If you are seeking information about corrective surgery for webbed toes or fingers, or if you have had surgery and want to share information with others about it, this is the place.
Welcome to the Corrective Surgery forum
(29 posts) (21 voices)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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hj
Memberam i the first to hop on here? weird. i only thought to google about my toes today after living with them for the last 30 years of my life. i had no idea this was such a common thing, since i'd never run across anyone else who had it. i was actually toying with the idea of having surgery on the right foot since that one is a little more webbed than the left and wanted to see if there was any information out there already. and i ended up here. i guess what started me thinking about it was reading how they had stretched the skin of conjoined twins to have enough to work with, and i thought maybe there could be some sort of similar procedure for hands and toes instead of skin grafts. don't know all the details that would go into that, but it was a thought.
Posted 3 years ago # -
moondog
MemberI remember many years ago when I thought I might want my toes separated a doctor told me part of the procedure was to make a small incision in the webbing and place a small ball underneath. This would stretch the skin and I wouldn't need any skin grafts. The ball would have been left in for several weeks. This sounded painful so I opted not to have my toes separated at the time and I'm glad I left them alone. I now like having webbed toes.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Tal
MemberI've never considered surgery - my 2/3 toes on each foot are joined up to the base of my toenails... apparently docs offered surgery when i was a baby but my parents didn't see any reason to go ahead with it. The first question people used to ask me when they saw my toes was "can they do surgery to fix it" to which my replay was always - why? it doesn't affect me in any way. the 2nd question used to make me laugh every time 'does it feel weird' - umm.... i was born this way so how the heck would I know? LOL
never thought to look up info online about this before - weird, cause I use the net a lot, specially for my multiple health probs - guess cause my toes have never been a problem i just didn't think of it.
My father has slightly webbed toes, and my brother even less so - but i've never come across anyone with them webbed as far as mine are
Posted 3 years ago # -
rugby1717
MemberI am a 19 year old female and I have partial simple webbing between my second at thirds toes on both feet (more so on my right). My webbed toes have always really bothered me for some reason, and people always ask me why, but its just one of those things. I guess being a female I just want to have "normal" toes so I can wear sandals,and toe rings, and get pedicures without being looked at funny. Last summer I opted to get them separated at the same time. My left foot was easy because the webbing wasn't that bad, but my right foot was worse and the surgeon had to take a skin graft from right below my ankle bone. Btw they stuck a pin in my 2nd and 3rd toes to prevent them from going crooked when my toes healed. After the surgery I laid on the couch for 2 weeks living off pain meds, and I couldn't walk correctly for a little over a month. My left foot healed okay and I have a scar but its not too bad. My right foot however, the skin graft they used sluffed, meaning that the regular skin on my foot kinda rejected it, so it didnt heal correctly, and my toes healed together again. SO now I still have webbed toes on my right foot but with a huge scar down the middle, and a scar on my ankle from the skin graft.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jeff
MemberI just discovered this forum today, and I am glad to find it. I am 38 years old and first sought a surgical consultation from a podiatrist 3 years ago about getting my toes separated. I never did have the surgery----yet! My toes (I think you call them toes 2 and 3) are webbed all the way up to the very top--nothing partial about mine. It had never dawned on me how complicated the process would be. I had figured it would just be snip-snip and I'd be enjoying normal looking toes a week or two later. From the surgery consultation, I was taken aback by the need for the skin grafts, the reported painful recovery process, and the need to wear special boots for weeks after the procedure. Now I read that someone endured all that and then her toes re-joined after the surgery. I'm a conventional type of person, and I find it hard to avoid hiding my toes at the beach and the pool. Are there any success stories here?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Johndoe
MemberYeah, I've had the webbers 2&3 up to the nail my whole life. It really wasn't until my teens did I start to feel self conscious about them. Got a few negative reactions from girls and that was enough for me. Been thinking about getting them corrected, but I'm worried about the complications. If anyone has info that would be great.
Posted 2 years ago # -
goodweb
MemberCome on people... if you can't accept a little ribbing about a little problem like web toes you've got bigger issues. I've got them, 2nd and 3rd webbed almost to the top and everyone I meet thinks they're cool. I think "normal" toes look weird. But I suggest you get the surgery. Hopefully there'll be complications and they'll have to cut your toes off. You don't deserve them.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Tinasz
MemberDear Jeff:
Yes, I had a funny but successful surgery-:) I am 39 as of last Wed. and had my surgery when I was 18 years old. I have absolutely no regrets at all but still am obsessed with perfect looking toes. That is obviously about me-:) My surgery was extremely painful and they packed my toes well which caused a tremendous amount of pain (I will not even say discomfort, it was pain!!!). They packed between my 2/3 on both feet which added to the pain since the toes had always been Siamese toes and now they appeared to be miles apart. I did not wear any type of special boots or anything like that other then the bandages. The funny part was they took skin from the groin in order to do my grafts. Seems logical but so does the funny part. I am so not kidding when I say this. Due to where the skin came from I now grow about 5 on each foot, pubic hair-:) I am sure you know what my husband calls me-:) So, not kidding, I could never make this one up. I trim them well every couple of weeks. I still have no feeling where the grafts are so I do not dare pull the hair.
