Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Surgical treatment for ingrown nails
What Is An Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor, highly effective procedure to treat toenails that grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, or even infection. This condition can make walking, exercising, or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Our skilled podiatrists use advanced techniques to safely remove the problematic portion of the nail and prevent it from regrowing, offering lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Why Consider Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
While conservative treatments like trimming or soaking can help in mild cases, surgery is often the best option for more severe or recurring ingrown toenails. This permanent solution is especially valuable for individuals dealing with chronic discomfort or infections.
Benefits of Ingrown Toenail Surgery:
- Immediate Relief: Alleviate pain and pressure caused by the ingrown nail.
- Long-Term Results: Prevent recurrence by addressing the root cause of the problem.
- Minimally Invasive: A quick, straightforward procedure with minimal downtime.
- Improved Quality of Life: Return to your favorite activities, pain-free and worry-free.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Process
Comprehensive Assessment: During your consultation, your podiatrist will carefully examine the affected toe to evaluate the extent of the ingrown nail and identify any signs of infection. They’ll explain the procedure in detail and discuss whether a partial or total nail removal is required.
Preparation: To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the affected area. The toe is then thoroughly cleansed and prepped, creating a sterile environment for the procedure.
Nail Removal: The problematic section of the nail (Partial Nail Avulsion) is carefully removed. In rare cases, the entire nail (Total Nail Avulsion) may need to be removed to resolve more severe issues.
Phenolisation (if necessary): To stop the ingrown nail from recurring, the base of the nail may be treated with a chemical called phenol. This aims to prevents regrowth in the treated area, ensuring a long-term solution.
Post-Procedure Care: Once the procedure is complete, your toe is dressed with a sterile bandage to protect it as it heals. Your podiatrist will provide clear aftercare instructions, including how to clean and care for the toe at home. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the area is healing well.
Who Is It For?
Ingrown toenail surgery is suitable for individuals experiencing:
Chronic or recurring ingrown toenails that don’t respond to conservative care.
Severe pain or difficulty walking due to the condition.
Swelling, redness, or signs of infection around the affected nail.
Thickened nails that are prone to becoming ingrown.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to more serious infections and ongoing discomfort. Surgery is a safe and effective way to prevent these complications.
Learn more about ingrown toenails below:
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. After the anesthetic wears off, you may experience mild discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and proper care.
The surgery itself typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Including preparation and aftercare guidance, the total appointment time is usually about an hour.
Most patients can return to normal activities, including walking, within 24-48 hours. It may take 1-2 weeks for the toe to fully heal. Your podiatrist will provide specific advice based on your lifestyle and activity level.
If phenolisation is performed, the treated section of the nail will not likely regrow. The remaining nail will adapt to its new shape, and while it may appear slightly narrower, most patients find the aesthetic outcome acceptable.
With phenolisation, the chances of recurrence are significantly reduced. Without phenolisation, there is a possibility the nail could regrow and become ingrown again. Your podiatrist will discuss the best option for your condition.