Do you have persistent ingrown toenails that don’t respond to regular treatment?

Do your toes continue to have infections?

Have you damaged your nail and it is now causing pain?

Then nail surgery may be an option for you……

What is Nail Surgery?

A minor surgical procedure to remove part or all the nail. Usually a chemical (phenol or sodium hydroxide) is then applied to prevent the nail or part of, from regrowing. However not all situations require permanent removal of the nail.

How is nail surgery performed by the team at The Woodvale Podiatrist?

Our podiatrists have performed many of these straightforward procedures in clinic and patients are often amazed at the efficient and relatively painless procedure. This is performed under local anaesthetic which is the most uncomfortable part, beyond the injection you will not feel anything. We gently inject at 2 sites at the base of the toe which then makes the whole toe numb. Usually the ingrown toenail itself is more painful than the surgery.

The offending piece of nail is removed with specialised tools and appropriate dressings applied to assist with healing and prevent post-operative infection.

A review appointment is then made for redressing.

Will my toe look unsightly post-surgery?

The simple answer is no, in the majority of cases nail surgery improves the appearance of your toe. It is rare for someone to even realise that you have had part of the nail removed.

What is the success rate?

A partial or total nail avulsion with phenolisation is on average 95% successful. There is minimal chance that the offending nail will regrow.

How long will it take to heal?

On average around 4-6 weeks to full healing but pain is often reduced or gone within a week or less. You will be back in enclosed shoes (if you wish) and work/normal activity within a couple of days. You may need to avoid sport and swimming until the wound is healed but your podiatrist will discuss this with you.

What nails may benefit from Nail Surgery?

  • Persistent ingrown nails and infections
  • Traumatised/Damaged and thickened nails
  • Fungal Nails

Is anyone a candidate for Nail Surgery?

Rarely will we perform nail surgery at an initial appointment, and it is not a first line treatment (unless your toe looks like a hammerhead shark – ask Chloe about that ingrown toenail story!)

An assessment must be carried out prior to any surgery to determine suitability. There are some cases where nail surgery will not be an appropriate option.

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