Nail Surgery Information

If your in-growing toenail does not improve, we may recommend that part, or all of the nail is surgically removed. 

There are 2 different ways of dealing with the affected nail.

1. Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)

Partial nail avulsion, where part of the toenail is removed, is the most common surgical procedure for treating ingrown toenails. It is 98% effective. Partial nail avulsion is carried out under local anaesthetic. After the edges of the toenail have been cut, a chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent any nail growing back and causing an ingrown toenail to develop in future. 

2. Total Nail Avulsion (TBA)

To reduce the risk of an ingrown toenail developing in the future, your whole toenail may be removed. This procedure is known as a total nail avulsion. Total nail avulsion may be recommended if your nail is thickening and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe. As with partial nail avulsion, this is also carried out using local anaesthetic. During the procedure, the nail will be removed. It is perfectly safe to not have a toenail and your toe will continue to function normally. 

After Nail Surgery

After having nail surgery, your toe will be covered in a dressing to allow the area to heal and to help prevent an infection from developing. You will be able to walk straight out of the surgery, however we recommend that anyone driving does not drive for 24 hours post surgery due to insurance issues related to anaesthetic. You should rest your affected foot and keep in raised for one to two days after the operation. Once the anaesthetic has worn off, you may experience a little pain and discomfort in your toe. To alleviate any pain, we would advise taking a painkiller such as paracetamol, and wear soft or open toe sandals for the first few days after surgery.

We would then ask you to come back to the clinic 3 days post-surgery for a checkup and a dressing change. We will take this opportunity to check the healing process and issue you re-dressing advice for the next few weeks.

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