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Treatment for Bunions with Scarfplasty
What is Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
The Scarfplasty was initially developed in 1985 by Dr. Lowell Weil Sr. and has been championed by the doctors at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute for decades.
Today, the Scarfplasty is done by surgeons worldwide and is the most commonly-performed procedure for the correction of moderate to severe bunions. The procedure provides full correction of bunions with fewer complications and a faster return to weight bearing and activity than other bunion surgeries.
How do you prepare for Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
The first line of bunion treatment is avoidance of pain. Wearing wider shoes may help accommodate the wider foot and place it under less stress. Toe splints or braces will not correct the deformity. While inserts and orthotics can help slow down bunion development, they cannot treat the condition.
Surgery is considered when conservative options no longer alleviate the pain and the discomfort is more persistent.
Why is Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions performed?
A main benefit of the Scarfplasty is that the procedure allows correction in the multiple planes of deformity where a bunion exists. Providing this comprehensive realignment helps to avoid further surgical procedures, meaning less cost and easier rehabilitation.
Due to the increased stability provided by the procedure, weight bearing is tolerated and allowed immediately. The procedure can also be performed on both feet during the same appointment, as published research by the doctors of Weil Foot & Ankle Institute has demonstrated that recovering from Scarfplasty on both feet is no more difficult than on one foot. After surgery, your chances of a bunion reoccurring are significantly reduced in comparison to other procedures.
What can you expect during Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
Scarfplasty is an outpatient procedure which is performed under anesthesia and typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half, though it may take longer depending on whether it is being performed on one or both feet. This is an outpatient procedure and you should have someone present to drive you home following surgery.
What is the followup and recovery like for Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
After the surgical procedure, the foot is bandaged, and a special post-operative shoe must be worn for one week. Most patients return to athletic shoes within 7-10 days and return to work within 2-3 weeks of the procedure. No casts, boots, or sutures are necessary for recovery, and you can return to bathing normally within a week as well. Beyond the first week, activity is gradually increased but weight-bearing exercise and prolonged standing are not recommended for 6-8 weeks. Physical therapy and a program of home exercises are used to speed and improve the healing process. Once healing is complete, you can return to normal activity and wear regular shoes.
What are the potential costs for Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
What are the potential risks for Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
Are there related treatments to Scarfplasty Surgery for Bunions?
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Review By: Lowell Weil Jr., DPM – Jan 19th, 2023
