Patients should avoid foot facelifts, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society warns

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society is warning patients to avoid "foot facelifts."

Cosmetic foot surgery includes narrowing the foot to better fit high heels; shortening the second toe so it's not longer than the big toe and making the little toe shorter and skinnier to accommodate high heels.

"The risks of such surgeries -- including infections, pain, scarring and nerve damage -- are much greater than the benefits," said Loyola University Health System foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Michael Pinzur.

"I hope patients will follow the Foot and Ankle Society's recommendation that surgery never be performed just to improve the appearance of the foot," Pinzur said.

Pinzur is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

On June 23, 2010, the Foot and Ankle Society reiterated its earlier position statement that advised against cosmetic foot surgery.