ACFAS Position Statement on Cosmetic Surgery

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons promotes the highest standards and ethics of foot and ankle surgery. Members of the College have extensive training and experience in surgical procedures performed for relief of pain, restoration of function, and reconstruction of deformities of the foot and ankle.

All surgery carries risks, and these risks are of increased importance when they have the potential to affect the individual’s ability to lead an active life, as they do with surgery of the foot and ankle. Patients considering surgery of the foot or ankle and their surgeons must thoroughly discuss and weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure.

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.