Bunionplasty®

Patient receiving focused bunion examination at Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, ensuring optimal foot health and comfort.

What is the Bunionplasty® Procedure?

Bunionplasty® is a groundbreaking minimally invasive approach to bunion correction designed to restore both comfort and confidence. Developed and advanced by Kris A. DiNucci, DPM — founder of the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona and a nationally recognized leader in bunion surgery — this innovative procedure represents the next evolution in minimally invasive bunion care.

Unlike traditional open surgery, Bunionplasty® uses a series of tiny incisions to realign the bone into its proper position gently. Once corrected, the bone is stabilized with specialized implant technology, allowing it to heal in a naturally straightened alignment. By addressing the root cause of the deformity with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue, patients often experience a smoother recovery and a more streamlined healing timeline.

For patients, a Bunionplasty® procedure means:

  • Same-day walking recovery in a surgical sandal

  • No casts. No crutches.

  • Tiny, hard-to-see incisions
  • A solution for mild, moderate, and severe bunions
  • Preservation of natural joint movement
  • Usually less pain and swelling than traditional surgery
  • Faster return to daily activities
  • Correcting both feet in one procedure

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Choosing bunion surgery is a big decision — and at the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From your first consultation through your final follow-up, our team provides personalized, evidence-based care to restore comfort, alignment, and long-term mobility.

Before Surgery: Your Personalized Plan

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, Dr. DiNucci will:

  • Carefully examine your foot and evaluate your bunion deformity
  • Review X-rays and discuss the severity and alignment of the joint
  • Talk with you about your symptoms, lifestyle, activity goals, and footwear needs
  • Answer all your questions about Bunionplasty® and whether it’s the right solution for you

Because every bunion is unique, your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you. As a leader in advanced and minimally invasive bunion techniques, Dr. DiNucci designs procedures that prioritize precise correction, stability, and faster recovery whenever possible.

Before surgery, you’ll also receive clear pre-operative instructions, including guidance on medications, medical clearance (if needed), and how to prepare your home for a smooth recovery.

During Surgery: Precision and Advanced Technique

On the day of your Bunionplasty®, Dr. DiNucci and our experienced surgical team will ensure you feel comfortable and confident. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you’ll go home the same day. Depending on your specific case, anesthesia may include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. DiNucci will then:

  • Correct the alignment of the big toe joint
  • Address the underlying structural cause of the bunion
  • Use advanced fixation techniques to maintain stability
  • Minimize soft tissue disruption whenever possible

After Surgery: Guided Recovery and Ongoing Support

Recovery is a gradual process, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Immediately after surgery, you can expect:

  • A protective surgical boot or dressing
  • Detailed instructions on weight-bearing (which varies depending on your procedure)
  • Guidance on swelling control, elevation, and icing
  • Clear medication and wound-care instructions

Most patients can return home the same day and begin light activity per Dr. DiNucci’s recommendations. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures if needed, and ensure your alignment is progressing as planned.

As swelling improves and healing advances, you’ll gradually transition back into supportive footwear. In some cases, Dr. DiNucci may recommend physical therapy or home exercises to restore strength and flexibility.

 

Before & After - Patient Gallery

What Bunionplasty® Recovery Looks Like

First Day

Most patients can walk immediately after surgery in a surgical sandal, even if both feet are operated on.

After 6 Weeks

After six weeks, most patients can return to walking normally and comfortably in their regular footwear and for more extended periods.

After Two Months

By the two-month mark, most patients are back to leading their full, everyday lives, bunion-free.

 

Is Bunionplasty® Right For Me?

Don’t let bunion pain limit your comfort, confidence, or daily activities; patients should consider Bunionplasty® if:

  • Persistent bunion pain interferes with walking, exercise, or wearing your preferred shoes.
  • You’ve noticed it gradually worsening, shifting the big toe, or causing pressure on neighboring toes.
  • You’re looking for a minimally invasive solution with reduced downtime.
  • You want to avoid traditional bunion surgery, including casts, crutches, or joint fusion.
  • You’re frustrated by shoe limitations, discomfort in dress shoes, or difficulty staying active.
  • You want a personalized treatment plan built around your lifestyle.

Meet Kris A. DiNucci, National Leader in Bunionplasty®

Dr. Kris DiNucci is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (MIBS) and advanced reconstruction. As the founder of the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona since 2006, he has trained surgeons nationwide in minimal incision techniques. Dr. DiNucci has been a faculty member of ACFAS for over 20 years and has been recognized as a Top Doc by Phoenix Magazine for 17 years (2008–2025). 

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Frequently Asked Questions