Toenail Surgery

Toenail Surgery

Here at Essentials, we can treat upto 80% of all ingrowning toenails with conservative treatment, by just using either a scalpel or special fine pointed nail cutters. The remaining 20% of cases, need minor surgical intervention.


How will surgery correct the deformity?

Whilst removing the nail will resolve the current problem, the nail will grow back and it is likely that you will be left with the same problem. In order to prevent the nail growing, the troublesome section of nail is removed and a strong chemical, phenol, is applied to prevent the nail from re-growing. In the vast majority of patients we only need to remove a small section at one or both sides of the nail (partial nail avulsion). This leaves you with a narrower nail but without the troublesome section. In some instances, the whole nail needs removing (total nail avulsion). In this case, there will be no further nail growth.

If an ingrown toenail has been present for some time, there is often a build up of excess tissue that bleeds easily and looks red. This is known as hypergranulation tissue and is an over reaction to the irritation and / or infection. This will be removed during the operation.


What will happen at the operation?

The operation will be performed under local anaesthetic, so you are awake and can eat normally up until the time of your operation. The injection is given at the base of the affected toes and is generally more comfortable than a dental injection. The operation will last for approximately 10-15 minutes per toe but you may be at the clinic for much longer to allow sufficient preparation and post operative monitoring. A large dressing will be placed on your toes. so remember to bring along a sandal. You should avoid wearing tight clothing.


What are the advantages of this operation?

  • Less discomfort

  • No episodes of infection

  • Easier shoe choice

  • Easier walking

Whilst it cannot be guaranteed that you will never have another problem with the toe or be completely pain free, it is highly likely that your toe will be much improved.


I have heard it is a very painful operation.

Advances in techniques, local anaesthetics and pain killers now mean that patients have a high level of success with much less pain. Generally speaking, there is very little discomfort the night of the operation or during the healing period, depending on the tightness of the shoes worn. It is rare that the level of pain is not controlled by normal headache tablets (e.g. Paracetamol); and keeping the foot elevated.


What are the complications?

Every effort is made to minimise the risk of complications and these are rare. However, some specific complications may occur, such as:

  • Prolonged weeping (see recovery below)

  • Infection. This can occur during recovery although the opera
    tion is often performed due to an infected ingrown toenail, thus this is less likely once the nail has been removed

  • A reaction to phenol (phenol flare) can occur but this is rare and will be dealt with if necessary (less than 1%)

  • Re-growth of the nail. This occurs in approximately 5-8% of patients undergoing partial nail avulsion and 10% of those undergoing total nail avulsion. The re-growth is often less troublesome than the original problem but the procedure can be repeated if necessary.

  • In rare cases a small section of nail can re-grow beneath he skin at the base of the nail (less than 0.5%). This can form a small cyst, which requires excision.

Although all these complications are possible they are infrequent. Please be sure to discuss any areas of concern with your podiatrist as well as specific complications related to the procedure you may undergo.



How long will it take me to recover?

Please note, if a complication arises, recovery may be delayed, but don’t worry we at Essentials will continue to review and monitor the situation until the toe completely heals.

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