You’ve had the opportunity – or at least heard of it – with regular pedicures, spa pedicures, and even gel pedicures, but what about medical pedicures? Just as there are many different styles of manicures out there, there are many different pedicures that can keep your feet looking their best, and medical pedicures are one of them.
Medical pedicures fall somewhere between podiatry (the branch of medicine that focuses on the foot and ankle) and basic nail care. To learn more about medical pedicures, the benefits of the service, and who is the right person for the job, read on.
What is a medical pedicure?
“A medical pedicure offers a one-of-a-kind foot care experience,” Marcela Correa Medical Manicurist, founder and owner of Medi Pedi NYC, tells POPSUGAR. During a medical pedicure, a variety of treatments are performed using specialized sterile equipment. “It addresses and treats non-invasive conditions such as cracked heels, corns, calluses, thick nails, inward growing nails, ringworm, nail fungus, and more.”
The service is non-invasive, has zero downtime (which means you can walk in and exit immediately), and is done by certified medical nail technicians. “These technicians are trained to spot abnormalities and advise you to see a doctor,” says Correia.
Medical pedicure vs. salon pedicure
There is a big difference between a medical and a salon pedicure. First, a medical pedicure has nothing to do with aesthetics – it’s more concerned with the health of your feet. You won’t be left with fresh toenail polish or a soothing foot massage with a medical pedicure. Medical pedicures are also water-free. “We don’t use water to avoid cross-contamination,” Correa says. “Water can make things like nail fungus and foot fungus worse.”
Instead, you’ll have a thorough dry cleaning, and then your nails will be filed, cut and polished. Polishing your feet will address dry and dead skin and will repair broken heels. If blisters, corns or calluses are present, they will be removed. In addition, your technician will restore the natural color of your toenails if desired.
Overall, medical podiatry is a useful tool for corrective or preventive care. “By simply incorporating these treatments into your health and wellness routine, you can prevent problems that can lead to invasive corrections, such as bunions, hammertoes, recurring inward nail growth, and more.” Anyone can benefit from this, but it’s especially useful for athletes or those who lead active lifestyles and keep getting up on their feet.
Similar to the pedicures you’d get at a nail salon, medical pedicures can take about 45 minutes to an hour. However, they are done one-on-one in a private, sterile room, just as if you were visiting a podiatrist.
How much does a medical pedicure cost?
The price of a medical pedicure varies by location, but the service usually costs around $200 and can go up from there. It is more expensive than a cosmetic pedicure, but the treatment is more thorough.
How long do the results of a medical pedicure last?
There is no one-size-fits-all guide to how often you should have a medical pedicure, and it depends largely on the existing condition of your feet. However, nail shaping and dead skin removal should last about four to six weeks.
