Second Opinions and Revision Surgery

"Dr. Vazales is amazing. He is kind, skilled, and knowledgeable. He takes time to explain procedures, answer questions, and offer reassurance. Appointments set quickly and Melissa, Office Manager, is exceptional. My surgery went very well and I am so happy with the results! I had been living with a botched surgery result for 10 years. Dr. Vazales fixed it and improved my quality of life. I highly recommend Advanced Foot and Ankle."

SHERROLL M. | MAY 16, 2023

Foot and ankle surgeries and other podiatric treatments can significantly impact your life as they often require extensive recovery periods and come with some risks. Before you proceed with treatment, you may want to get a second opinion from board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Ryan Vazales, DPM, DABFAS, FACFAS, at Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Dr. Vazales provides second opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle-related injuries, diseases and disorders. If revision surgery is necessary, Dr. Vazales has considerable experience and many authored scholarly publications which designate him as an expert in his field. It’s Dr. Vazales' goal for every patient to feel informed and confident in their medical care and treatment decisions. Previous medical records and x-rays may be requested to make the most personalized, informed treatment recommendations for a second opinion.

Call Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia or book an appointment online to get more information before you make a major medical decision today.

What is a second opinion in a medical context?

It’s smart to get a second opinion from a medical professional after getting an evaluation from another physician — especially when invasive treatments are involved. You may be interested in getting a second opinion to verify the first provider’s diagnosis before you proceed with treatment.

What is foot or ankle revision surgery?

Foot or ankle revision surgery allows Dr. Vazales to repair, reposition, or realign the bones, tendons, and ligaments present in your foot or ankle. In certain cases, the surgery may involve the removal of fixation devices or damaged implants. He may place new fixation devices to improve your stability and contribute to your quality of life moving forward.

Do I always need revision surgery?

Dr. Vazales provides second opinions for any foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and disorders. You can trust him for revision surgeries if there are complications from a surgery you’ve had in the past, such as achilles tendon ruptures, bad ankle surgery, bad bunion surgery, arthroscopic repairs, among other surgeries or prolonged therapies including chronic wounds that have not healed. 

When should I get a second opinion?

A second opinion can offer insight into a foot or ankle condition or injury. It can also help guide you to suitable treatments to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent future foot or ankle complications.

You might benefit from a second opinion after getting a diagnosis or treatment recommendation for:

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Foot and ankle arthritis
• Cartilage injuries
• Limb-threatening wounds, ulcers, and infections
• Ankle instability
• Foot and ankle fractures

You might get your initial medical evaluation from your primary care provider, an urgent care doctor, an orthopedic specialist, or another podiatrist. Getting a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean you disagree with their evaluation, but that you simply want more information before you make major medical decisions like undergoing surgery.

What’s the outcome of a second opinion?

When you come to Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia for a second opinion, you can expect Dr. Vazales to be extremely thorough in his assessment. He reviews your medical history leading up to your diagnosis and treatment recommendations and might use diagnostic testing for a deeper evaluation.

Your assessment might involve:

• A physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Computed tomography (CT) scans

Dr. Vazales uses his expertise to evaluate imaging scans and informs you of his findings right away. He can then make treatment recommendations that may or may not align with the recommendations of your initial provider. Dr. Vazales will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision on your treatment so you can then feel more confident in your ability to make important decisions about your medical care.

Call Advanced Foot & Ankle of Virginia or schedule an appointment online to get a second opinion on any foot and ankle condition or injury today.