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Linda in Miami is hooked to boots and high heels but her problem is that after an hour or so, her feet start to hurt so bad that she can barely walk. "I feel so sorry that I cannot do one thing that I desire so much - wear
high
heels. I have heard that it is now possible to perform cosmetic foot surgery. Should I go ahead and do it?" she asks.
While cosmetic foot surgery is technically possible, doctors are very reluctant to perform it in vast majority of cases. The consensus among experts is that this procedure be limited to only the most deserving cases. Therefore, you must consult with a local plastic surgeon so that she/he can tell you if you are a good candidate.
 In a survey of members of the American
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), 82 percent of
orthopedic surgeons said cosmetic surgery for feet is inappropriate and 50 percent said they have treated patients for problems associated with complications from the surgery. AOFAS actually warns consumers that the risks inherent in such surgery far outweigh the benefits. Cosmetic foot surgery should not be considered in any circumstances and the Society does not condone its practice. The AOFAS recommended not performing the surgery just to improve the appearance of the foot.
That does not mean it is not being done. Some adventurous patients and surgeons are involved. According to a survey by Nancy Kadel, assistant professor of
orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Washington,
though, most people would not have the surgery if it was the only way to make their feet prettier or allow them to fit into particular shoes/high heels.
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