Aesthetic surgery for the feet? fillers and new trends arriving from the USA

How many times have you wanted to wear stylish summer sandals — the kind showcased by fashion bloggers — but hesitated because you didn’t feel your feet looked “good enough”? Today, achieving beauty literally from head to toe is possible, as aesthetic surgery can also target the feet.

In recent years, this part of the body has received growing attention in the field of aesthetic medicine, both in the United States and Europe. Feet are essential for daily function and support the entire body, which is why many Italian plastic surgeons and orthopaedic specialists warn against purely cosmetic procedures that may expose such a delicate and complex structure to unnecessary risks.

The most requested treatment — especially among women with thin, bony feet — is the foot filler for the dorsal surface. This involves injections of soft-tissue fillers to restore volume and provide a smoother, more youthful appearance. The most commonly used substances are hyaluronic acid fillers or, alternatively, autologous fat through lipofilling, which is biocompatible and free of rejection risks.

After applying a local anaesthetic, 4–5 microinjections are performed and the filler is distributed with a gentle massage. Ice is then applied to reduce redness and swelling. Patients can immediately resume normal activities, although mild bruising, swelling or temporary surface irregularities may appear for a couple of days. Absorbable fillers usually last between 7 and 9 months.

If lipofilling is chosen, the procedure lasts around 30 minutes and includes two phases: first, under local anaesthesia, small incisions are made to harvest fat — typically from the flanks — using a fine cannula. In the second phase, the fat is processed and reinjected into the dorsum of the foot using microcannulas. Since part of the fat is naturally reabsorbed, a secondary touch-up may be needed after a few months.

Maria Serena Patriarca