Everything You Need to Know About Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction
Apr 15, 2025
A bunion isn’t just an unsightly bump; it’s a misalignment of the big toe joint that can become quite painful, making it difficult for you to walk. Left untreated, bunions can worsen, making it harder to find comfortable shoes and even leading to arthritis in the affected joint.
At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas, our team believes in staying ahead of the curve by offering the most advanced foot and ankle treatments – that’s why we provide Lapiplasty® 3D bunion correction as a reliable, effective solution for patients looking for a permanent fix for their painful bunion deformity.
For years, the standard treatment for severe bunions was traditional bunion surgery, known as an osteotomy. This procedure involves cutting and repositioning the bone to make the foot look more natural.
While this approach can be effective, up to 73% of patients experience bunion recurrence after this type of surgery because it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. Recovery from this method can also be lengthy — many patients need to stay off their treated foot completely for six to eight weeks, and may experience swelling and discomfort for months.
Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct the underlying cause of bunions: joint instability. Unlike traditional bunion surgery, where we cut and shift the bone, we reposition the bone back into its natural alignment with Lapiplasty.
Instead of using traditional pins or screws, Lapiplasty uses small, durable titanium plates to hold the joint securely in place. The added stability significantly reduces the risk of having your bunion return in the future.
Because the joint is secured with titanium plates, you can put weight on the affected foot within days, not months, which, most patients agree, is a major advantage over traditional bunion surgery.
One of the biggest advantages of Lapiplasty is the shorter and smoother recovery time compared to traditional bunion surgery. In the first two weeks, you’ll wear a surgical boot and may use crutches for extra support.
You transition to comfortable shoes between weeks three and six as your healing progresses. From week six onward, most patients return to normal activities, including exercise.
Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction is an excellent option for most people who are dealing with bunions, but it’s particularly beneficial for people who:
Bunions can affect your mobility and lower your quality of life. While traditional bunion surgery can help, it has some limitations, including a high recurrence rate and a long recovery time. Lapiplasty is a modern, minimally invasive, highly effective alternative that corrects bunions at the source, providing a long-term solution with a quicker recovery.
At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, we’re committed to helping you resume an active, pain-free life. If you’re tired of dealing with bunion pain and want to explore a permanent solution, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with our Lapiplasty experts at your nearest office in San Antonio or Kerrville, Texas, today.