The days when lasers, peels, and injectables were used only on the face are long over; noninvasive treatments are routinely performed all over the body. But there’s one area that’s remained mostly untouched until recently: the feet. The podiatry field is getting a little more sexy though, thanks to the advent of more and more cosmetic offerings that focus on making the feet not only feel better but also look better. These are the four cosmetic procedures in high demand, say top podiatrists.
Injectable filler for foot pain
“The biggest thing we’re doing right now is treating patients who have pain in the ball of their foot with injectable fillers,” says podiatrist Dr. Brad Schaeffer, owner of Sole Podiatry in New York City. It’s a common concern not only for those who are on their feet all day (nurses, doctors, chefs) but also for older patients. The fat pad that covers the bones in this area thins and breaks down with age, causing lots of pain when walking or standing. “Injectable fillers are a game changer. You feel like you’re walking on clouds,” says Dr. Schaeffer.
Dr. Timothy Oldani, a podiatrist in St. Louis, agrees, noting that they’re a great alternative to previous options, which were limited to surgery and/or having to wear bulky inserts. Plus injecting filler into the fat pads can help alleviate corns and other unsightly issues that may crop up between the toes, he adds. He uses hyaluronic acid fillers, which typically need to be injected once or twice per year (at a cost of several thousand dollars each time). Dr. Schaeffer prefers Leneva, an injectable that delivers an extracellular matrix for new fat to grow into. It costs $1,000 to $1,500 per foot, and the results last up to a year and a half.
Foot Botox for excessive sweating & odor
Botox is frequently used to treat hyperhidrosis in areas such as the underarms, scalp, and hands, and the feet are no different. There, the injections help with sweating as well as foot odor, another common complaint among patients, particularly in the summer, says Dr. Schaeffer. “This is an easier treatment for patients, in the long term, because they don’t need to worry about applying topical medications daily and the results do last longer,” adds Dr. Oldani. Results last six months to a year, though Botox for feet can get expensive quickly, given that you do need a good number of units per foot, points out Dr. Schaeffer.
Lasers for toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is a decidedly unsexy (and unsightly) issue, but the latest lasers offer an easy and effective new treatment option. “It’s a nice alternative to topical antifungal treatments, which work only about 40% of the time,” says Dr. Oldani. The laser treatment is pain-free (no numbing required), takes only about 15 minutes, and works fairly quickly; it’s typically done monthly, for three months. Costs range from $500 to $1,000. Dr. Schaeffer uses the Remy laser for this purpose and pairs it with a topical nail restoration product, KeryFlex, which is applied after each laser session.
Foot facials
Facials aren’t just for your face. In-office foot facials (feet-ials?) are becoming a more and more popular offering at podiatrist’s offices across the country. Incorporating elements such as professional-strength chemical peels and microdermabrasion, they’re an effective way to address unattractive calluses, cracked heels, and general dead skin buildup. While costs can range into the hundreds of dollars, these do offer a more effective alternative to standard pedicures and at-home exfoliation options.