I had great psychological difficulties with the webbed toe issue and realize I should not. My son was born with webbed toes so I am trying to get over my issue through him and not put my stuff on him. I requested that his be done immediately but was turned down. So far he says he doe snot want his done and I am pleased that he is okay with that but he is only eight years old and has not been teased yet.
Again, I have no regrets and I am very happy with my decision to have the surgery. I do have some scaring and yes some people have noticed but one was a doctor in the Emergency Room!!!
Good luck on your decision, take care,
HUGS,
TinaPosted 2 years ago # -
lou
MemberTo Goodweb: I don't think people should be judged if they do consider getting the surgery done. I am planning on it in a couple of weeks. If it makes someone feel better getting plastic surgery on any part of their body that they are not happy with then I see nothing wrong with that. Just don't judge someone. That's great that you are happy with yours.
Posted 2 years ago # -
EJ
Memberhi guys, i have the first three toes on each foot webbed and unusual looking square big toes as they were suppose to be two! when i was very little i got the extra peice of toe removed, but i didnt have them 'unwebbed' aparently because it could make it hard for the toes to function as they are used to working together, i do not mind the webbing so much becuase my strange big toe is my main issue! i have it worse than all you guys (and my two cousins who have 6 toes with them all webbed) i would be stoked to only have the 2 and 3 toes joined so you're all very lucky! and surgery is probably much easier in your cases,
all the best for those who get the surgery and who dont :)Posted 2 years ago # -
gio
MemberHi i am new to this site, im a 33 year old female with simple webbing to the 2nd and 3rd toes to both feet. I have hated my toes since i realised i was different in my teens, and have gone to great lengths to hide them. I have 2 children and it was one of the first things i looked at and was pleased that neither of then have it!I have always wanted them seperated but found it hard even to show Dr's them, but finally decided to go for it and i have just had the op on my right foot. I have been in quite alot of pain, an have had moments of "why did i do this?" but know at the end of it, it will be worth it for me. I will be having my other foot done as soon as i can. I appreciate fully that some of you are very happy with the way your toes are, but it is a very personal thing. If anyone wants any info on the op please just ask.
Posted 2 years ago # -
clover
MemberHi, I am a 36 year old mom, and my little girl is now 3.5 and has her second and thrid toes connected. I was devestated at first discovery, and now no it doesn't make her nay less beautiful....I wanted to have it corrected right away but was told to wait until she was 4. She is now close to four, but we have since moved away from SAn Diego, where her doctor was..I have been to two doctors since and they both said they would not do durgery. I want to do this for her, I do not want her to be teased or any more insecure than every other teenager. advise? doctors in California that anyone would recommend? i want to make the right choice for her, and don't want to cause any unneccasry pain, physical or mental?
Posted 2 years ago # -
kirasmama
MemberClover:
Please let your daughter decide for herself when she gets older!!At 41, I have the same thing as your daughter, and I have a nearly-5 year old daughter myself.
I was sorry that she was born without the same toes as me... because it has made me a happier person in the long run.
Yes, I was teased as a kid - do you swim faster? are you going to marry the 'man from atlantis'? are you a mutant? are those pig toes? - but who ISN'T teased as a kid? I didn't get called fat or short or any number of other things my friends suffered from... Kids will find something and focus on it. It's not so bad if it's just your toes!I had the option to have surgery when I was older - but elected not to.
I love having my feet - they are beautiful, and I've heard so from many, many men! I love getting pedicures and I wear sandals all summer. Mostly, no one notices, but if they do and ask about it, I just tell them it's a genetic mutation - but it's actually an advancement! We're slowly getting rid of our 'separate toes' - just like we don't have our big toes on the sides of our feet like apes still do. So we're 'super humans' :)Let your daughter make her own choice and she'll be happier!
Posted 2 years ago # -
superma
MemberHi I had corrective surgery at the age of 28. I was very self conscious about my toes to the extreme that my husband and friends did not even know I had them. My husband only found out after our first son was born as he had them too. I confessed shortly after the birth (I wore socks - always wore socks or shoes/slippers and rarely went swimming). I decided to have surgery after that and decided that my son would too.
