Fly in for Surgery at University Foot and Ankle Institute

We Start with a Virtual Consultation

For those residing outside of the Southern California area, we realize it can be expensive and challenging to travel to Los Angeles for an initial consultation. We are pleased to offer a virtual consultation via a HIPAA compliant video chat system, which allows you to meet our doctors and discuss your foot and ankle needs. Please complete this form if you would like to schedule a virtual appointment.

Patients Travel to UFAI for a Variety of Procedures Including:

Revision/Failed Previous Surgery

Many of our out of town patients contact UFAI following previous unsuccessful surgery. Our foot and ankle surgeons perform over 1,000 revision surgeries and have one of the highest success rates in the country.

Bunion Surgery

Our surgeons have collectively performed over 20,000 bunion surgeries and have developed techniques that can allow for immediate weight-bearing. We have pioneered procedures that reduce recovery time and utilize plastic surgery techniques that allow for minimal or no scarring.

Reconstructive Tendon Surgery

The surgeons at UFAI are leaders in the treatment of chronic ankle instability and tendon repair surgery. We have performed thousands of tendon repair surgeries and revolutionized surgical techniques, resulting in stronger tendons, reduced scarring, and quicker recovery.

Flat Foot Reconstruction

We are among the leaders in the understanding and treatment of the symptomatic flat foot. Our surgeons assist in the design of many procedures and products used in flat foot surgery and are able to provide the latest treatment option available.

Ankle Replacement Surgery

UFAI is one of the few centers in the United States that has expertise in all three forms of approved Total Ankle Replacement Surgery (InBone, Salto Talaris-Tornier System, and STAR). Our extensive experience and expertise combined with constant research into new technologies uniquely qualifies us to custom design surgery for each patient.

Arthritis Treatment

UFAI is nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence in the treatment of big toe and ankle arthritis. Our surgeons work directly with manufacturers in the development of surgical techniques. They have extensive experience treating arthritis of the foot and ankle and are often called upon to share their expertise with others.

Regenerative Therapies: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem Cell Therapy & Amniotic Cell Treatments

We are at the forefront of regenerative medicine. We have decades of combined experience and work directly with scientists in the development of new therapies. UFAI is recognized as a world-class referral center for regenerative medicine of the foot and ankle.

Fly-in Program FAQs

How soon can I return home post-surgery?

Depending on the extent of the procedure, patients may return home after 5–14 days. Transatlantic patients can fly 14 days following surgery.

Do I need to come back for follow-up care?

We will work to coordinate care with your local doctor so you can have follow-up care (suture removal and x-rays) close to home. However, depending on the type of surgery performed, we may request you to come back to our office for a follow-up appointment.

What is the closest airport?

UFAI’s corporate office is located in beautiful Santa Monica, California, just 10 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.

What hotels are near the office?

There are several hotels in the area, including:

• The Ambrose: 255 20th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404  (310) 315-1555
• Shutters on the Beach: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405  (310) 458-0030
• Fairmont: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401  (310) 576-7777
• Best Western: 1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404  (310) 829-9100

Once in Los Angeles, how will I get around?

There are several transportation services in the area, including Uber and Lyft, or we are happy to coordinate a car service for you.

How do I get started?

The first step is to complete a virtual consultation form. We will schedule an appointment where, via a video chat system, you can meet your physician, discuss your podiatric needs, and determine the best treatment plan for you.