Chicago's Minimally Invasive Bunion Specialist
Walk sooner.
Recover better.
Live fully.
Dr. Michael Tagge’s PRISM™ Reconstruction System combines precision minimally invasive technique with regenerative medicine — delivering advanced bunion correction without screws, plates, or prolonged recovery.
- No — Screws, Plates, or Hardware
- 6 Weeks — Back in regular shoes
- Same Day — Walk-out, in-office procedure
- 5 — Integrated PRISM™ recovery pillars
Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon
In-Office · No Hospital Stay
Regenerative Medicine Integrated
Chicago & North Shore
5-Star Patient Experience
Why Patients Delay Treatment
Traditional bunion surgery has a reputation problem.
For many patients, the fear of surgery is greater than the pain of the bunion. That needs to change.
01
Large incisions & visible scarring
Traditional surgery requires extensive tissue dissection, leaving significant scars and prolonged swelling.
02
Hardware implants left behind
Screws, plates, and pins are commonly inserted — raising concerns about long-term comfort and future complications.
03
Weeks non-weightbearing
Patients are often told to stay off their feet for 6–8 weeks — incompatible with active careers and family life.
04
Hospital systems & long waits
Navigating hospital scheduling, pre-surgical clearance, and general anesthesia adds months before treatment begins.
"Most patients I see have been living with pain for years — not because treatment doesn't exist, but because traditional surgery felt like too great a disruption."
Advances in minimally invasive surgical technique and regenerative medicine created a different possibility. That’s what led Dr. Tagge to develop the PRISM™ Reconstruction System — a coordinated approach to bunion correction built around precision, healing, and a better recovery experience.
PRISM™ Reconstruction System
Dr. Tagge's Signature Approach
Developed by Dr. Michael Tagge, the PRISM™ system integrates precision correction with the biologic environment required for real healing and lasting stability.
P — Precision Minimally Invasive Correction
Structural realignment through minimally invasive technique — small percutaneous portals that preserve surrounding tissue and blood supply while restoring proper alignment of the joint
R — Regenerative Biologic Support
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and amniotic tissue grafts that deliver growth factors to support tissue repair and healing.
I — Intrinsic Healing Optimization
Photobiomodulation (laser therapy), extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) to stimulate circulation, cellular metabolism, and tissue repair during recovery.
S — Surgical Correction Stability
Techniques focused on maintaining alignment throughout the healing process — critical for achieving predictable, long-term outcomes.
M — Mechanical Optimization
Custom orthotic therapy, gait optimization, footwear guidance, and strengthening rehabilitation to protect the correction and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Levels of Care
Personalized to your deformity and goals.
Every bunion is different. PRISM™ care is structured into three levels of support — from precision correction to the full signature experience.
Level 01 — Precision Reconstruction
Minimally invasive structural correction guided by PRISM™ principles with structured postoperative recovery guidance.
- Minimally invasive bunion correction
- Surgical stabilization
- Structured recovery protocol
- No hardware, no hospital
Level 02 — Regenerative Reconstruction
Precision correction enhanced with biologic therapies to support tissue healing and recovery at a deeper level.
- All Precision Reconstruction elements
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Bone marrow aspirate (BMAC)
- Amniotic tissue grafts
Level 03 — PRISM™ Signature Reconstruction
The most comprehensive application — integrating correction, regenerative biologics, healing optimization technologies, and postoperative biomechanical support.
- All previous level elements
- Photobiomodulation & PEMF
- Shockwave therapy
- Custom orthotics & gait rehabilitation
Your Journey
From consultation to back on your feet.
Step 01
Personal Consultation
A detailed evaluation of your deformity, goals, and lifestyle. Dr. Tagge reviews imaging and discusses whether PRISM™ reconstruction is appropriate for your specific condition.
Step 02
Surgical Planning
Because each deformity is unique, Dr. Tagge creates a detailed surgical plan — selecting the appropriate PRISM™ level and techniques for your correction.
Step 03
In-Office Procedure
Performed in-office under local anesthesia. A tiny percutaneous incision — often just a small poke — with no general anesthesia, no hospital, no overnight stay. You walk out the same day.
Step 04
Structured Recovery
Weekly check-ins for the first 3 weeks, followed by 6-week and 9-week follow-ups. PRISM™ recovery support begins immediately to optimize your healing environment.
Recovery & Mobility
Earlier mobility. Less disruption.