My son was 6 months old when he had surgery and made a speedy recovery and never had any pain, infact he learned to crawl with the bandages on - so they soon came off. He does have slight scarring but otherwise fine. Me, on the other hand had a lot of pain, couldn't walk properly for two months and the scab lasted 3 months. However, i am glad I had the surgery and wished my parents had done it for me as a baby as it seems the recovery is much faster. I now go swimming, wear sandals, go bare foot - all things I would never consider before.
I already had a daughter who had normal toes and my second daughter was born with normal toes, however my second son was born with webbing, so we opted for surgery again. Again, there was no problems with the surgery or recovery but one of the toes started to go back.
I had never met anyone with toes like mine and I was always looking at peoples feet to see if I could spot any. It has only in the last couple of months that I have seen 3 cases (I'm now 38). I wish that I hadn't bothered by mine, but for some reason, the more I hid them the more paranoid I became. I didn't want that for my sons. I know there are a lot worse things that could happen and I do feel that I overreacted but that is something I cannot help. Everyone is different! It's an individual choice to have surgery and it doesn't look 100% perfect and can go wrong.
Posted 2 years ago # -
eva
MemberHi, i had full webbing on my left 2nd and 3rd toes and just a month ago had corrective surgery. My toes are still healing and get sore time to time and i walk with a limp so i dont put full body weight on my foot. The skin grafts scabs are still falling off and seem to be tender, for anyone who has had this procedure done, is this normal? And how long is the recovery time (approx)?
Posted 2 years ago # -
paranoid
MemberHeya, i've got webbed 2nd & 3rd toes on both feet. Nearly all the way on the left foot and about 50% on my right foot. I Have always been really self concious about it, it took me about 2 years to show my best friend and that was only becuase we were going on holiday together so there was no way of hiding it! I was bullied really badly at school for it which i guess is why i am so paranoid about it now! I've never worn flip flops or open toed shoes for as long as i remember, i never go swimming or if im asked to take my shoes of at someones house and i have no socks i just leave!
I was wondering if anybody has any information about surgery in the UK (south england if poss). It's my 21st bday in june and it would be the best present ever if i could find somewhere to sort this. I've heard all about the scars/pain etc that might happen but nothing about who to ring about it or where the operation can be done. I would really appreciate all answers, this is really getting me down, so much so that i find my self in tears over it now and again!
Posted 1 year ago # -
gio
MemberReply to Paranoid.
I have just had my left foot done yesterday(28 mar), as i said before i had my right foot done already(Sep '07). I know how difficult it is.But i eventually plucked up the courage to ask my GP about it. I live in Scotland but i am sure it would be the same procedure in England. Your GP should refer you to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation on why you want it done. Its done on the NHS if they think you are a suitable candidate. From the time i spoke to the surgeon it was 18 weeks before i had the first op, then had to see consultant again to be put on waiting list for the second op.(same timescale on waiting list). My right foot is scarred but still think it looks better than the webbing. I had different surgeon do my left foot, so will update you with my progress.Posted 1 year ago # -
duck
MemberI live in England and I am in my second year of highschool. All my friends at my old school know about my toes but at this new school nobody knows. I have gotten through the first year of gymnastics which we have to be barefoot for but I just know I'm going to get found out soon. Last year in the last lesson of gym someone started staring at my toes looking puzzled but I quickly sipped my socks on. Htey havn't said anything to me about it but now that gym is restarting I know they're going to find out. I'm going to the doctors for the 4th time this coming week to see if I can arrange a date to get one foot split. How long does it usually take to get a date? Btw I'm going to NHS for this.
Posted 1 year ago # -
hopeandstrength
MemberHad the corrective surgery a few days ago.. it hurts I will admitt that but I am happy I finally went through with it. All the years of hiding my foot was so much worse than the physical pain. I could give so many examples of times that it was so awkward and embarressing to hide it but remarkably I did....
I would love to meet some one who has/had same condition as me!! It was R foot 2nd 3rd toes fully webbed with bones also fused!
Will keep you updated on my recovery
Cant wait for summer time already :):)
and I hope more people begin to use this. I feel I need the support right now!
Posted 1 year ago # -
paranoid
MemberI had corrective surgery on my left foot a week ago today, i was refered through my GP and had it done on the NHS. Im so glad i finally had this done. The pain is horrible and its really annoying not being able to walk and having to use crutches but im sure it'll all be worth it. Can't be any worse than the bullying and 21 years of feeling being paraniod! I get to see the results for the first time in 2 days and can't wait, obviously it won't be fully healed just yet but i still can't wait to see!
