Cosmetic Surgery
Approved by the ACFAS Board of Directors, February 2020Download as PDF
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. Currently there are no dedicated training programs specializing in cosmetic surgery for the foot, ankle or leg.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery defines cosmetic surgery as procedures, techniques and principles enhancing a patient’s appearance.i In the absence of symptoms, or medical necessity, cosmetic procedures lack supporting evidence in the medical literature.
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 cosmetic purposes by altering the appearance or size of the foot or ankle carries risks without medical benefit and therefore should not be undertaken.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional society of more than 7,700 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, ACFAS seeks to promote the art and science of foot, ankle, and related lower extremity surgery, address the concerns of foot and ankle surgeons, advance and improve standards of education and surgical skill, and advance and advocate for the highest standards of patient care and safety.
i American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Cosmetic surgery vs. plastic surgery. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. http://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/patient- resources/cosmetic-surgery-vs-plastic-surgery/. Accessed December 1, 2019.