Main Menu
COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
General / About The Guides
What is the foot Aftercare Institute
The Foot Aftercare Institute provides structured, evidence-informed educational guides to help people care for their feet after surgery and manage common skin and scar concerns at home
Are your guides medical advice?
No. Our content is educational and informational only and does not replace advice from a podiatrist, surgeon, GP, or other healthcare professional
Who are these guides for?
They are designed for people recovering from foot surgery or dealing with ongoing foot skin concern such as scars, calluses, corns or thickened skin.
Can i use your guides alongside my podiatrist's advice?
Yes. Our guides are intended to complement professional care, not replace it.
Foot Surgery Recovery
How long does foot surgery recovery usually take
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure, but skin healing and scar changes continue for many months after surgery.
Is it normal for scars to change over time?
Yes. Scars often look red, raised, or firm at first and gradually soften and fade over time. This process can take 12-18 months.
When should I start scar care after surgery?
Scar care typically begins once the wound has fully closed and your clinician has confirmed it is safe to proceed.
Why does my foot still feel stiff months after surgery
Scar Tissues & Silicone Gel
What is scar tissue?
Scar tissue is the body's natural way of repairing damaged skin. It is different from normal skin and can feel firmer or less flexible
What is hypertrophic scarring?
Hypertrophic Scars are raised scars that stay within the original wound area and are common after surgery
Does silicone gel really help scars?
Silicone gel is widely used to help support scar hydration and improve scar appearance over time when used consistently
How long should silicone gel be used?
Silicone products are often used for several months, depending on scar maturity and individual healing response
Calluses, Corns & Thickened Skin
What is a callus?
A callus is an area of thickened skin that develops in response to repeated pressure or friction.
Is "Callus disease" a real medical condition
No, "Callus disease" is not a formal medical diagnosis - it is a term sometimes used online to describe thick or painful calluses.
Why do calluses keep coming back?
Calluses often return if the underlying cause - such as pressure, footwear, or gait mechanics - remain unchanged
Difference between a corn and a callus
Corns are usually smaller and have a central core, while calluses are broader areas of thickened skin
Can i treat calluses at home?
Mild calluses can often be managed with appropriate skin care; however, a podiatrist should assess painful or recurrent calluses.
Still have unanswered about your recovery?
Even with detailed guidance, every patient's healing journey is different. If you're unsure which routines to follow, when to start silicone, how to manage dryness or callus over scar, or simply want personalised clarity -- We're here to help.
​
Our team can walk you through what to expect week-by-week, how to use aftercare products safely, and how to adapt routines to your comfort level.
​
If something does look or feel right, don't hesitate to reach out.
​
Take The Next Step In Your Recovery
Need Extra support?
Recovery can raise questions that go beyond a standard FAQ. If you'd like personalised guidance or want help understanding what applies to your specific surgery, you can contact us any time.