Based in Encino, CA, Dr. Vladimir Zeetser is an industry-recognized leader in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery.
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery by Podiatrist Dr. Vladimir Zeetser
Reconstructive Foot and Ankle surgery is aimed at correcting structural deformities, whether congenital or acquired, to restore function and eliminate or reduce pain. This is distinguished from aesthetic surgery, which is typically performed to correct deformities for cosmetic reasons that are not currently painful.
Dr. Zeetser performs all aspects of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, ranging from minor to very complex. He treats patients of all ages, including children, adults and the elderly. He combines state of art implants and fixation devices with the latest and most innovative procedures available today.
The most common procedures he performs are:
- Bunion Correction
- Advanced Modified Mini-TightRope Bunion Surgery
- Hammertoe Correction
- Hallux Limitus/Rigidus (stiff big toe) Correction with or without implant arthroplasty
- Tailor's Bunion Correction
- Flatfoot Correction with or without implant
- Ball of the Foot Pain Correction (Metatarsal pain)
- Foot and Ankle Arthritis Repair
- Trauma Surgery for fractures, tendon and soft tissue tears
Additional Services Include:
- Aesthetic procedures
- Custom Orthotics, braces and splints
- Heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis treatment including surgery with non-invasive Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- TOPAZ Procedure for Achilles tendon injuries and Plantar fasciitis
- Viscosupplementation with injections of synthetic joint fluid to treat arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Ingrown toenail surgical correction
- Neuroma treatment
- Plantar Wart treatment
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for tendon injuries
- Skin and Nail treatment for corns, calluses, rashes and infections, including fungal nails
- Sports Medicine for the treatment of ankle sprains, foot sprains and tendonitis
- Lower Extremity Swelling Control
- Varicose and spider veins
- Infrared Light Therapy (Anodyne) for Neuropathy and musculoskeletal pain
- Physical Therapy for the lower extremity
- Second opinions
- Wound care and Limb Salvage
Foot Feminization Surgery by Dr. Vladimir Zeetser
Dr. Zeetser is considered the premiere foot and ankle surgeon in the United States performing his renowned FootFem Foot Feminization Procedures for those individuals seeking a more feminine and beautiful foot and ankle.
His Aesthetic & Functional Foot Surgery provides patients with all areas of improvement, including:
- Aesthetic Toe Shortening or Lengthening
- Bunion Correction - FastForward Bunion Correction System
- Foot Narrowing Procedure
- Fat Pad Augmentation
- Foot Deformity Correction
- Corn & Callus Removal
- Nail Fungus & Ingrown Nail Correction
- Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins
Before/After
Before
After
These procedures were performed by Dr. Vladimir Zeetser.
Advanced Modified Mini-TightRope Bunion Surgery
Dr. Zeetser is an expert in the field of Bunion Correction Repair Surgery, and utilizes several different techniques to achieve the perfect outcomes for his patients.
The treatment of hallux valgus deformity includes the assessment of the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle and the contribution of an interphalageus deformity. Additionally, there must be an assessment of the presence or absence of arthritic involvement of both the first metatarsocuneiform joint and the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Other considerations are the orientation of the distal metatarsal articular angle and the orientation and stability of the first metatarsocuneiform joint.
Contact Dr. Zeetser today for a Bunion Correction consultation by calling 818-907-6100
Botox injections for excessive foot sweating
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the plantar aspect of the feet is a common problem affected many people. Besides being an uncomfortable hygienic condition, contributing to fungal infection and Athlete's foot, it can be an equally embarrassing problem creating social and psychological concerns. Botox injections for the bottom of the feet is a relatively new concept, but conforms well to the general increased awareness for aesthetic and hygienic concerns affecting daily life. Previously used safely in the foot for the treatment of spastic muscular conditions, such as in the Achilles tendon for spastic Cerebral palsy, Botox (botulinum toxin type A) has been used by plastic and aesthetic physicians for many years. In 2004, the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of excessive sweating. When topical antiperspirants and other drying agents are ineffective, Botox has been used as a safe and effective method for the treatment of excessive sweating in the bottom of the feet. Its mechanism of action is to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical responsible for activating sweat glands and thus interrupts sweating at the area where is has been injected.
