For patients in South Africa

Bunion surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A bunion (hallux valgus) forms when the big toe slowly leans towards the other toes and the joint at its base pushes outwards, leaving a painful bump on the inside of the foot. Bunion surgery corrects that alignment. For South African patients, what needs planning is walking in a surgical shoe, the ten-hour flight home and months of recovery after you leave.

Who it suits

• Adults whose bunion pain limits walking, work or everyday activities
• People whose big toe is still moving out of line
• People who cannot find shoes they can wear comfortably
• People in whom wider shoes, pads, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication or exercises have not helped
• People in good general health; smoking and some medical conditions slow healing

Surgery should not be done only for appearance.

Assessment and technique

The surgeon examines how far the toe has drifted, the size of the bump, how well the joint moves and how you walk. X-rays measure the angle between the big toe and the first metatarsal bone and show whether there is arthritis. Send any X-rays you have, and photographs of both feet.

• Osteotomy — the most common approach: the metatarsal bone is cut, moved back into line and held with small screws or plates
• Exostectomy — removing the bump; rarely done alone because it does not correct the alignment
• Arthrodesis (fusion) — for severe or arthritic joints: the joint is fused so it no longer moves, which relieves pain but limits movement
• Minimally invasive correction — through smaller incisions, where your anatomy and the severity allow it

The operation is done under regional or general anaesthesia and takes between 45 minutes and two hours. The full technical detail is on the bunion removal treatment page.

How long to stay, and the flight home

In the first two weeks the foot is swollen and sore, you wear a special post-operative shoe or boot, keep the foot raised and walk only a little. The surgeon checks the wound before clearing you to fly; ask for the planned length of stay in your written treatment plan, and book a return ticket you can change.

• Ask your airline for wheelchair assistance in Istanbul and at home
• Choose an aisle seat, get up to walk, drink water and follow the surgeon’s advice on clot prevention
• Tell us at the start about any history of clots, diabetes, smoking or blood thinners

Recovery at home

From about three to six weeks walking increases, stitches are removed if needed and X-rays check the bone is healing. Full recovery takes three to six months, and some swelling can last for months. Arrange before you travel who will remove stitches and take X-rays in South Africa, and take your operation notes and images home.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team; Turkey is only one hour ahead of South Africa. Medical complications arising from the treatment, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary as a result, are covered for one year from the date of treatment by our treatment guarantee. Any such treatment is carried out in İzmir by the treating team; flights and accommodation remain your own responsibility.

Risks

Possible complications include infection, bleeding and swelling, nerve irritation or numbness, stiffness of the big toe joint, slow bone healing and the bunion coming back. Following the aftercare instructions reduces these risks but does not remove them. See also our foot and ankle surgery guide and the wider orthopaedic surgery guide for South African patients.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed your scans and history, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your health makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to operate when conservative treatment has not been tried, or to do more in one operation than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need surgery for a bunion?

Not always. Many bunions are managed with wider shoes, pads, orthotics and exercises. Surgery is considered when pain persists or the deformity keeps getting worse.

How long does bunion surgery take?

Usually between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on how much correction is needed. It is done under regional or general anaesthesia.

When can I walk after bunion surgery?

Most patients walk in a special post-operative shoe soon after the operation, but walking is limited for the first two weeks and full weight-bearing can take several weeks.

How long after bunion surgery can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides after checking the wound. Because the flight takes around ten hours and the foot swells, book a return ticket you can change and ask for airport assistance.

Will my medical aid cover bunion surgery in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes it. Ask both specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.