Fax: (239) 692-9436
Tel: 239-430-3668Advances in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery
December 5 2025
We are thrilled to share our latest article on the groundbreaking advances in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (MIS)! Less pain, faster recovery, and virtually invisible scars are the new reality thanks to cutting-edge techniques like 3D correction and specialized surgical burrs – learn how we’re getting patients back on their feet and back to life sooner!
#bunionsurgery #minimallyinvasive #podiatry #foothealth #innovation #FFLC
Joe Altepeter, DPM
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS
For too long, the thought of bunion surgery conjured images of long incisions, extended downtime, and a painful, protracted recovery. As a foot and ankle surgeon at Family Foot & Leg Center, I’ve seen countless patients live with debilitating bunion pain, often delaying treatment out of fear of the surgery itself. I’m here to tell you that the landscape of bunion correction has undergone a profound revolution. Today, we are proud to offer state-of-the art Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (MIS), a game-changer that is
transforming patient outcomes, drastically reducing recovery time, and offering a significantly more comfortable experience.
A bunion, or hallux valgus, is more than just a bump on the side of your foot. It is a complex, three-dimensional structural deformity caused by an unstable joint that allows the first metatarsal bone to drift outward while the big toe drifts inward. Traditional “open” surgery required a large incision and aggressive soft-tissue dissection to correct this misalignment. While effective, the nature of this trauma led to considerable pain, swelling, and a long period of non-weight-bearing, keeping patients off their feet for weeks.
The Power of Precision: Embracing Modern MIS Techniques
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery is fundamentally different. Instead of a large, open approach, we perform the necessary bone cuts and realignments through a series of tiny, puncture-like incisions – often just a few millimeters long. This percutaneous approach is a paradigm shift, allowing us to preserve the critical surrounding soft tissues and blood supply, which are vital for a quick and successful recovery.
This technique is enabled by the latest advancements in surgical technology.
Specialized Surgical Burrs: Instead of the traditional bone saw, we use precise, high-speed, water-cooled surgical burrs. These instruments are incredibly small and are manipulated under continuous X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to make controlled, exact cuts on the bone. This micro-trauma technique is the key to minimizing soft tissue damage and post-operative pain.
Advanced Fixation: Once the bone is precisely realigned, we use modern cannulated screws or low-profile plates to hold the correction securely in place. The design of this internal fixation is robust, often allowing patients to begin weight-bearing in a surgical shoe almost immediately or within a few days, depending on the specific procedure. This early mobilization is a massive advantage over older techniques.
Addressing the Root Cause: Beyond the Bump
At Family Foot & Leg Center, we evaluate each patient to determine the most effective MIS technique for their specific deformity. For many, this involves procedures that don’t just shave the bump, but also 
correct the underlying rotational instability. The philosophy is not just to fix the symptoms, but to address the root cause of the problem, leading to a permanent and stable correction.
For some moderate to severe deformities, the revolutionary Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction system offers a powerful solution. This technique specifically targets the unstable foundation joint at the base of the metatarsal, correcting the deformity in all three planes – up and down, left and right, and rotationally.
Here are just a few key benefits we see with minimally invasive techniques:
Significantly Reduced Pain: Less soft-tissue disruption translates directly into less post-operative pain, often managed with non-narcotic or minimal pain medication.
Faster Return to Activity: The ability to bear weight early (in a surgical boot) accelerates the return to daily living. Many patients are back into comfortable shoes like sneakers by six weeks.
Superior Cosmetic Results: The tiny incisions lead to a minimal, nearly invisible scarring.
Lower Complication Rates: Less tissue trauma means a reduced risk of wound healing issues and infections.
My mission, and the mission of Family Foot & Leg Center, is simple: to keep you walking, quickly and safely. The availability of advanced options like Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery and 3D correction procedures allows me to deliver on that promise with a level of precision and patient comfort that was unimaginable a decade ago.
If you are suffering from chronic bunion pain and have been putting off treatment, know that a clear path to comfort exists. You do not have to choose between a painful foot and a grueling recovery. The future of foot surgery is here, and it is minimally invasive, highly precise, and centered entirely around getting you back on your feet – and back to your life – sooner.
Dr. Altepeter is a board-qualified podiatrist at Family Foot & Leg Center at the Fort Myers office. He is 
accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has multiple convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies.
Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care!
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