How Much Does a Tailor’s Bunion Surgery Cost?
What is a Tailor’s Bunion?
A tailor’s bunion is a deformity of the fifth metatarsal where you can develop a bony protrusion on the outside of the foot near the fifth toe. It is also called a bunionette deformity or a mini bunion and is often of genetic cause.
Common Causes of a Tailor’s Bunion
The main cause is related to the fact that this is a genetic condition. It is actually either due to widening of the foot or splaying of the fourth and fifth metatarsals, which cause prominence of the fifth metatarsal head, or due to distal bowing, where there is curvature in the fifth metatarsal.
When is Tailor’s Bunion Surgery Needed?
Tailor’s bunion surgery is needed when you have tried wider shoes and you develop a bursitis or pain around the fifth metatarsal joint that can cause limitation in sports or footwear wearing.
Non-surgical treatment is usually tried first, including possible injections to reduce bursitis, pads, or wider shoes. However, if these do not work, then surgery is required to correct the deformity.
Types of Tailor’s Bunion Surgery
A fifth metatarsal osteotomy procedure is the most common. It is a procedure that is performed either using keyhole or open techniques. My preference is to perform this procedure using the keyhole technique, where the bony bump is removed using a burr and the bone is cut and reset. I use a small screw to hold it in position. Older or more traditional techniques involve an incision where the joint is opened and the bone is cut and reset with internal screws. Keyhole bunion surgery provides quicker and more predictable recovery.
How Much Does Tailor’s Bunion Surgery Cost?
Tailor’s bunion correction can be arranged on one foot at a time or both feet at the same time.
The average cost of Tailor’s bunion surgery is £4800 for one foot or £6600 for both feet at the same time with our expert bunion surgeon, Mr Kaser Nazir.
What is Included in the Surgery Cost?
The surgery cost includes the surgeon’s fee, the hospital fee, and any equipment used during the operation, as well as the anaesthetist.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Tailor’s Bunion Surgery?
The factors affecting Tailor’s bunion surgery cost depend on whether any screw is used or whether it is keyhole or open. Generally speaking, experienced surgeons will charge a larger fee. If you have the procedure under local anaesthetic, it is usually cheaper than having sedation or general anaesthetic. The procedure is generally performed under day care surgery.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Tailor’s Bunion Surgery?
Yes. Tailor’s bunion surgery is covered by all private medical insurance as it is a medical condition and causes pain.
Contact your insurance provider to request authorisation for your consultation and X-rays with Mr Kaser Nazir. Following your assessment, our team will provide you with details on how to authorise the surgery.
Recovery After Tailor’s Bunion Surgery: Timeline and Additional Costs
For the first two weeks following Tailor’s bunion surgery, I expect that you will be in a post-op shoe. You will be walking no more than ten minutes an hour with careful mobilisation in a post-op shoe. At two or three weeks, you can transition to trainers and walk up to fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. However, high impact activities will not be allowed for about eight weeks. Return to normal footwear can vary between six to twelve weeks. Sporting activities in most sports can be performed at three months.
There are usually no additional costs except if X-rays are required. Physiotherapy is usually not required after this type of surgery.
Why Choose London Foot and Ankle Surgery for Tailor’s Bunion Surgery?
London Foot and Ankle Surgery provides a cost-effective treatment for a problem that can be permanently cured. We have extensive experience in keyhole Tailor’s bunion surgery, which provides a more predictable outcome, with excellent results and reduced risks and rates. Our patient reviews are excellent, and we keep a close eye on our patients during postoperative care.
Book Your Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Tailor’s bunion surgery cost in London?
The procedure fee is approximately £4800 for one foot or £6600 for both feet at the same time. - Will my private health insurance cover Tailor’s bunion surgery?
Yes. Your private health insurance will cover Tailor’s bunion surgery. - What is the difference between open surgery and keyhole bunion surgery?
Open surgery involves a large incision and stripping of tissues, whereas keyhole surgery uses two small incisions with less trauma and easier healing. - Can a Tailor’s bunion come back after surgery?
The risk of a Tailor’s bunion recurring after surgery is less than two percent — it is a highly successful operation. - Is minimally invasive Tailor’s bunion surgery better?
In Mr Kaser Nazir’s opinion, the minimally invasive surgery provides a more predictable outcome, as you remain mobile throughout. There are fewer complications following Tailor’s bunion surgery than with open surgery.