Every medical breakthrough has a beginning. Over 40 years ago in podiatry school, I was trained in the traditional bunionectomy. While it was the standard at the time, the results were far from ideal: six weeks in a cast, noticeable scarring, high complication rates, and unpredictable outcomes.

I knew my patients deserved better. Through decades of clinical innovation, I combined three critical breakthroughs to create a superior surgical approach:

The Evolution of Excellence

Three innovations. One goal: creating a better bunion surgery through decades of continuous innovation.

• 1986 | STRENGTH

Swiss Compression Technique

In 1986, shortly after starting my practice, I adopted the Swiss Compression Technique. By providing rigid, stable fixation to the bone, this technique completely eliminated the need for casts or crutches. Immediate mobility not only made recovery infinitely more convenient, but it also significantly lowered the risk of dangerous post-operative blood clots.

• 1997 | AESTHETICS

The Plantar Medial Incision

In 1997, we pioneered the plantar medial incision. By shifting the surgical entry to the side of the foot, the scar becomes virtually invisible from above. Beyond the cosmetic benefit, this hidden incision prevents painful post-operative adhesions and naturally contracts to help lock in the structural correction.

•  2010 | ENGINEERING

 Precision Bone Cuts

In 2010, I engineered a proprietary osteotomy (bone cut) designed specifically for structural stability and predictable healing. These precise, bio-engineered cuts distribute weight naturally across the foot, making the procedure highly reproducible with exceptional, long-term stability.

Taking a Great Procedure to the Next Level: PRP & Laser Therapy

The Sklar Bunionectomy® already set the standard for modern foot surgery - now imagine combining that surgical excellence with advanced regenerative medicine.

By integrating Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Laser Therapy into our post-operative protocols, we supercharge the body's natural healing response: 

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated growth factors derived from your own body are applied directly to the surgical site to accelerate bone tissue integration, speed up soft tissue repair, and dramatically minimize internal inflammation.

• Post-Operative Laser Therapy: Advanced light therapy penetrates deep into the tissue to stimulate cellular repair (photobiomodulation), reducing swelling and promoting faster skin and incision healing for an even cleaner cosmetic result.

The Result

Redesigned. Reengineered. Remarkable.

By combining rigid compression strength, hidden cosmetic incisions, structural bone engineering, and cutting-edge PRP & Laser recovery protocols, the Sklar Bunionectomy® stands completely unmatched in modern podiatry.

• Minimally Invasive: Engineered for immediate weight-bearing so you walk right out of surgery.

• Zero Restraints: No casts, no crutches, and minimal disruption to your daily routine.

• Accelerated Healing: PRP and laser therapy work together to slash recovery times and reduce discomfort.

• Virtually Scar-Free: Designed to leave your foot looking as good as it feels.

Cosmetic bunion surgery with NO visible scars, NO casts, NO crutches - NO kidding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How does the Sklar Bunionectomy® compare to heavily advertised procedures like Lapiplasty?

A: While Lapiplasty (a Lapidus-type 3D bunion procedure) has gained popularity through heavy marketing, the two surgeries differ significantly in surgical engineering, cosmetic outcomes, and overall recovery:

• Joint Preservation vs. Joint Fusion: Lapiplasty works by permanently fusing the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint at the base of the foot using large metal plates and screws. The Sklar Bunionectomy® uses a precision-engineered osteotomy to realign your bone at the deformity site while preserving your natural joints and full foot mobility.

• Toe Length & Aesthetics: Joint fusion procedures like Lapiplasty require bone removal, which can cause "iatrogenic shortening" - making the big toe noticeably shorter and disrupting the foot’s natural curve (the anatomic parabola). The Sklar Bunionectomy® maintains your natural toe length and hides incisions along the side of the foot for a virtually invisible scar.

• Hardware & Recovery: Lapiplasty installs bulky plates and screws that can cause soft tissue irritation, often requiring extended weight-bearing restrictions. The Sklar Bunionectomy® uses minimal internal fixation designed for immediate weight-bearing - allowing you to walk right out of surgery without heavy hardware or lengthy boot downtime.

