What happens during toenail surgery? - West Berkshire Foot Clinic (2024)

FAQs

What to expect with toenail removal surgery? ›

Once the toe is numb, you will not experience any pain while the nail is removed. After the procedure, when the anaesthetic wears off, the toe will be cushioned in a protective dressing. It may feel a little tender but should not be painful at all. You just need to take care not to knock it against something!

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic. The operation usually takes about 10 minutes and may involve one or more of the following techniques. Nail avulsion — Removing your whole toenail.

Your operation will be carried out under local anaesthetic. Injections are given into the base of your toe to numb the toe and toenail area. You will be awake during the operation but will not be able to see your operation or feel any pain. The operation takes about 45 minutes and then you will be able to go home.

Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Surgery

You will be able to walk after surgery, but you should wear open-toed shoes home after surgery (or a podiatrist-supplied open-toe boot) and up to two weeks after to avoid putting pressure on your toe.

Yes, you will be able to walk normally after the procedure, although we do advise that you arrange to get home by car or taxi, and that you rest with your leg up for the rest of the day.

Do not get the dressing wet. Avoid swimming until healed and reduce strenuous sporting activities. If part of your nail has been removed it will usually take six to eight weeks to heal. If all of your nail has been removed it will usually take eight to ten weeks to heal.

You should not have any other local anaesthetic (e.g., from your dentist) within 24hrs of your nail surgery appointment. A loose slipper, open-toed sandal or similar footwear should be brought to accommodate the initial bulky dressing. Please remove all nail varnish prior to attending nail surgery.

You must keep your toe dry when having a bath or shower, so that there is less risk of infection. If you do not follow the written advice, or that given by the Podiatrist, your toe may become worse and may need further surgery. water on the dressing and allow it to soak through for a few minutes.

After ingrown toenail surgery, you might be instructed to abstain from driving for up to two weeks. You should also avoid: Sports that involve running or kicking a ball. Wearing shoes with a closed toe.

On occasion, the remaining nail may become loose from the nail bed and fall off. A new nail will grow out to replace it over several months. With removal of the nail margin, the nail will be narrower and this should be expected.

Can I wear socks after toenail removal? ›

Wear cotton socks. You may need to do this for about 2 weeks. You can likely resume your normal activities within a week or two. Getting back to sports may take a little longer.

Immediately after surgery

There is usually only very slight pain once the anesthetic wears off. If you do experience discomfort, we advise taking over the counter pain relief medication. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.

Stage 3 ingrown toenail

At this stage, the inflamed skin has started to grow over the rest of the toenail, and pus is continuing to ooze out of the wound. You will want to make an appointment with a foot specialist as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms.

Trust the process

The recovery period could be painful and difficult, especially in the initial stages. Patients should remain non-weight bearing for at least 4 weeks or until the surgeon advises.

Undertake the procedure every day until healed. Please ensure any footwear you wear has enough room for your dressings. It is not advisable to wear sandals or flip flops. Trainers or closed in shoes are best.

Leave the bandage on, and if you have stitches, do not get them wet for the first 24 to 48 hours. Use a plastic bag to cover the area when you shower. If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctor's instructions.

Interesting Fact: With proper techniques and procedures for a permanent ingrown toenail removal, there is a 97.9% success rate with no reoccurrence (Tatlican et al., 2009).

The current recommendation is Mepore 6 x 7cm or similar (e.g. Softpore 6 x 7cm). Once the toe has dried, simply apply a dressing so the pad covers the wound. Some extra tape might be required to secure the dressing depending on how well it sticks to your skin.

Your foot care doctor injects an anesthetic into the skin around your toe. The doctor then uses a special tool to remove the toenail. Your doctor applies a bandage to the surgical wound.