Not ready to go under the knife but still want to improve the aesthetic appearance of your feet or decrease pain in your highest of heels?   Some non-invasive cosmetic procedures you can consider are collagen injections (reduce pain in ball of foot), micro-dermabrasion for feet, toe-nail whitening and a good ol’ pedicure!

Looking for a Cosmetic Podiatrist in your area or want more information on cosmetic foot procedures visit www.iafs.com.

For more information on to keep your feet strong, flexible and pain free – don’t’ forget to check out my Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery DVDs at  www.catwalkconfidence.com.

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Free yoga strap and golf ball for Stiletto Recovery with the purchase of the Catwalk, Stiletto DVD Package OR the Catwalk, Stiletto, VCore package!!    Just enter promo code SHUZSOCIETY on the CatwalkConfidence.com shopping cart!

Dr. Emily

Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, MPH, CPT

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