Life After Lapiplasty®

I remember noticing large bumps on the sides of my grandmother’s big toes when I was a child. When I was 16 years old, I developed them too and learned that they were bunions, a common bone deformity in the foot caused by an unstable joint. The condition often runs in families and progresses over time. After living with discomfort and pain from bunions for more than 30 years, I finally found a treatment option that fit my lifestyle.

I spent years trying all kinds of surgical options and none of them worked. I went to at least a dozen doctors who offered me traditional bunionectomy procedures, but I never even had x-rays taken because I wasn’t comfortable with that surgical option. I even thought about visiting a doctor in Chicago who was performing a different type of procedure, but I realized that it would be too difficult to fly out there and recover from surgery so far away from home.

I thought I had run out of options when a friend sent me a link to a website about Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™. From the website, I learned that Lapiplasty® was a relatively new and innovative procedure that differs from traditional surgery in that it corrects the unstable joint in the foot using a system of patented titanium plates. I read numerous patient testimonials and researched the procedure before using the website’s Find a Doctor tool and making an appointment with Dr. Sarah Haller at Essex Union Podiatry.

Dr. Haller explained the procedure to me in full detail and answered all of my questions. Lapiplasty® was about addressing the root of the problem which made a lot more sense to me than shaving off the bump on the side of my foot.

After undergoing the procedure on my left foot on March 17, 2022, I spent two weeks off my foot per my doctor’s orders before beginning to use a walking boot. I worked on my mobility and flexibility during about three weeks of physical therapy before returning to work in a regular walking shoe six weeks after surgery.

The most surprising part of my recovery process has been the amount of progress I have seen every week. Dr. Haller told me about everything I could expect after surgery and knowing beforehand what was going to happen was extremely helpful.

Almost four months after surgery, I have returned to water aerobics classes, biking and swimming. I have also noticed a significant change in the appearance of my foot. I no longer have to worry about wearing shoes that accommodate my bunion deformity or facing embarrassment if I wear open toed shoes. I plan to have my right foot corrected with Lapiplasty® soon.

If someone were to ask me for advice about undergoing Lapiplasty®, I would recommend finding out if they are a candidate and seriously considering the option. Time off your feet can seem daunting, but it taught me to slow down and focus on my health. I learned a lot from the experience and am looking forward to having both of my feet corrected.

To learn more about Lapiplasty®, visit Lapiplasty.com.

Only a surgeon can tell if Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction™ is right for you. As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary and this experience is unique and specific to this patient only. There are potential risks with surgery and recovery takes time. Potential risks include, but are not limited to: infection, discomfort from the presence of the implant, loosening of the implant, and loss of correction with nonunion or malunion.