Getting Help With My Foot

Talking with a practitioner about the possibility of undergoing cosmetic toe surgery will give you a sense of the options that are available to you. Many procedures are fairly localized, and they can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You still, however, should take the process seriously and ask several key questions before going ahead with it.

Are You a Good Candidate?

While the procedures themselves are cosmetic, your doctor will still have a number of potential practical concerns about doing work. Given the extremity of the toes from the center of the body's circulatory system, practitioners tend to worry most about performing procedures on patients who have poor circulation. Individuals with poor wound healing abilities may also not be candidates, as are some people with blood clotting or thinning disorders. Make a point to inform your doctor about any medication you're on and any other procedures you might be planning.

Is This Covered by Insurance?

Most likely not. Some extreme cases of conditions like hammertoe may be covered, but the typical cosmetic toe surgery is not covered by a medical insurance policy. If you feel the procedure might be justified for more than cosmetic reasons, you should try to iron out the details with your insurance carrier first.

What Are the Potential Complications?

Although cosmetic toe surgery is usually no more invasive than a simple dental or dermatological procedure, there can still be complications. As with any surgery, concerns about possible infections should be taken seriously, especially during the wound care process following surgery. A procedure may also lead to nerve injury, swelling, scarring, and blood clotting problems. Incision areas may also break down, and issues with stitches can occur.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

Some surgeries, such as removing a corn from the top of a toe, may call for nothing more than the application of topic antibiotic and a band-aid. Other procedures, particularly ones to correct deformities, may require the toe to be kept in a splint for weeks or even months.

You should also look into making corrections to any circumstances that might have led to a condition. For example, individuals developing corns might want to get prescription footwear to take some of the stress off their feet. Folks whose jobs call for them to stand or walk a lot may wish to seek different assignments at work in order to relieve foot stresses.