Bunion surgery is not one single operation. Different procedures use different incisions, fixation methods, anesthesia plans, recovery rules, and correction strategies.

At The Bunion Cure in Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Jordan Sullivan commonly uses SERI minimally invasive bunionectomy for appropriate candidates. SERI is a specific minimally invasive bunionectomy procedure designed for 3D correction, first metatarsal derotation, sesamoid alignment, smaller incision, temporary pin fixation, and immediate but limited protected walking.

This page is a starting point. If you are comparing bunion surgery options, the related pages below explain the details in more depth.

When Is Bunion Surgery Considered?

Bunion surgery is usually considered when the bunion is painful, causes shoe irritation, limits activity, continues to progress, or creates related problems such as toe crowding, hammertoes, metatarsal overload, or worsening forefoot mechanics.

Wider shoes, silicone sleeves, and toe spacers may help symptoms for some patients, but they do not usually structurally correct the bunion. Once a bunion has progressed beyond a mild stage, Dr. Sullivan generally recommends discussing correction before the deformity becomes harder to treat.

SERI Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy

SERI bunionectomy is The Bunion Cure’s specific minimally invasive bunionectomy procedure. It is more specific than the general phrase “minimally invasive bunion surgery.”

In a SERI bunionectomy, the first metatarsal is corrected through a smaller incision and held with temporary fixation while the bone heals. The procedure is designed to achieve excellent derotation of the first metatarsal and excellent sesamoid alignment without plates or screws in the classic SERI technique.

All patients leave with a protected limited weight-bearing plan. Most patients walk out in a post-op shoe. Patients with other mobility issues may need crutches, a walker, wheelchair assistance, or additional support for safety.

How SERI Differs From Lapiplasty Or Traditional Bunion Surgery

Traditional bunion surgery often uses a larger open incision, more soft-tissue exposure, and permanent hardware. Lapiplasty is based on a Lapidus-style fusion of the first tarsometatarsal joint, which means a midfoot joint is fused.

Fusion can be appropriate for some patients, especially when instability is centered at that joint, but it also changes the recovery and creates stiffness where the joint is fused. SERI is an osteotomy, meaning the bone heals more like a fracture rather than requiring fusion of a joint that normally moves.

Recovery, Pain, Risks, And Cost

Recovery varies by patient, procedure plan, swelling, bone healing, health history, and compliance with post-op instructions. The Bunion Cure’s SERI approach is built around immediate but limited protected walking, swelling control, follow-up X-rays, staged shoe transition, and pin removal around the expected healing window when appropriate.

No bunion procedure has zero risk. Possible risks include recurrence, stiffness, nerve irritation, infection, delayed healing, transfer metatarsalgia, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, and the possibility that revision surgery could be needed. These risks are discussed in more detail on the dedicated risks page.

Cost depends on insurance, deductible, co-insurance, co-pay, procedure plan, facility, imaging, anesthesia plan, and whether other forefoot procedures are included. The Bunion Cure is in network with most major insurance carriers, but patients should call to confirm specifics.

Start Here

Schedule A Consultation

To discuss whether SERI minimally invasive bunionectomy is appropriate for your bunion, schedule a consultation with The Bunion Cure, call 720-758-6760, or send an appointment request online.

Medical Note

This page is general education and does not replace medical advice. The right bunion surgery depends on your exam, X-rays, medical history, goals, severity, joint health, and safety considerations.

Reviewed by: Dr. Jordan Sullivan
Last reviewed: June 8, 2026
Last updated: June 8, 2026