About Bilateral Bunionectomy

The surgery involves making incisions in the skin to cut away excess bone in order to realign the joint. This procedure is commonly performed when non-surgical treatments, such as wearing comfortable shoes or using orthotics, have failed to alleviate pain or when the deformity is severe enough to impede normal foot function.

A bilateral bunionectomy requires careful planning and execution by an experienced surgeon who understands patient needs and surgical techniques. Patients can expect postoperative swelling and discomfort but can usually resume light activity after two weeks and full activity after six weeks. However, it is recommended that patients avoid high-impact sports for 3-4 months following surgery to allow complete healing of the bones and surrounding tissues. If you are beginning to realize that bunions are forming on your feet, it is important to take action as soon as possible. By switching to comfortable shoes early on, you can prevent the need for any form of surgical intervention.

When is this Procedure Necessary?

A patient may consider a bunionectomy if their bunions are causing severe pain and conservative treatments are ineffective. Most of the time, a patient can find relief through the use of conservative therapies including switching to comfortable shoes, using ice when experiencing pain, and taking anti-inflammatory pain medications. If a patient has fully explored conservative methods without seeing meaningful results, surgery may be their next step. 

A bilateral bunionectomy is a bunionectomy performed on both feet at the same time. This is a great option for patients who are experiencing pain from bunions on both feet. Removing both at the same time comes with many benefits including minimizing the recovery time, avoiding additional surgery, and treating all your pain at once. 

 A patient may be a candidate for a bilateral bunionectomy procedure if:

• They are experiencing debilitating pain in both feet
• They have found conservative methods to be ineffective
• They have developed arthritis due to an untreated bunion

Preparing for Your Procedure

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout. During a bilateral bunionectomy procedure, a surgeon will make an incision around the patient’s big toe to remove the bony bump at the base of the toe. The surgeon will then use a joint, screw, or wire to reposition the joint. If necessary, the surgeon will also realign the joints or muscles around the toe. The surgeon will then carefully close the incision and perform the same procedure on the other foot. 

In the days following the procedure, patients may experience pain in the area surrounding the incision. The most important part of recovery is closely following the instructions given by the surgeon. This may include taking antibiotics, taking anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain, and staying off the foot until approved for walking. Patients who begin walking before the foot is fully healed are at risk of suffering a new injury to the foot.

Bilateral Bunionectomy with Smith Medical

At Smith Medical, we understand the complexities of healthcare and how costly it has become to find quality healthcare. In some cases, patients may find that their options are limited due to the cost. Our direct pay option allows patients without insurance access to quality healthcare. It is Smith Medical’s mission to provide our patients with the accessible, transparent, and quality care they deserve.

Contact the team at Smith Medical to learn more today.