Dr. Zeetser can administer these injections in the office following a local anesthetic injection to numb the bottom of the foot. Many other physicians performing this procedure rely on topical creams or ice to numb the area, which is not sufficiently effective on the foot. The procedure is relatively quick and painless once anesthesia has been achieved. After the procedure, there is no significant restriction to activities. Mild temporary bruising and tenderness can occur. Nothing can completely cure hyperhidrosis and this procedure is designed to control the condition. Sweating may return gradually on average within 6 months. Further injections may be required to maintain the desired effect at intervals varying between 7-16 months, depending on the individual patient.
Diabetic Foot Wounds Treatment
There are over than 21 million known people with diabetes in the United States, and this staggering figure continues to grow by almost one-half million annually. It has been estimated that an equal number of persons with diabetes remain undiagnosed. A person develops diabetes when their body is unable to maintain a normal level of sugar in the blood. Insulin, the hormone that regulates the level of sugar, is either not used properly by the body or it is produced in inadequate amounts. When this occurs, diabetes is the result.
Diabetes wreaks havoc with many major organ systems in the human body. Among others, it tends to create some of the worst and life altering complications in the feet. Over one half of diabetic hospital admissions are foot related. This is typically due to the disease process' effect on the nerves and blood vessels. As a result, the main complications include neuropathy (altered sensations which can eventually lead to numbness), peripheral arterial disease, increased risk of infection, decrease in tissue integrity and compromised healing capacity.
Minimally Invasive Fat Injection Treatment for Foot Pad Tissue Augmentation
Foot pad atrophy, the thinning or loss of the natural fat padding under the feet, can cause
significant discomfort and pain, especially when standing or walking. As we age or due to
specific conditions, the natural cushioning in the foot deteriorates, leaving the bones and soft
tissues exposed to increased pressure and stress. This condition can make walking or even
standing for long periods unbearable, often leading to further issues such as calluses, blisters,
and joint pain.
Dr. Vladimir Zeetser utilizes novel and effective fat injections treatment with Leneva and
Sculptra, offering a minimally invasive solution to restore lost cushioning and relieve foot pain.
What Are Fat Injections?
Fat injections for foot pad augmentation involve the injection of a specialized fat-based or fat-
stimulating product into the bottom of the foot. These injections are designed to restore the
natural padding that has been lost over time, offering relief from pain and discomfort caused by
foot pad atrophy.
The two most commonly used options for foot pad augmentation that Dr. Zeetser uses are:
- Leneva: A human-derived allograft adipose matrix, Leneva is a form of fat tissue that
promotes the regeneration of your body's natural fat in the foot. When injected into
areas of the foot where fat has been lost, Leneva acts as a scaffold that encourages the
growth of new, healthy fat cells, which gradually rebuild the natural padding of the foot.
- Sculptra: While traditionally used as a facial filler, Sculptra is also used in foot pad
augmentation. This product is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) solution that stimulates
collagen production, helping to thicken and rebuild the soft tissue in the feet over time.
Key Benefits of Fat Injections for Foot Pad Augmentation
- Pain Relief and Improved Comfort The primary goal of fat injections is to alleviate pain
caused by the thinning of the foot's natural padding. By restoring this lost cushioning,
fat injections help to reduce the direct pressure on bones, nerves, and soft tissues,
resulting in immediate and long-term pain relief. This makes it easier to walk, stand, and
engage in daily activities without the constant discomfort that foot pad atrophy causes.
- Minimally Invasive Procedure Fat injections are a minimally invasive procedure
compared to surgical options. They are performed in an outpatient setting, usually with
a local anesthetic. The injections take only a short time to administer, and there is
minimal recovery involved. Most patients can return to their normal activities soon after
the procedure, making it a convenient solution for those seeking quick and effective
relief.
