Stop Living With Bunion Pain: Is Lapiplasty® 3D Correction Right for You?
Nov 10, 2026
If you struggle with a painful bunion, every step can feel like a chore. At South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, we help patients find lasting relief. Shay Fish, DPM, and Ian VanderGulik, DPM, provide advanced care for bunions in Kerrville and San Antonio, Texas. We know how much foot pain can limit your daily life.
Many people believe a bunion is just a simple bump on the side of the big toe. In reality, it’s a complex, three-dimensional shift of the bone. Traditional surgeries often only shave the bump, leaving the unstable bunion foundation alone. That’s we offer Lapiplasty® 3D correction to address the root cause of your pain.
Lapiplasty is an advanced surgical technique that corrects a bunion in three dimensions. Instead of just cutting the bone, we rotate the misaligned metatarsal back into its natural position. We then secure the unstable joint at the base of your foot using specialized titanium plates. This stabilizes your foot's foundation.
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society recognizes triplanar and minimally invasive techniques as viable options for correcting these deformities. At our Kerrville and San Antonio offices, we use these modern methods to help you find stability. We tailor each procedure to your unique anatomy.
Recovery from 3D bunion correction is often faster and more secure than older surgical methods. Many patients can begin bearing weight in a protective boot much sooner than with traditional fusions. This early mobility helps prevent muscle weakness while your foot heals.
In a 2022 study of 28 adults undergoing this fusion, patients walked within 12 days and wore regular shoes by six weeks. Our team walks you through every step of this recovery process. We provide detailed guidance and follow-up visits to ensure your bones heal safely.
We also offer custom orthotics to support your feet after you transition out of your boot. This extra support helps maintain your alignment and keeps you comfortable.
This advanced procedure is highly effective, but it’s not the right choice for every patient. We typically recommend it for adults with moderate to severe bunions caused by joint instability. During your consultation, we perform a thorough evaluation to see if you’re a good candidate.
Your overall health and lifestyle also play a major role in your recovery. For example, a 2025 review notes that smoking is a relative contraindication because nicotine slows bone fusion. We work closely with you to manage these health factors before scheduling your foot surgery.
We also discuss potential risks, such as hardware irritation or a failure of the bones to fuse. A 2024 study of 130 women found a 9.2% overall complication rate and a 7.7% reoperation rate for this procedure. We believe in complete transparency, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Don’t let chronic foot pain dictate your life. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with South Texas Foot Surgeons, PA, today. Our experienced team is here to help you take your first step toward pain-free movement.