An ingrown toenail might seem like a small problem, but if left untreated it can cause significant pain, swelling, and infection. When home treatments no longer work, nail surgery performed by a podiatrist can offer lasting relief. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure, recovery, and results.
If you are worried about your toes or feet, it’s worth booking in a consultation with your local podiatrist, Paul Miller today, contact him here.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This often affects the big toe and can cause redness, tenderness, and infection. Common causes include:
- Poor nail trimming technique
- Tight or ill-fitting shoes
- Injury to the toe
- Genetic nail shape
You can find out more about the Importance of Proper Footwear in Preventing Ingrown Toenails here.
When Is Nail Surgery Necessary?
A podiatrist may recommend nail surgery if:
- The ingrown toenail keeps coming back
- You have severe pain or infection
- The problem affects your ability to walk comfortably
- Conservative treatments (soaking, antibiotics, packing the nail) have not worked
When Should You See a Podiatrist? Find out more from our blog post here.
Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
There are two main procedures a podiatrist might use:
1. Partial Nail Removal (Partial Nail Avulsion)
Only the section of the nail that’s ingrown is removed. The nail bed is treated with a chemical (phenol) to prevent that edge from regrowing, reducing the risk of recurrence.
2. Total Nail Removal (Total Nail Avulsion)
In more severe or chronic cases, the entire nail is removed. This is less common but may be necessary if the nail is severely damaged or repeatedly infected.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the toe, so you won’t feel pain during the surgery.
- The ingrown section of the nail (or entire nail, if necessary) is carefully removed.
- The nail bed may be treated to prevent regrowth.
- A sterile dressing is applied to protect the toe.
The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following surgery, your podiatrist will give you detailed aftercare instructions. These may include:
- Keeping the dressing clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours
- Changing the dressing as instructed
- Wearing open-toed or roomy shoes for comfort
- Avoiding strenuous activity for a few days
- Watching for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, discharge)
Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days, though complete healing can take several weeks.
Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?
Thanks to the local anaesthetic, the procedure itself is painless. You may feel some mild discomfort after the anaesthetic wears off, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenail Removal
- Quick pain relief
- Lower risk of recurrence
- Professional sterile environment to prevent infection
- Expert advice on nail care and footwear to prevent future problems
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with recurring or painful ingrown toenails, nail surgery by a podiatrist is a safe and effective solution. With modern techniques, recovery is quick, and most patients enjoy lasting relief. Get in touch with Paul Miller today if you are unsure what to do about your toenail.