If you have an ingrowing toenail that keeps becoming painful, inflamed or infected, nail surgery can provide a long-term solution.
At Dunford Health , we perform minor nail surgery under local anaesthetic to remove the troublesome section of nail and help prevent it from growing back.
The procedure is carried out in our podiatry clinic and you can normally walk out of the clinic afterwards.
We first assess your toenail and discuss whether nail surgery is the most appropriate option.
We will explain the procedure, expected recovery, benefits and possible risks before treatment is arranged.
A local anaesthetic is used to completely numb the toe.
You may feel the injections, but once the anaesthetic has taken effect you should not feel the nail being removed.
In most cases we only need to remove the section of nail causing the problem.
This is called a partial nail avulsion and allows the remaining healthy nail to stay in place.
Occasionally, the whole nail may need to be removed.
Where appropriate, a small amount of phenol is applied to the nail matrix.
This is designed to stop the troublesome section of nail growing back and reduce the likelihood of the ingrowing toenail recurring.
The toe is cleaned and dressed before you leave.
We will give you written aftercare instructions and arrange appropriate follow-up appointments to check healing.
Nail surgery may be considered when you have:
Repeatedly painful ingrowing toenails
Recurrent inflammation or infection
A nail that continues to grow into the surrounding skin
Difficulty wearing shoes because of the nail
Previous conservative podiatry treatment that has not solved the problem
A thickened or damaged nail causing ongoing symptoms
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthetic.
The injections used to numb the toe can briefly sting, but after the anaesthetic has taken effect the procedure should be comfortable.
Some soreness can occur after the anaesthetic wears off, particularly during the first few days.
Allow approximately 45–60 minutes for your nail surgery appointment.
This includes preparation, local anaesthetic, the procedure itself and application of the dressing.
For the remainder of the day, we normally recommend keeping activity relatively light and elevating the foot when possible.
Most people can return to many normal daily activities relatively quickly within a couple of days. You need a to take off approximately 7 days off for sport,and you should avoid activities that put excessive pressure on the toe while it is healing.
The wound typically takes 4–8 weeks to fully recover, however it is important to note it takes this long due to the phenolisation of the nail bed to prevent nail regrwoth. after those first 2 days of potentially mild discomfort and up to 7 days off from sports there will be no discomfort past this.
Long-term treatment
Designed to address the part of the nail repeatedly causing the problem.
Performed under local anaesthetic
The toe is completely numbed before treatment.
Usually only part of the nail is removed
The majority of the healthy nail can often remain.
Walk out afterwards
Nail surgery is normally performed as an outpatient podiatry procedure.
Follow-up included
Healing can be monitored following treatment.
The procedure and follow-up appointments are included.
Common questions about ingrowing toenail surgery and what to expect before and after treatment.
If phenol is used, the aim is to permanently prevent the treated section of nail from regrowing. There remains a small possibility of regrowth.
This depends on which toe has been treated, the footwear required and whether you can safely operate the vehicle. We can discuss this with you before treatment.
Many people can return relatively quickly, particularly to sedentary work, although this depends on your occupation and how much time you spend standing or walking.
Running, football, gym activities and other activities that place pressure on the toe should generally be avoided initially. We will advise you when it is appropriate to return.
Yes. An initial assessment allows us to examine the toe, discuss your medical history and determine whether nail surgery is appropriate before arranging the procedure.
You don't have to keep repeatedly cutting the nail back or waiting for it to become painful again.
Book an assessment with Dunford Health to discuss whether nail surgery is suitable for you.