treatments

Nail Surgery

Ingrown Toenails

In-growing toenails are painful and troublesome. They are characterised by a spike of nail that becomes embedded in the skin at the side of the nail, causing redness, painful swelling, bleeding and sometimes even infection. There are two surgical options for the permanent removal of an In-grown Toenail.

Treatment Options

Permanent Removal of In-growing Toenail (Partial Nail Avulsion):

This procedure is recommended for painful ingrown toenails. The nail spike is completely removed from the skin and the side of the nail, to leave a neat edge that is cosmetically pleasing. A chemical is then applied to the nail bed to prevent any re-growth of the nail in that area which prevents the spike from re-developing. A large protective dressing will be placed on the toe, to be left on and kept dry for 2-3 days.

Permanent removal of the whole toenail (Total Nail Avulsion):

This procedure is often recommended for thick, painful, discoloured, damaged, fungal or unsightly nails. The toenail is completely removed and the same chemical is applied to the nail bed to prevent re-growth of the entire nail so it cannot re-grow and then become ingrown in future. A large protective dressing is then applied to the toe, which must be left on and kept dry for 2-3 days.