As someone who's allergic to gel nail polish and battles with plantar fasciitis on a daily basis, finding a solution that both soothes and beautifies my feet is no easy feat (woe is me). Enter the medical pedicure – a game-changer in the world of foot care. Not only does it cater to my sensitive skin and nail issues, but it also targets my aching feet with specialised techniques and advice designed to ease pain and improve mobility. A foot modelling contract and the 2028 Olympics, here I come!
But that's not all, because the medical pedicure is a treatment that I would recommend to everyone. How do I know? Well, in the name of very important investigative journalism, I reviewed the Margaret Dabbs Medical Pedicure to bring you a guide on everything that comes with the treatment, including the benefits, the process and why you need to try it summer season. Aka, no more sacrificing comfort for beauty (or vice versa)!
Trust me, your feet will thank you...
What is a medical pedicure?
If your feet could book their own wellness retreat, they'd probably choose the Margaret Dabbs Medical Pedicure. This isn't your average soak-n-file. It's a podiatrist-led, scalpel-wielding, callus-erasing experience that takes footcare from beautification to clinical-grade brilliance. Think: less nail salon, more Harley Street – but with better lighting and a divine foot moisturiser at the end.
Your high street nail salon is unlikely to offer this service; instead, you're best booking into a specialised foot clinic, where the treatments start at around £50.
Benefits of a medical pedicure
Apart from emerging with feet that look like they belong in a flip-flop advert, the treatment addresses many underlying issues – fungal infections, ingrown nails, corns, you name it. It's a therapeutic-meets-aesthetic hybrid that leaves you walking taller, both literally and emotionally and is ideal for anyone who's ever been too embarrassed to expose their toes in daylight. Plus, it offers no polish mess and no awkward drying time.
Everyone's clicking on...
In short? It's foot rehab, luxury edition. Yes, it might be pricier than your usual pedi, but trust me, your feet (and frankly, your dignity) are worth it.
The Margaret Dabbs process
Before heading to Margaret Dabbs, you will receive an email asking to fill out a form with your basic medical record, including questions along the lines of: 'Do you suffer from any foot pain?' and 'Do you take any medication?' Eccetera eccetera. This is so that your podiatrist can swot up on everything they need to know about your requirements.
I then headed to the Marylebone clinic (Margaret Dabbs also has varying clinics across London and the UK), where I was ushered into a calm, white oasis that smells faintly of eucalyptus and expensive hand cream. A qualified podiatrist (not your usual nail tech) accompanied me and began by examining my feet like a detective inspecting a crime scene. But don't worry, this is a no-judgement zone...
Next, depending on the TLC your feet need, comes the scalpel and diagnostic silver tools. My heels, previously rough enough to sand wood, were transformed into baby-soft clouds. Cuticles were treated with scientific precision, nails buffed to an ungodly shine, and hard skin obliterated in a way that felt mildly illegal but deeply satisfying. And, it's all totally pain-free, so much so that you could even take a nap while they're working away!
In terms of my plantar fasciitis, the podiatrist gave me some recommendations for footwear and exercises to maintain – this, unfortunately, was no different from what my GP advised. What was different, however, was the foot scan. I finished off my appointment by stepping onto the snazzy technology (photographed below), where my feet were analysed in 3D.
This gave me an understanding of my foot measurements and alignment, as well as further recommendations for supportive footwear products. From there, I was able to make the decision as to whether I wanted to book in for further treatments (hi laser therapy) at Margaret Dabbs to help speed up the healing process of my plantar fasciitis. Essentially, this is an alternative and more private solution to treating foot issues, rather than an NHS waitlist.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