For a more detailed comparison, read our blog: The Sklar Bunionectomy® vs. Lapiplasty® Bunion Surgery.

Q: How does the Sklar Bunionectomy® compare to standard Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?

A: The Sklar Bunionectomy® IS a minimally invasive procedure - performed through a small, strategically placed incision along the side of the foot. However, it differs dramatically from standard "pinhole" or Minimal Incision Surgery (MIS) in precision, safety, and predictability:

• Direct Visualization vs. Blind Technique: Standard MIS relies on tiny skin punctures where a high-speed burr grinds bone under fluoroscopy (x-rays). The Sklar Bunionectomy® uses a small, hidden side incision that allows direct visualization of the bone, joint, and soft tissues, protecting vital nerves and tendons from accidental injury.

• Precision Saw Cut vs. Bone Shortening: MIS burrs grind away bone volume, which can cause severe toe shortening or an "elevated" toe that no longer touches the ground properly. We use a micro-oscillating saw to make clean, bio-engineered bone cuts that preserve your natural toe length, maintain joint flex, and protect your foot's biomechanics.

• Fixation & Healing: Pinhole MIS relies heavily on external tape wrap and prolonged boot wear (often up to 6 weeks) to hold bone alignment. The Sklar Bunionectomy® uses rigid internal compression fixation so you can bear weight immediately, transition to athletic shoes in 2–3 weeks, and heal with zero visible scars on top of your foot.

For a more detailed comparison, read our blog: The Sklar Bunionectomy® vs. Minimally Invasive (“Pinhole”) Bunion Surgery.

Q: Can I really walk right after the Sklar Bunionectomy®?

A: Yes, because our precision osteotomy is engineered for immediate structural strength and stabilized with rigid compression, you can bear weight immediately following surgery without the need for crutches, walkers, or bulky casts.

Q: How do Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Laser Therapy improve my recovery?

A: While the surgery itself fixes the underlying structure, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses your body’s natural growth factors to speed up bone and soft tissue healing from the inside out. Laser therapy reduces deep inflammation and surface swelling, helping you bounce back faster with optimal cosmetic results.

Q: How is the scar kept virtually invisible?

A: Traditional bunion surgery places an incision right on top of the foot where everyone can see it. We place our plantar medial incision strategically along the side of the foot. Combined with post-operative laser therapy to reduce scar tissue, the surgical site remains hidden from view.

Q: How soon can I return to work or normal activities?

A: Recovery times vary depending on your daily routine, but many of our patients return to light activities and desk work within days of the procedure. Because you remain mobile throughout recovery - and because Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and laser therapy accelerate cellular repair - your lifestyle disruption is minimized.

For a closer look at the recovery process, read our The Surgical Patient's Experience to see one patient's journey from consultation through one year after surgery.

Real Talk

Traditional bunion surgery earned a bad reputation for a reason: long recoveries, painful casts, and unsightly top-of-the-foot scars. Recent trends like Lapiplasty push 3D fusion, but fusion means permanently locking a healthy joint, taking away natural foot flex, and leaving heavy hardware behind. On the flip side, pinhole MIS sounds great on paper until a high-speed burr shortens your big toe or leaves it floating off the ground.

The Sklar Bunionectomy® was developed to address those concerns. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed with direct surgical visualization, hidden side incisions, and precision-engineered bone cuts designed to preserve your natural joint motion while providing immediate stability. Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and post-operative laser therapy, the goal is not only to correct the bunion but also to support faster healing, minimize scarring, and help your foot look and function as naturally as possible.

READY TO LEARN MORE?

If you're considering bunion surgery, the first step is a consultation with the doctors at Foot First Podiatry. We'll evaluate your feet, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether the Sklar Bunionectomy® is the right treatment option for you.

Whether you're seeking pain relief, improved function, or a more natural cosmetic result, we'll help you understand your options and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Patients travel to Foot First Podiatry from throughout Illinois, the Midwest, and beyond to learn more about the Sklar Bunionectomy®. If you're traveling from out of town, our team can help guide you through your consultation, surgical planning, and recovery process.

When you're ready, scroll down to request your consultation - we look forward to helping you take the next step.