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Corn removal becomes necessary when an otherwise protective layer of skin of the foot overgrows.

Corns are also known as hyperkeratosis, and mostly affect places where a layer of skin presses against something. Corns most commonly appears between the toes, on the tip of the toe, or on the upper surface of the toe. They develop to protect the skin from injuries that may arise from squeezing and rubbing but then overgrow, which causes irritation.

All about Foot Corns & Foot Corn Surgery

Corns start out painless, but as time goes by they become red, swollen, inflamed, and painful.

If left unattended, foot corn can be very uncomfortable. Toes are prone to corns because of 3 common causes: pressure from tight shoes, walking on the ground barefoot, and bone deformities. Athletes and people with toe deformities are especially susceptible to corns.

There are two types of corns: soft corns and hard corns. Soft corns appear between the toes and in places with high moisture. Hard corns develop under the feet and on the sides of the toes. If the pain becomes unbearable, many people prefer to have them removed.

Corn Removal Surgery & Cost in the U.S.

The cost of corn removal surgery depends on the seriousness of the corns and the complexity of the procedures used to remove them.

In the majority of the cases, the procedure requires mostly a scalpel. After cutting off the dead skin, the scar then slowly heals. This is the most basic routine treatment and you may only need to pay a consultation fee.

In other cases, however, you may need to have laser treatment to clear the corn.

Laser treatment is non-invasive but time-consuming. While a simple surgery using a scalpel blade may only cost you an appointment fee, laser corn removal cost can be between $200-$500 depending on the nature of your corn and the hospital you visit.

The type of laser used on the corn also determines how much it will cost you. In the majority of the US hospitals offering laser treatments, it costs a few hundred dollars. The cost can increase to thousands of dollars if there is deformity that needs correcting.

Corn- Related Deromities Surgery Costs in the U.S.

Correcting a deformity or a structural bone caused by corn can cost anywhere between 4000 to 8000 USD.

Another corrective surgery you may need is hammertoe surgery. People with hammertoes are susceptible to corns, but there is a surgical procedure to correct the deformity.

In the US, this surgery costs between 4,000 and 7,000 USD. In some cases, especially where there are complications, the cost can rise to 30,000 USD. The above surgical costs include the following:

• Hospital fee
• Anesthesiologist fees
• Both pre-surgical and post-surgical fees
• Cost of the materials used during surgery
• Medication
• Follow-up visits

It is important to conduct thorough research to find the right hospital before you decide to have the surgery. Because of the high costs, you should also make sure that the hospital you choose to go accepts your insurance.

Corn Surgery Removal Costs Abroad

Patients who travel often check into some of the best international health centers to have corn removal surgery. Others prefer to go abroad because corn removal is cheaper than in their own countries. Corn removal costs abroad also depend on the severity of the corn and the health institution. Some of the most popular countries that offer the best corn surgical removals are Spain, Britain, Turkey, Hungary, the Philippines, and India.

If you are traveling to any of these tourist destinations and decide to have corn removal surgery, you could save anywhere between 20% and 50% of the total surgical fees you would otherwise pay in the USA. Again, this will depend on the hospital and the physician you choose. Some of the best-known health facilities that offer corn removal surgery abroad are:

• KCM Clinic, Poland
• Korea Ascle Intermed, South Korea
• Medicover Hospital, Hungary
• Raj Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Centre, India
• The Medical City Park, Philippines
• Yahnee Hospital, Thailand

Is it safe to have corn removal surgery abroad?

It is absolutely safe to have corn surgery removal abroad. Corn removal surgery does not take long to perform and the recovery period is short.

You can still walk around as you recover and go for regular post-operation check-ups. In all major hospitals, a qualified physician performs the corn removal surgery under topical or local anesthesia. A podiatrist performs the laser surgery and the process does not require a hospital stay. It is an outpatient procedure that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours depending on the complexities of the corn.

Other FAQs

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time differs from person to person, but it generally takes between 5 weeks to 3 months to recover fully, depending on how extensive the surgery was.

Light discomfort after the surgery is expected, and you may feel some numbness and tingling. This will dissipate after some time. You may have to keep your foot elevated for the first 48 hours to help alleviate pain. You may get a surgical boot to keep the dressing dry. If you do not get a surgical boot or shoe, you should use a shower cap on your foot when showering.

Are there corn surgery alternatives?

Yes, there are other ways you can get rid of corns without having surgery. However, these methods cannot give you lasting effects because the corns always grow back.

You can try a few home remedies by soaking your feet in warm water and filing the corn off using a pumice stone. You have to be very careful when doing this because the pumice is abrasive and can hurt your skin. After you are done, apply some lotion on the area, and then put on some corn pads. Leave the pads on for a few hours before removing them.

How can I prevent corns from coming back?

Corns usually reappear after removal. First, find out why they appeared in the first place and get rid of the problem. Some of the things you can do to make sure they do not reappear are:

– Wear properly-fitted shoes all the time. Make sure the shoes are not too tight and you are comfortable walking in them.

– Make sure your toenails are always trimmed

– Keep your feet clean and well moisturized

– To protect your toes from excessive pressure, use corn pads. They come in different types, so pick one that suits you