Ingrown Toenail Surgery

At The Foot Clinic, we understand that ingrown toenails can be painful and disruptive to your daily life. If conservative treatment options have failed, we offer ingrown toenail surgery using partial or total nail avulsion and phenolisation.

What is ingrown toenail surgery?

Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing a portion or all of the affected toenail. This can be done under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour to complete. The procedure is performed in our office by our experienced podiatrists.

Partial nail avulsion

Partial nail avulsion is a common ingrown toenail surgery that involves removing the affected portion of the toenail. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area. Our podiatrist will then carefully remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, leaving the healthy portion intact. After the procedure, the area is dressed with sterile gauze.

Total nail avulsion

Total nail avulsion is another ingrown toenail surgery option that involves removing the entire toenail. This may be recommended if the ingrown toenail is recurrent or if the toenail is damaged or diseased. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area. Our podiatrist will then carefully remove the entire toenail, leaving the area open to heal. After the procedure, the area is dressed with sterile gauze.

Phenolisation

Phenolisation is a common technique used after partial or total nail avulsion to prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring. After the toenail is removed, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces the toenail. This helps to destroy the tissue and prevent regrowth of the toenail. The area is then dressed with sterile gauze.

Recovery and aftercare

After ingrown toenail surgery, it is important to follow our podiatrist’s instructions for aftercare. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, changing the dressing regularly, and taking pain medication as prescribed. It is also important to avoid activities that put pressure on the affected area, such as standing for long periods of time or wearing tight-fitting shoes. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to an ingrown toenail, contact The Foot Clinic to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced podiatrists. We will work with you to determine the best course of treatment, which may include ingrown toenail surgery.