Understanding the Dual Nature of Foot Deformities

Most people assume bunions and hammertoes are minor or superficial conditions—but they’re not. These are progressive structural problems that can lead to long-term pain, joint degeneration, and limited mobility if left untreated.
A bunion is a misalignment of the big toe joint that causes a bony protrusion and inward toe drift.
A hammertoe occurs when one or more smaller toes curl downward due to tendon imbalance or joint dysfunction.
Both conditions are incredibly common—and often occur together.
In my Upper East Side surgical practice, I regularly treat patients who are suffering from both issues at once, whether they’re dealing with chronic discomfort, difficulty finding shoes that fit, or increasing self-consciousness about the appearance of their feet.

Cosmetic Foot Concerns Are Valid and Treatable

While medical necessity is often the catalyst for seeking treatment, cosmetic motivation is just as important. In New York City, where people are on their feet constantly and style matters, I’ve seen a growing number of patients, particularly professionals, performers, and active adults, who feel restricted by how their feet look.

Some tell me they avoid summer sandals or hide their feet at the beach. Others feel they’ve lost confidence in intimate relationships or public situations. Cosmetic foot concerns are deeply personal and completely valid.

That’s why I specialize in a blend of corrective and cosmetic foot surgery, helping patients resolve pain and restore aesthetics in one personalized procedure.

Why Patients Travel to NYC for Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery

My practice has earned a reputation far beyond New York’s five boroughs. I routinely see patients from:

• The Upper East Side, Midtown, and Downtown Manhattan
• Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island
• Westchester, Long Island, and Northern New Jersey
• Across the United States and abroad

They come for results—and for a level of privacy, precision, and professionalism that’s difficult to find elsewhere.

Schedule your appointment at (212) 769-0066

What Makes My Approach Different

As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, I’ve dedicated my career to refining techniques that address both function and form. Some highlights that set my approach apart:

• 35+ Years in Private Practice on the Upper East Side
• Thousands of bunion and hammertoe procedures performed
• Inventor of a patented surgical osteotomy guide (U.S. Patent #7,182,766)
• Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons since 1992
• Attending Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye & Ear Hospital, and Midtown Surgery Center
• Author of Perfect Feet
• Featured expert contributor to The New York Times, ABC News, Fox News, SELF Magazine, The View, and WebMD
• Fluent in English and Spanish to serve NYC’s diverse population
• Medical volunteer abroad, surgically correcting congenital foot deformities in underserved communities

Few surgeons in the country can match this combination of clinical volume, surgical innovation, and cosmetic artistry.

Minimally Invasive Techniques Designed for Fast, Beautiful Results

In the past, bunion and hammertoe surgery had a reputation for large incisions, long recoveries, and unsightly scars. Today, it’s a different story.

At my Upper East Side office, I use advanced, minimally invasive techniques that allow patients to:

• Walk the same day in a surgical shoe
• Avoid large visible scars (incisions are discreetly placed)
• Return to regular footwear in as little as 2–4 weeks
• Combine procedures (bunion + hammertoe + toe shortening) in one surgical session
• Achieve natural-looking results with properly aligned and cosmetically refined toes

These techniques aren’t just medically effective—they’re also tailored to the aesthetic goals of each patient.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Bunion or Hammertoe Surgery?

You might be a candidate if you:

• Experience pain while walking or standing
• Have difficulty fitting into shoes due to deformity or swelling
• Avoid open-toed shoes or going barefoot because of appearance
• Have tried orthotics, padding, or injections without relief
• Are looking for a permanent solution that improves function y aesthetics

Many of my patients have lived with foot issues for years before finally deciding to move forward with surgery—and most say their only regret is not doing it sooner.

Real Results, Real Confidence

I’ve treated everyone from CEOs to professional dancers to busy parents who simply want to walk without pain. No matter your background or lifestyle, the goal is the same: restore your feet to a state of strength, symmetry, and comfort.

Patients routinely tell me that bunion and hammertoe correction changes more than just their gait—it changes how they feel about themselves. They wear open-toed shoes again. They take the stairs confidently. They stop thinking about their feet altogether—and that’s the best outcome of all.

Schedule your appointment at (212) 769-0066