- Natural and Long-Lasting Results Treatments like Leneva and Sculptra encourage the
body's natural processes to restore lost tissue. Leneva works by regenerating fat cells in
the areas where it is injected, effectively rebuilding the natural foot padding. Sculptra
stimulates collagen production, which thickens the skin and soft tissues of the foot. Both
methods offer long-lasting results, and because they work with the body's natural
systems, the augmentation feels and functions like the original tissue.
- Customized Treatment Every patient's foot anatomy and condition are unique, which
means treatment needs to be tailored to each individual. Fat injections can be
customized to target the specific areas where cushioning is needed, allowing for a highly
personalized treatment plan. Whether you need padding in the ball of your foot, heel,
or both, fat injections can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Reduced Risk of Complications Since fat injections are a non-surgical procedure and use
biocompatible materials, the risk of complications is minimal. There's no need for
incisions or implants, which means less risk of infection, scarring, or adverse reactions.
Both Leneva and Sculptra are safe, FDA-approved products, and patients typically
tolerate these treatments very well.
- Enhanced Mobility and Quality of Life Foot pad atrophy can severely limit mobility,
making it difficult to perform even basic tasks like walking or exercising. By restoring the
natural cushioning in the foot, fat injections improve mobility and allow patients to be
more active without pain. This enhanced mobility leads to a better quality of life, as
patients can participate in activities they may have avoided due to discomfort.
- Alternative to Surgery Many patients seek out fat injections as a less invasive
alternative to foot surgery. Surgical options for foot pad augmentation often involve
more extensive procedures with longer recovery times and a higher risk of
complications. Fat injections, on the other hand, offer a quicker, less invasive option
that can deliver significant relief without the need for surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Fat Injections?
Fat injections for foot pad augmentation are ideal for individuals who suffer from foot pad
atrophy and experience pain or discomfort when walking or standing. It is particularly beneficial
for patients who have tried other conservative treatments, such as orthotics or special shoes,
without achieving sufficient relief. Additionally, people who are looking for a minimally invasive
solution to avoid surgery may find fat injections to be a suitable option.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to the loss of natural cushioning in your feet,
fat injections treatment offered by Dr. Zeetser offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive
solution. These treatments restore the natural padding in your feet, helping to alleviate pain,
improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life. By using the body's natural processes
to regenerate lost tissue, fat injections provide long-lasting results that can help you get back
on your feet and enjoy life to the fullest.
Contact our office today for an appointment or consultation with Dr. Zeetser or call:
818-907-6100
Viscosupplementation May Be the Answer for Patients with Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis can severely impact your daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with
mobility. Over time, the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, resulting in increased friction
between bones, inflammation, and chronic discomfort. For many patients, finding a long-term,
effective treatment option that doesn't involve surgery can feel like a challenge.
Dr. Vladimir Zeetser employs a minimally invasive solution for alleviating patients' painful
symptoms of ankle arthritis with a treatment called Viscosupplementation.
What is Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure that involves injecting a gel-like substance,
usually hyaluronic acid, directly into the ankle joint. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the
body and acts as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joints. However, patients with
arthritis often have lower levels of this vital substance, leading to increased joint friction and
discomfort. By supplementing the joint with hyaluronic acid, Dr. Zeetser's
viscosupplementation procedure can help restore the natural cushioning and lubrication in the
ankle, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain.
Key Benefits of Viscosupplementation
- Pain Relief One of the primary benefits of viscosupplementation is its ability to reduce
pain. By injecting hyaluronic acid into the ankle, the procedure can significantly alleviate
the discomfort associated with bone-on-bone friction. This leads to a noticeable
reduction in pain and makes day-to-day activities more manageable.