One of the most meaningful advantages of the PRISM™ approach is the ability to begin protected weightbearing immediately after surgery — rather than remaining non-weightbearing for weeks.
- Walk out of the office the same day as surgery
- No crutches required for most patients
- No hospital stay, no general anesthesia
- Minimally invasive incision — often just one small stitch
- Regenerative biologics begin supporting healing immediately
- No pre-operative medical clearance required for most patients
- Weekly follow-up check-ins during the first 3 weeks
Recovery stats
Day 1 — Protected weightbearing begins immediately after surgery
6 Weeks — Transitioning toward normal footwear
Zero — Screws, plates, or implants left in the foot
3 Weeks — Back in regular shoes after hammertoe correction
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Michael Tagge, DPM
Known to patients as “The BunionMaster,” Dr. Tagge has focused his surgical career specifically on minimally invasive bunion surgery and comprehensive forefoot reconstruction.
Rather than providing broad general foot care, Dr. Tagge’s practice centers exclusively on correcting structural deformities of the forefoot using advanced minimally invasive techniques.
Through years of experience refining surgical technique, Dr. Tagge developed the PRISM™ system — an integrated framework addressing both structural correction and the biologic environment for healing.
Because of his focused approach, surgical availability may be limited. Priority is placed on individualized care and surgical precision — never high-volume throughput.
Specialty
Forefoot & Bunion Surgery
Approach
PRISM™ System
Location
Chicago & North Shore
Patient Outcomes
Back to life, faster.
Patients travel from across Chicago and the North Shore for Dr. Tagge’s focused approach to bunion reconstruction.
Common Questions
Everything you need to feel confident.
Is minimally invasive bunion surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you are comfortable throughout. Postoperative discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter medication for most patients. Because the incision is very small and surrounding tissue is preserved, many patients report significantly less discomfort than they expected compared to traditional surgery.
How long does bunion surgery recovery take?
With the PRISM™ approach, most patients begin protected weightbearing immediately after surgery. Bunion surgery patients are typically transitioning toward normal footwear by 6 weeks — while patients undergoing traditional open surgery are often just beginning limited weightbearing at that point. Hammertoe correction patients are often back in regular shoes within 3 weeks or less.
Is there hardware left in my foot after surgery?
Dr. Tagge’s minimally invasive approach does not use screws, plates, or pins. Traditional bunion surgery often involves hardware fixation, which can raise concerns about long-term comfort and future complications. The PRISM™ system achieves stable correction without leaving implants behind.
Do I need medical clearance before surgery?
Most patients do not require pre-operative medical clearance for Dr. Tagge’s in-office procedures. Because no general anesthesia is used, many of the requirements associated with hospital-based surgery do not apply. This can significantly reduce the time from consultation to procedure.
What is the PRISM™ Reconstruction System?
PRISM™ is Dr. Tagge’s proprietary framework for bunion and forefoot reconstruction. It organizes care around five coordinated pillars: Precision minimally invasive correction, Regenerative biologic support, Intrinsic healing optimization, Surgical stability, and Mechanical optimization. Together, these create a comprehensive environment for precision correction, advanced healing, and lasting stability.
Can bunions and hammertoes be corrected at the same time?
Yes. The PRISM™ system can be applied to comprehensive forefoot reconstruction, including bunions, hammertoes, crossover toe deformities, plantar plate instability, and metatarsalgia. Dr. Tagge will evaluate your specific condition during consultation and discuss whether combined correction is appropriate for you.
Does Dr. Tagge treat severe bunion deformities?
Dr. Tagge evaluates and treats a full range of bunion deformities, including severe cases. Because every deformity is unique, a consultation allows for a detailed assessment of your specific condition and whether minimally invasive reconstruction using the PRISM™ system is appropriate for your situation.
Limited Surgical Availability
Ready to stop living with bunion pain?
Every deformity is unique. A consultation with Dr. Tagge is the first step toward understanding your options and whether the PRISM™ system is right for you.
Dr. Michael Tagge, DPM
Chicago & North Shore · Illinois
© 2025 Dr. Michael Tagge, DPM. PRISM™ Reconstruction System is a proprietary approach developed by Dr. Michael Tagge. Individual results vary. This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Surgical outcomes depend on individual patient factors and deformity complexity. Consult with Dr. Tagge to determine whether minimally invasive bunion reconstruction is appropriate for your specific condition.