Ingrown Toenail Surgery

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail is when the edge of the nail grows into the edge of the skin. It can happen to any toenail but mainly affects the big toe. Typical symptoms include:

- Redness

- Swelling

- Pus or discharge if aninfection has developed

- Pain and tenderness

There are many reasons as to why a person develops an ingrown toenail. They include the following:

- Trauma/injury to the nail

- Incorrect cutting

- Picking toenails

- Tight fitting footwear

- Hereditary

On assessment by the podiatrist, they will determine the treatment required. A mild ingrown toenail will benefit from conservative measures. This involves cutting a section of the nail and removing the offending spicule, cleansing and dressing the toe.

A severe, recurrent and often infected ingrown toenail would benefit from toenail surgery. This offers a permanent solution to the patient. Local anasthetic is injected into the toe before removing part of the nail (partial nail avulsion) or the full nail (total nail avulsion). The podiatrist may also apply a treatment at the nail base to prevent the nail section from regrowing. This results in a permanent reduction in the nail width without significantly changing the aesthetic of the nail.

What are the benefits of nail surgery?‍

- Permanent resolution of painful ingrown toenails

- Prevention of recurrent infection

- Enhanced overall foot health and well being

 How Do I Book an Appointment?‍

An initial consultation must be booked prior to the procedure. This is to ensure you are suitable to undergo ingrown toenail surgery.

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