- Improved Joint Mobility Over time, arthritis can lead to stiffness and restricted
movement in the ankle joint. Viscosupplementation helps to restore the fluidity of
motion by replenishing the synovial fluid, the natural lubricant of the joint. This
improves flexibility and range of motion, allowing patients to walk, exercise, and carry
out daily activities with greater ease.
- Delay in Surgical Intervention For many patients with severe arthritis, joint replacement
surgery may seem like the only option. Viscosupplementation offers a less invasive
alternative that can potentially delay or even prevent the need for surgery. By providing
effective symptom relief and improved joint function, it can buy time for patients who
are not yet ready for more invasive procedures.
- Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery Viscosupplementation is an outpatient
procedure that requires little to no downtime. The injections are administered in a clinic
setting, often taking no more than 30 minutes. Most patients can resume their normal
activities shortly after the procedure, making it a convenient and minimally disruptive
treatment option.
- Long-Lasting Effects While the effects of viscosupplementation are not permanent,
many patients report significant relief for several months after just one series of
injections. In some cases, patients experience relief for up to six months or more. This
long-lasting benefit allows for better management of arthritis symptoms without
frequent treatments.
- Fewer Side Effects Compared to Other Treatments Unlike steroid injections or long-
term use of pain medications, viscosupplementation comes with fewer risks of side
effects. It works locally at the injection site, without the systemic effects that can
accompany other treatments. This makes it a safer option for patients who want to
avoid the potential complications of medication use, particularly those with other health
conditions.
- Non-Addictive Pain Management Chronic pain from ankle arthritis can sometimes lead
to reliance on prescription pain medications, which carry the risk of addiction and other
side effects. Viscosupplementation offers a non-addictive way to manage pain, giving
patients the relief they need without the potential downsides of opioids or other
narcotics.
Who is a Good Candidate for Viscosupplementation?
Viscosupplementation is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate ankle
arthritis who have not found sufficient relief through conservative treatments like physical
therapy, orthotics, or pain medications. It is also an option for patients who are not yet ready
for surgery but want to explore other forms of pain relief and joint support.
As with any medical procedure, it's important to consult with Dr. Zeetser to determine if
viscosupplementation is the right option for your specific condition.
Viscosupplementation is not just a stand-alone treatment; it is a crucial part of the larger
biologic orthopedic medicine movement, which focuses on leveraging the body's natural
substances and processes to promote healing and maintain joint health. This approach allows
patients to manage their conditions in a more natural, sustainable way, offering long-term
benefits with minimal risk.
If you're living with ankle arthritis, viscosupplementation offers an effective, minimally invasive
solution for pain relief and improved joint function. By restoring the natural lubrication in your
ankle joint, this treatment can help reduce discomfort, enhance mobility, and potentially delay
the need for surgery. With its quick recovery time and long-lasting results,
viscosupplementation may be the answer to regaining your quality of life.
Contact our office today for an appointment or consultation with Dr. Zeetser or call:
818-907-6100
Dr. Vladimir Zeetser is a board certified podiatric physician and surgeon specializing in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery both in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. His training includes advanced wound management and limb salvage and he has consistently achieved unparalleled results in healing problematic wounds. As an innovator and trendsetter in his field, he has been progressive in expanding aesthetic foot surgery and associated procedures to improve his patients' self-image while achieving among the highest functional outcomes and levels of patient satisfaction. Apparently unconventional in his practice approach, Dr. Zeetser believes that surgery should be minimally painful with a convenient and tolerable recovery, while producing the maximum results. He believes that the aesthetic result of any procedure is not a secondary consideration, but is just as important as the primary condition being corrected.
Feel free to explore this internet destination to become acquainted with the information and services available. Dr. Zeetser treats all aspects of foot and ankle structural disorders, including lower extremity muscular, neurological, vascular and skin conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Zeetser always performs a thorough evaluation, explains his findings in detail and creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. With all of your options presented in an understandable manner, you participate equally in the decision making for the treatment of your complaint.
