In-Office
No Anesthesia Minimally Invasive Bunion Procedure
Keep walking through recovery.*
Proven better recovery experience.*
Avoids dangerous anesthesia.
Back in gym shoes in 4 weeks!*
*Your results may vary.
Recovery Timeline
0-4 Weeks
Walk right away in surgical shoe. Most people back to work in days = no lost workdays.
4 Weeks
Transition to Gym Shoe. Walking encouraged.
No high impact activities.
8-10 Wks
May begin heavier impact activities depending on bone status.
>10 Wks
Back to full activity.
(Personal results may vary)
Watch How Our Minimally Invasive Bunion Procedure Works.
Superior Cosmetic Result!
No large incisions or scars!
- we do this without permanent screws, plates, or large incisions!
We don't leave permanent painful hardware in your foot.
We keep our patients on their feet after their procedure.
No scooters, or boots.
Why have a bunion procedure in-office without sedation?
Studies show that patients receiving wide-awake local anesthesia for foot procedures report less pain and anxiety during the procedure, and have a better experience compared to those with general anesthesia.
Relax in our private procedure room with the help of a revolutionary device:
We don't use sedation to perform our procedure. However, this does not mean you can't be comfortable. This device reduces anxiety and pain associated with wide-awake procedures.
What is a Bunion, and Hammer Toe?
A bunion forms when the bones in your foot, particularly the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, gradually separate, widening the foot. This leads to heightened pressure on the base of the big toe while wearing shoes. Consequently, the big toe shifts toward the lesser toes, causing it to push against the 2nd toe, resulting in a hammer toe. This condition causes pain at the top of the knuckle and the bottom of the foot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 3D correction like the lapidus, and do you do lapiplasty?
Yes, this is a 3D correction like the lapidus, but it is not a lapidus or "lapiplasty". Our minimally invasive approach completely moves the big toe joint in a 3-dimensional plane. However, too much forced fixation (as done traditionally) can cause new problems. Our procedure allows immediate weight bearing. We believe this is better than lapiplasty for most people given all the reasons mentioned above. Lapidus has its uses, and is designed for specific bunion types which most people do not have.
How long does it take to recover from minimally invasive foot procedure?
Because there is less trauma to the foot with minimally invasive approach the recovery is much faster! During your entire recovery you will be able to walk and continue to work with limitations (due to wearing of a surgical shoe). If able most people are back to work in a matter of days. Under normal circumstances you will be back in a regular gym shoe in about 4 weeks! However, activity will still be limited up to 8-12 weeks after the procedure depending on the exact procedure. After this exercise may resume as tolerated.
When can I drive?
Unless you require medication to relax you, you can drive the same day! You can also drive with the shoe that is provided.
What is the pain like with minimally invasive foot surgery?
Minor. In fact, heavy pain medications are not needed. We also provide an advanced therapy to manage any excess pain during follow-up appointments.
What is it like having a procedure at your office?
Have you ever had a dental procedure? Its very similar. Your entire experience will be about 2-3 hours. You may have a light meal prior to your surgery (unlike other procedures where you must be fasting). You will arrive and relax in our exam room. Vitals will be taken (no IV, or needle inserted as you will be awake for the procedure). The foot will be numbed with a local anesthetic. We use a device to help you relax, and have less discomfort during the numbing process. The actual procedure may take 1 hour. After the procedure is complete you will relax in an exam room for a short time to be monitored. Once deemed stable we will provide a post-operative kit, and you will be able to walk out with a surgical shoe and drive yourself home if able. Though we recommend someone to be with you. You will then follow-up with us weekly!
Do you take (xyz) insurance, or Medicare?
No, we do not contract with any insurances including any Medicare. However, you may still be able to use your insurance (excluding Medicare, and supplement plans). Our procedure is covered with any "out-of-network" coverage you may have, and we can submit an out-of-network claim for you with the exception of Medicare Advantage. With Medicare Advantage plans you will have to submit the superbill yourself.
Why don't you take insurance, or what are some reasons to go out-of-network?
We do this to keep our process simple and transparent, which can save you money, time, and hassle. By focusing on direct payments, we avoid complex insurance claims, deliver treatment rapidly when you need it (no prior authorizations which deny treatment), avoid the long insurance hoops, offer more control over your care, and provide competitive pricing, often much lower than high deductible plans or out of network costs. This approach streamlines your experience, ensures privacy, and lets us focus on quality care.
Dr. Andrew Alward DPM
Board-Certified Podiatrist
A native of Illinois, after completing his medical training in Chicago, IL Dr. Alward relocated to Chattanooga, TN with his wife for the love of the outdoors, great hospitality, and community of Chattanooga! He is honored to serve the area!
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Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Rosalind Franklin University North Chicago, IL
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Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency Sts Mary & Elizabeth Medical Center Chicago, IL
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Board Certified American Board of Podiatric Medicine
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Fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine
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Special Interest & Post-Graduate Education in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
