About Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Ingrown toenails can be extremely uncomfortable, particularly when they become inflamed, infected or repeatedly troublesome. If conservative treatments haven’t resolved the problem, minor nail surgery may provide a more permanent solution.
At The Courtyard Clinic in Maldon, our HCPC-registered Podiatrist provides ingrown toenail surgery under local anaesthetic, offering an effective treatment for persistent or recurrent ingrown toenails.
What Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor outpatient procedure used to treat painful, recurrent or infected ingrown toenails that have not responded to self-care or conservative treatment.
The procedure involves removing either a small section of the affected nail (partial nail avulsion) or, in some cases, the entire nail (total nail avulsion).
Where appropriate, the nail matrix is treated with a chemical called phenol to prevent the removed section from growing back. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of the ingrown toenail recurring.
The procedure is carried out at our Maldon clinic under local anaesthetic, allowing patients to remain awake and comfortable throughout.
When Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Recommended?
Not every ingrown toenail requires surgery. Many cases can be managed successfully with routine podiatry treatment and advice.
However, nail surgery may be recommended when:
- Ingrown toenails repeatedly return despite treatment.
- The affected toe becomes persistently painful, swollen or inflamed.
- Infection develops or repeatedly recurs.
- Conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.
- Pain or discomfort affects walking, footwear or everyday activities.
Our Podiatrist will assess the affected nail, discuss the available treatment options and advise whether surgery is appropriate.
What Happens During Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
1. Numbing the Toe
A local anaesthetic is injected around the base of the affected toe to numb the area. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, a small tourniquet is applied to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
2. Removing the Affected Nail
Using specialist instruments, the Podiatrist carefully removes the problematic section of nail. In most cases, only a narrow section along the affected edge needs to be removed, leaving the remainder of the nail intact. Occasionally, where the whole nail is significantly damaged or problematic, complete nail removal may be recommended.
3. Preventing Regrowth
Where appropriate, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth. This prevents the treated section of nail from growing back, reducing the risk of further ingrown toenails.
4. Dressing the Toe
Following the procedure, the toe is cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, and a follow-up dressing appointment will be arranged.
Recovery and Aftercare
The First 24–48 Hours:
Rest and keep your foot elevated where possible to help minimise discomfort, swelling and bleeding.
Dressings and Wound Care:
Keep your dressing clean and dry, following the instructions provided by your Podiatrist. A follow-up dressing appointment is included in the treatment price and usually takes place approximately one week after surgery.
Footwear:
Wear comfortable, wide-fitting or open-toed footwear to avoid unnecessary pressure on the treated toe. Avoid tight-fitting shoes until the wound has healed.
Returning to Work and Exercise:
Many patients can return to work within 1–2 days, depending on their occupation and comfort. Activities such as running, swimming and high-impact sports should be avoided until the wound has healed. Healing typically takes several weeks, although this varies between individuals and may take longer in some cases. As with any minor surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, delayed healing and nail regrowth. These will be discussed during your assessment.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Prices
- One toe: £400
- Two toes: £500
Both prices include one follow-up dressing appointment.
An assessment is required to determine suitability for nail surgery.
Additional appointments may occasionally be necessary depending on healing. These will be discussed with you at the time.
Book an Ingrown Toenail Assessment in Maldon
If you’re suffering from a painful or recurrent ingrown toenail, our Podiatrist can assess the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Whether you require routine podiatry care or minor nail surgery, our team at The Courtyard Clinic in Maldon is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the affected toe. You may experience some discomfort during the anaesthetic injection, but once the toe is numb, you should not feel pain during the surgery.
Some discomfort is normal as the anaesthetic wears off, but this can usually be managed with appropriate aftercare and pain relief.
Will my toenail grow back after surgery?
When phenol is used to treat the nail matrix, the aim is to permanently prevent the treated section of nail from regrowing.
Following partial nail avulsion, the remaining nail continues to grow normally, although it will be slightly narrower.
Occasionally, some regrowth can occur despite treatment.
How long does ingrown toenail surgery take?
The procedure usually takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is carried out at our clinic in Maldon.
You can normally return home shortly afterwards.
How long does it take to recover from toenail surgery?
Most patients can resume light daily activities within a day or two, although complete wound healing usually takes several weeks.
Healing times vary depending on the procedure performed, your general health and how well the wound heals.
Can I walk after ingrown toenail surgery?
Yes. Most patients can walk following the procedure, although we recommend resting and keeping the foot elevated where possible during the first 24–48 hours.
Comfortable, open-toed or wide-fitting footwear is advisable.
Can an infected ingrown toenail be operated on?
In some circumstances, nail surgery can be performed when an ingrown toenail is infected.
However, the suitability and timing of surgery will depend on the individual circumstances and will be assessed by your Podiatrist.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can arrange an appointment directly with our Podiatrist at The Courtyard Clinic in Maldon.
An initial assessment will determine whether nail surgery is appropriate or whether a more conservative treatment would be suitable.
