What is the Cinderella Procedure, and Should You Get It?

What is the Cinderella Procedure, and Should You Get It? 

In the Cinderella fairy tale, many a lady hoped their foot could fit the glass slipper if only to get the prince's hand.

Reality is not so far from this fairy tale. Many men and women desire that their feet be shaped or sized differently, maybe not to get the prince's hand but to have a better quality of life.

The Cinderella Procedure exists alongside dozens of other cosmetic procedures that help change how the foot looks to provide better-looking and functioning feet.

The Cinderella Procedure Explained

The Cinderella Procedure is a set of cosmetic procedures that change the shape and size of the foot. As the name suggests, the foot is transformed to become more slender, enabling the individual to wear narrow shoes like stiletto heels.

The idea behind the procedure is that most designer high-heeled shoes like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Gucci have notoriously narrow fits. As such, they are often beyond the reach of individuals with wider feet.

The Cinderella Procedure corrects this injustice by making the dream of wearing such high-fashion shoes a reality for many.

Who is the Right Candidate for the Procedure?

Anyone can get the Cinderella Procedure if they pass the general guidelines for undergoing surgery.

These guidelines include being in general good health, not being on medication that rules out surgery, and avoiding smoking before the procedure.

If you qualify, you will need to speak to your foot specialist to ensure that your expectations are realistic and achievable.

Aside from these guidelines, you will also need to be able to pay the $3,500 to $10,000 cost for the procedure out-of-pocket because most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures.

What to Expect From the Cinderella Procedure

Despite the fancy name, the Cinderella Procedure is really a group of relatively common procedures performed together to give the desired results.

Here are the typical procedures:

• Osteotomy – the big toe joint is cut and realigned
• Exostectomy – bunion removal without realignment
• Arthrodesis – joint replacement with screws and metal plates

Depending on your needs, you might also opt for additional cosmetic procedures like toe shortening or lengthening or fat pad augmentation.

When combined, these procedures result in a Cinderella effect where the foot aligns better with expectations.

Possible Risks and Complications of the Cinderella Procedure

All foot surgeries come with some risk, so it's essential to understand those associated with this procedure.

Cinderella Procedure possible risks and complications include:

• Stiffness
• Excessive swelling
• Excessive toe shortening
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infection

As an elective procedure, understanding these possible risks and complications is necessary as they can lead to chronic pain or the need for further treatment, including surgery.

Last Words

The Cinderella Procedure is a dream come true for many, as it can help create the perfect feet that most people only dream about. As one of many cosmetic foot procedures, it can be easily combined with other procedures to solve other cosmetic and non-cosmetic foot problems.

However, it can be expensive to get the procedure, and results may not always be as expected. As you consider the procedure, keep these factors in mind and discuss the best way forward for you with your foot surgeon.