What’s critical for your surgeon, and what must you consider?

First and foremost, does your surgeon have any medical board issues or medical-legal cases against them? Although some can be minor, I would steer clear of any significant issues. You can check this on your local medical board’s website. Most surgeons have multiple hospital privileges, and hospitals ask good surgeons to join for their expertise. Second, does your surgeon have hospital privileges or only surgery center or office privileges? If a surgeon does not have hospital privileges, it’s a problem on many fronts, even if your operation is outpatient in a surgery center. One concern is that they cannot admit you if there is a problem, and you may lose continuity of care if you have to go to a hospital. A surgeon without hospital privileges is just strange. Most surgeons have privileges at multiple hospitals, and hospitals ask good surgeons to join for their expertise. Finally, be careful with office bunion surgery. An office bunionectomy is just not good. The equipment, cleanliness, level of care, and patient protection must match a surgery center or hospital, so be warned.

Is the surgeon’s experience more important than their age?

Experience matters, a lot. It is the most important thing to consider when picking a surgeon. But a surgeon’s age alone isn’t a huge issue in my opinion. In my prior practice, I hired a surgeon who had recently completed his fellowship, and he was an absolute rock star. He had great surgical hands, a great bedside manner, and was very talented in selecting the right procedures for each patient. What I loved was that he was humble enough to ask the older guys in the group for their thoughts. It reassured us and was great for the patient. So if you see a younger doctor who is board-qualified, has done an extensive surgical residency and maybe a fellowship or additional training, and has a great bedside manner, don’t assume they’re not good. That being said, the ideal age for a surgeon is about 10-20 years out from residency. The first 10 years are learning years. You may have great hands and a great bedside manner, but you haven’t seen the complications and problems, so you may not know how to deal with them. From year 10 to year 20 of being a surgeon, you’re really in your element. You’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, and dealt with it. You’ve turned away patients who will not do well with surgery and have done enough surgery to really know what works for each patient. From 20 years out, you’re at your peak. After age 65, which is about 35-40 years out from residency, you may have a great doctor with a great bedside manner who really knows his stuff. But if he doesn’t keep up with the latest techniques and the state-of-the-art technologies, there could be a problem. They can still be good doctors, but they may no longer be great surgeons.

Choose the Best Bunion Surgeon: Expert Guide by Dr. Baravarian

A clean and comfortable office is important when choosing a surgeon because this environment will be your home for a while, especially if it offers integrated physical therapy, ensuring comprehensive care in a single location with the surgeon fully aware of your post-operative journey. Beyond the physical space, it's also crucial to find a surgeon whose personality fits your style, as patient-doctor rapport is key. Ultimately, do your homework and educate yourself thoroughly, just as you would for any significant trip, rather than blindly proceeding with surgery.

Patient’s Talk About Dr. Bob's Quality of Care

4.8

5,220 TOTAL 1ST PARTY REVIEWS / OUT OF 5 STARS

Dr. Baravarian is so great! I had an injury to my left foot. He took x-rays and provided me with a boot! I feel like a whole new person! Now I can run again with no pain!🏃‍♀️ I recommend you to go him for any foot and ankle issues.🦶

Bella D.

Dr. Baravarian is absolutely an incredible doctor. He is very experienced and I am so grateful that I found him! I had 2 PRP procedures done on my ankle and didn’t feel much pain! It’s wonderful to find a doctor that is trustworthy!

Georgia P.

My experience with Dr B was amazing.I had zero pain alter my surgery. Everything is healing so well. He is the best!

Dr. Bavarian was great. He said i didn’t need to remove part of my nail…the infection would subside. Very honest. Staff was great, kind. Irtually no wait. I recommend highly.

Matt A.

Dr Bob is the best! I have needed this bunion surgery for years, and when I met Dr. Bob I felt 100 percent confident he was the right Dr. to correct my bunion! I have completed the right foot and will be doing the left foot in a couple weeks! Thanks to Dr Bob I will be able to be super active and no longer have pain! I am so grateful to him. Rachael H

Rachael H.

He is excellent. Highly recommended

Fariba S.

I love there staff super nice and friendly and when you meet the doctor is to die for😁super friendly and he explains everything clearly and makes sure you understand everything before he leaves the room doesn’t rush you at all

Sandra F.

I was able to get an appointment the next day after dislocating my toe. I had a great experience. The staff were friendly and the doctor answered all my questions.

Marjorie C.

This is a first class experience with a world-leading research surgeon. If "good enough" isn't good enough for you, this is where you want to go.

Chris H.

Great service. Very attentive. Even took us early.

Janine S.

I have been so impressed with Dr. Bob. Ive never sat in the waiting room one minute longer than my appointment time. That’s a real plus. More importantly is his honest, professional approach to his craft and his commitment to my recovery. He’s the best and I highly recommend him.

Craig F.

Dr. Baravarian is incredible! After three podiatrists and a failed surgery left me with no answers for my feet pain, Dr. Baravarian figured out the real cause of the pain in the first visit.I was ready for another surgery to fix the first one, but he held off until the root issue was treated. My hammer toe and bunion surgery went perfectly—I was amazed to have no pain afterward! Dr. Baravarian is super knowledgeable and explained everything about the surgery and recovery clearly, making me feel informed and at ease. I also want to extend my gratitude to his staff, who were incredibly kind and supportive throughout my treatment.

Aida T.

Prompt professional service as always!

Carl M.

dr baravarian is an excellent dr. he diagnosed my issue, prescribed the perfect remedy and his treatment has allowed me to resume all my activities. he saw me on time and his office staff is also very good

Jason N.

I highly recommend Dr. Baravarian. From checking in at the front desk to the doctors diagnosis everything went smoothly and diagnosis was good. After care instructions were explained well.

Marilyn I.

Great experience Everyone was very nice and efficient Thank you so much

Bernard I.

Professional, courteous, and efficient

Dennis H.

I consider him a knowledgeable and experienced Ankel specialist. I chose him as my foot doctor and continue to receive treatment. I decided to give him a 5 star rating.

Mike J.

Quick and easy

Kris “.

Only the best! Dr. Baravarian is so good and kind! I highly recommend him!

Mark D.

How to Choose the Best Bunion Surgeon: An Expert Guide

From Dr. Bob’s Foot Forward Blog

Request Your Appointment