For some, the beginning of summer means much more than toning the arms or exercising for a flatter tummy. Others are digging out their sandals and flip flops out of the back of the closet and going even further in the quest for sandal-ready feet. According to the Huffington Post, they're turning to doctors to make permanent changes to their feet so that they can wear some of the hottest shoe styles – high heels and sandals.

In the past few years, news outlets have reported that dangerous procedures such as toe shortening, toe slimming and foot padding are becoming more popular with individuals who are self-conscious about their feet.

"All the girls are wearing cute high heels, open toes and they look pretty, and me - I have to wear always closed shoes because I feel like they're staring at my long toe," a woman named Audy, who scheduled a surgical toe shortening procedure this season, told the news provider.

Others who think their piggies are too short opt for toe lengthening surgery. Toe-slimming, in which fat or thickened skin is removed from the little toe, is also an option.

Another procedure gaining popularity is known as foot padding, according to the Daily Mail UK. The procedure involves injecting fat or fillers into the bottom of the feet to help create a pillow-like padding that makes wearing high heels more comfortable.

While these procedures may seem appealing to those who want to put their best foot forward, doctors advise against them and the mile-high shoes that are causing women to seek them out. The Huffington Post reports that five-inch heels and towering platforms can be a “health hazard” in themselves, but cosmetic foot procedures can lead to “infections, pain, scars and nerve damage.”

Whether you wear high heels or flats, it is crucial to speak with a licensed, board-certified physician beforehand to discuss desired outcome and potential risks before undergoing surgery.