Just wondering if anyone has had this surgery done and regretted it and what the general outcome of it is? I wasn't shown photo's or anything i was just told it'll be slightly scarred and a slightly different colour because of the skin graft.
This is the only place i have ever been able to talk about this openly, i don't even feel i can talk to my friends/family about it properly as they have no idea what i have been going through. x
Posted 1 year ago # -
paranoid
MemberMy left foot was 3/4 webbed. My right foot it about 1/3 but i've decided to leave that how it is as it's not worth it. My recovery has been annoying and uncomfortable but the result is looking better each week, im still having to get new bandages twice a week and it's nearly been 5 weeks but i can just about walk now :). The skin graft was taken from my groin, and it's in the crease you get when you sit down so you hardly notice it and that is healing up really well, it'll apparently just be a think white line eventually. x
Posted 1 year ago # -
hopeandstrength
Membermine has been 5 weeks too!
toes are still swollen but i can notice the improvements each week. i have been walking since past week/week and a half!
ya i hope my graft improves in apperence though!! mine is lower than yours i would say its on my upper thigh.so one question! :) do you think the surgery was the best option for you???:)
hope ur recovery goes as well as it has been!x
Posted 1 year ago # -
paranoid
MemberAt first i didn't think the surgery was the right option because the pain was horrible but i definately think it was the right decision now! I'm sooo happy i've had it done and can't wait for the summer comes and i can wear flip flops without worrying!!
How do you feel about it? Would you go back and not have it done if you could? xxx
Posted 1 year ago # -
hopeandstrength
Memberi am so happy i have got it done. for so many yrs of my life i would break down over silly things like being embarressed to go to the beach with friends for fear they would laugh at me... other little incidents like this were a regular occurance during my teenage yrs... but now i never have 2 worry about it again.
i have never been happier!! the recovery period was not a nice experience but now i see the results, they were worth it!!:)
xxPosted 1 year ago # -
-Hey guys! omg.. i didnt know you guys were embarrased of your toes. I had a feet paranoia i hated my toes same as hopeandstrength was saying about going to the beach with my friends, i would make up stupid excuses not to go!! i never wore flip flops to school or when i went out with my friends. The only one who knew i had them was my boyfriend exept my fam. he never cared though he thought they were cute and he use to call me his little mermaid lol now he sais im not his mermaid no more! how silly.. since im im the process of the recovery of the surgery. My brother payed for my surgery because he knew how much i wanted it so even though im in pain still i dont regret it.
xoxo-meilin-xoxoPosted 1 year ago # -
foofyhoopka
MemberHello everyone!! I'm new to this site (soooo glad I found it), I'm 19 years old, and my second and third toes on each foot are webbed. I just had an appt with a podiatrist today to see about getting them separated, and so far everything seems good. However, I am a little concerned because I've read that it's better to go to a plastic surgeon for the surgery rather than a podiatrist.
So, for those of you who have had the surgery, which kind of doctor did you go to, and what was your experience with them? The guy I went to said that he had done this type of surgery before, but that he doesn't use skin grafts, and that the main problem he encounters is the skin being stretched too tight and the stitches can't hold. He also wanted to do one foot at a time. Now, for me, this would probably be the main problem. I'm at a place in my life right now where it would be very simple for me to stay home and off my feet for an extended period of time. I would rather have one surgery with pain in both feet than two surgeries.
Also, what was the cost of your surgeries?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hey -foofyhoopka-
-WELL I HAD SURGERY 3 MONTHS AGO ON MY LEFT FOOR (2nd & 3rd toed) AND I WENT TO A PLASTIC SURGEON BECAUSE OVER HERE IN FLORIDA THE CITY THAT I LIVE IN THE PODIATRIST DIDN'T DO THAT TYPE OF SURGERY. THE SURGEON WAS REALLY NICE AND MY SURGERY WAS ONLY 2,700 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT LOL. I GOT IT DONE WITH LOCAL ANESTHESIA INSTEAD OF GENERAL SO I WAS AWAKE THOUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS EXEPT THEY PUT THIS CURTAIN TYPE OF THING INFRONT OF ME BECAUSE I DECIDED NOT TO LOOK!!! I WAS PAINFUL THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS AND IM STILL HAVING DIFFICULTIES WALKING IN HEELS SO I WOULDN'T RECOMEND YOU DOING BOTH AT ONCE! TO TAKE A SHOWER IT WAS VERY HARD, SINCE I COULDN'T WALK I HAD TO BE IN CRUTCHS SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO ONE AND THEN LATER ON THE OTHER, BUT THATS WHAT I THINK ITS YOUR CHOICE. WELL W/B OK.
TAKE CARE, XOXO MEiLiN
Posted 1 year ago #
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