Bunion Surgery in Lakeway & Lake Travis, TX
When a bunion keeps hurting despite wider shoes, padding, and orthotics, bunion surgery may be the next step. Dr. Nolaska Souliotis, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who offers advanced bunion correction, including Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, for patients in Lakeway, Spicewood, Bee Cave, and the Lake Travis area.
When Is Bunion Surgery Worth Considering?
A bunion alone does not always need an operation. Bunion surgery is usually considered when pain limits your daily activities, shoes never feel comfortable, the big toe is pushing into the second toe, or conservative care has stopped working.
Bunion surgery should not be done for looks alone. The goal is to reduce pain and improve how your foot works. If you are not ready, or do not need surgery yet, we will say so. See our bunions and hammertoes page for nonsurgical care.
Types of Bunion Surgery
Bunions are not just a bump. They are a change in the alignment of the bones, and the best procedure depends on how severe the bunion is and how stable the joint is.
- Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction: corrects the unstable joint at the base of the long bone in the foot, addressing the deformity in three planes.
- Osteotomy: the bone is cut and shifted into a better position, often used for mild to moderate bunions.
- Soft tissue repair: ligaments and tendons around the joint are balanced, usually together with a bone procedure.
- Joint fusion: may be used for severe bunions or arthritis in the big toe joint.
Hammertoes that formed because of the bunion can often be corrected during the same surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons both offer useful patient information.
What Recovery From Bunion Surgery Looks Like
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health, and how much correction is needed. Many patients with Lapiplasty® are able to walk in a surgical boot within one to two weeks, as directed by their surgeon. Other procedures may need a longer period of protected walking.
Swelling can last for months, so plan for it. Most people return to regular shoes gradually, followed by exercise and sport as the bone heals. As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, stiffness, nerve irritation, slow bone healing, and the bunion coming back. We go through these with you before you decide.
Why Choose Dr. Souliotis for Bunion Surgery?
As a bunion surgery doctor, Dr. Souliotis looks at the whole foot, not only the bump. She is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery, and she personally reviews your X-rays and explains why she recommends a certain approach. You can view real cases on our before and after page.
Preparing for Bunion Surgery in the Lakeway Area
Good preparation makes recovery easier. Before surgery, arrange a ride home and help for the first few days, set up a resting area with your foot raised, and clear walkways at home. If you smoke, stopping before surgery supports bone healing. If you have diabetes, good blood sugar control lowers the risk of problems.
Patients come to our Spicewood office from Lakeway, Bee Cave, and throughout the Lake Travis area. To find out whether bunion surgery is right for you, call (512) 907-3100 or request an appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Surgery is usually considered when pain limits your activities and shoes, padding, and orthotics no longer help. An exam and X-rays will show your options.
Lapiplasty is a type of bunion correction that addresses the unstable joint at the base of the metatarsal bone and aligns the bone in three planes.
It varies by procedure. Swelling can last several months, and a return to regular shoes and sport happens in stages. We will give you a personal timeline.
It can, although correcting the underlying alignment lowers that risk. Following your recovery plan and wearing supportive shoes also helps.
Bunion surgery is often covered when it is medically necessary. Coverage varies, so our team can help you check your plan.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Tired of bunion pain? Call Elite Foot And Ankle Associates at (512) 907-3100 to talk with Dr. Souliotis about bunion surgery at our office near Lakeway and Bee Cave.
