Frequently Asked Questions

The Bunionplasty^® procedure is a revolutionary, minimally invasive method of performing bunion surgery. It was created for all bunions, no matter how severe. It uses a combination of specialized minimally invasive methods, advanced technology, and the latest reconstructive and plastic surgery techniques.

The Bunionplasty 360^® Bunion Repair^™ procedure is a specialized type of bunion surgery. It uses a patented technique that permits the realignment of bone in bunion repair from all angles, all planes, and all dimensions at all times to position and fixate the bone in bunion repair. It also incorporates plastic surgery approaches that lead to a more attractive, aesthetically pleasing result. It works with a patient’s body and lifestyle, for a whole-person recovery across all areas of life.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery (MIBS) uses tiny incisions on the foot, instead of the longer, larger incisions used in traditional techniques. Those smaller incisions allow the surgeon to use a burr, rather than a saw, to cut the bone. Because minimally invasive surgery causes less disruption to soft tissue like skin, muscle, and ligaments, the foot is often less swollen and painful following surgery, with little to no scarring once fully healed.

Bunions are a medical problem, not a cosmetic one – even though the Bunionplasty^® 360 Bunion Repair^™ procedure is performed through tiny incisions like the ones used in laparoscopy or plastic surgery. In many cases, private health insurance companies and Medicare consider bunion surgery medically necessary, so find the doctor who’s right for you, and work with them and your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

Only providers who’ve received our specialized training are qualified to perform the Bunionplasty^® 360 Bunion Repair™ procedure. They must apply in order to join our team, as we hand-select, train, and certify only the most qualified doctors and surgeons to perform this innovative yet time-tested surgery. More than that, our program is designed to support the providers we train in delivering a best-in-class patient experience.

If you think you might have a bunion, the first step is to consult a podiatrist or other foot and ankle specialist. They can evaluate your feet, assess the severity of your bunion(s), and provide treatment recommendations. They may suggest non-surgical options first, or they may recommend surgery. In addition to performing that evaluation and recommendation, providers who receive our training are qualified to determine whether you’re a candidate for the Bunionplasty^® procedure itself.

Only you and your podiatrist or surgeon can determine the best time for you to have bunion repair surgery. Factors like your age, the severity of your bunion or bunions, your level and types of physical activity, other foot and ankle conditions like hammertoes, other health conditions that may impact your surgery and healing, etc. Some people may choose to correct bunions while they’re mild, while others may prefer to wait.

Many patients travel a significant distance to have bunion surgery, either driving to see their surgeon or flying in from another city or country. Because bunion surgery can have a major impact on quality of life, patients often seek a surgeon who is not only an expert in bunion repair, but someone they feel personally comfortable with, who they trust to guide them in making major medical decisions.

Recovery from bunion surgery depends on factors like the severity of the bunion(s), the patient’s age and other medical factors, whether other foot and ankle procedures are performed at the same time, how closely the patient is able to adhere to post-op instructions, and other variables. With the Bunionplasty^® 360 Bunion Repair™ procedure, a patient might be able to walk the same day as their surgery, with their surgeon’s permission. At around six weeks, many patients return to walking in sneakers for longer periods. By two months, most patients are back to full recreation and their favorite footwear.