Lapiplasty® vs. PROstep™—Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Bunions can be excruciatingly painful and make it difficult to walk, and sometimes, getting surgery is the only solution. Having heard bunion surgery causes pain and requires a long recovery period, many people who would benefit from having bunions removed avoid surgery.

The exciting news is, with the advent of revolutionary surgical techniques, you can get rid of your bunions forever without the pain or long recovery time of traditional bunion surgery. Dr. Thomas Rambacher and Dr. Michael Bastani, our podiatrists at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, perform minimally invasive bunion surgery that gets you back on your feet again quickly.

Find out more about the minimally invasive Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ and PROstep™ Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), and how to choose the right procedure for you.

About bunions

Bunions are deformities that grow on the inside of your foot, just under the end of your big toe. You can get bunions as a result of your family history, deformities in your foot or foot mechanics, or from injury to your toe joint.

Bunions start out small but usually grow larger in size with time, often misaligning your big toe by pushing it inward or over your second toe. Smaller bunions don’t always cause problems, but if they continue to grow, they can make it difficult to walk, buy shoes, and be extremely painful.

When do I need bunion surgery?

Our podiatrists can tell you if you should benefit from bunion surgery after examining your bunions at your appointment and listening to your symptoms. Often, they recommend surgery if your bunion is a structural bunion, which means your bunion is severe enough to shift your big toe bone out of position.

They might also recommend surgery if you’re experiencing severe pain that’s impacting your life or if your bunions are so big you can’t find shoes that fit. You can also choose to get bunion surgery if you don’t like the way your bunions look.

Choosing between Lapiplasty and PROstep bunion surgery

Lapiplasty and PROstep are the sophisticated bunion removal procedures our podiatrists perform. Here’s when you can expect from each of these surgeries.

Lapiplasty 3D Bunions Correction

Lapiplasty uses 3D technology to permanently fix the root issues that caused you to develop bunions. Rather than simply shaving off your bunion, as would happen in traditional surgery, lapiplasty derotates and shifts your out-of-place joints, stabilizing them and ensuring your bunion won’t return.

After getting lapiplasty, you can expect to be putting weight on your foot, then walking in a boot, within days after the procedure. You’ll be back in shoes that fit your bunion-free feet in 6-8 weeks.

PROstep MIS

PROstep MIS is a minimally invasive procedure that removes your bunions using tiny tools and incisions. The techniques used in this procedure ensure you’ll recover more quickly than traditional surgery, as you’ll have less swelling, fewer scars, and less pain.

After the PROstep MIS, you’ll need far less pain medication during your recovery. Within days, you’ll be back on your feet on your feet and doing most of your daily routine with a special walking boot.

Choosing the bunion surgery for you

Lapiplasty 3D bunions correction and PROstep MIS are both excellent bunion surgeries that produce results with less downtime for recovery. The main advantage of lapiplasty are the 3D surgical techniques that reduce your risk of recurrence, while the main advantage of PROstep MIS are the minimally invasive techniques that bring post-surgery ease.

At your consultation, our podiatrists recommend the best bunion removal surgery for you. This can depend on several factors, including the severity of your bunions and, whenever possible, your own preferences.

For help today with bunion removal from our experienced team, make your appointment today online or at 949-916-0077.

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