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Cosmetic foot surgery procedures are reaching new heights

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Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty

Wearing high heels can be painful, but that doesn’t mean women don’t wear them.

Heels are dangerous, they’re uncomfortable and yet they’re incredibly popular. Back in 2009 heels were even declared a health hazard by doctors.

But what’s the answer to the pain of wearing high heels and the health risks they pose? No, it’s not wearing flats.

It’s getting a toe job.

See more: 20 steps to perfect feet

Since 2009 it has been reported that women are getting cosmetic plastic surgery on their feet to be able to wear sky-high heels and it is becoming increasingly popular.

Women have been doing everything from getting injections in the balls of the feet or in the toe pads to cutting off the pinky toe or even shortening toes for the sake of fashion.

Anyone who read the popular book “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan”, exposing the ancient Chinese custom of foot-binding, will remember the scarring scene where the main character’s feet are tortuously bound to make them smaller and more attractive. For many people who had never heard of the practice, this was extremely eye opening and shocking.

Yet, there are many women who don’t seem to be turned off by the idea of surgically altering their feet for cosmetic reasons.

Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty

Whether it is the rise of celebrities wearing monstrously high heels, Victoria Beckham and Lady Gaga come to mind, or simply the fact that more women are getting wind of the procedures, the practice is on the rise.

Any surgery has its risks and these procedures are no exception.

“Surgery performed solely for the purpose of improving the appearance or size of the foot or ankle carries risks without medical benefit, and therefore should not be undertaken,” said the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

See more: Toes are the new nose of the cosmetic surgery world

Dr. Nathan Lucas, a podiatrist in the United States, said he has seen a rise in the number of women looking for collagen injections for the balls of their feet. The procedure apparently makes the woman feel as if she is walking on pillows. Dr. Lucas said he saw as many as 30 patients a month in the last year.

Susan Deming, a patient who recently had about a centimetre of her second toe cut off, said, “Unless you’ve been there, and you can’t find shoes, and you’re in pain, don’t judge…I’ve never felt this good about something I’ve done, if it’s vain, it’s vain.”

Are ‘foot facelifts’ going a little too far? Whether or not they’re pushing the boundaries, they are increasing so it looks like they’re here to stay.

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