Permanent Relief from Painful Ingrown Toenails
If you’re struggling with a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, nail surgery is a safe and highly effective procedure that can provide long-term relief. At our clinic, we perform nail surgery under local anaesthetic, ensuring the treatment is as comfortable as possible while helping you return to your daily activities with minimal disruption.
What is Nail Surgery?
Nail surgery is a minor procedure used to treat persistent ingrown toenails, recurring nail infections, or damaged nails that have not responded to conservative treatment.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend:
- Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA): Removal of the affected edge of the nail while preserving the healthy portion.
- Partial Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation: Removal of the ingrown section followed by the application of a medical solution to prevent that portion of the nail from growing back.
- Total Nail Avulsion (TNA): Removal of the entire toenail when the whole nail is severely damaged or problematic.
- Total Nail Avulsion with Phenolisation: Permanent removal of the entire nail where clinically appropriate.
During your consultation, we will discuss the most suitable treatment option based on your symptoms, medical history, and long-term goals.
Who Can Benefit?
Nail surgery may be recommended if you experience:
- Recurring ingrown toenails
- Persistent pain around the nail
- Repeated nail infections
- Fungal Toenails
- Thickened or damaged nails causing discomfort
- Nails that have not improved with routine podiatry treatment
What Happens During the Procedure?
Your appointment begins with an assessment of your toe and a discussion of the procedure.
A local anaesthetic is administered to numb the toe completely, allowing the procedure to be carried out without pain. Once the toe is numb, the affected portion—or, where necessary, the entire nail—is carefully removed. If permanent treatment has been chosen, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth of the treated section.
The procedure usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
Aftercare
Following surgery, your toe will be dressed with a sterile bandage, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.
Most patients can walk out of the clinic immediately after treatment, although we recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day.
To help optimise wound healing and reduce post-operative inflammation, we utilise K-Laser therapy as part of your aftercare plan. K-Laser uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promote tissue repair, improve circulation, and help reduce pain and swelling. When clinically appropriate, this non-invasive treatment can support a faster and more comfortable recovery following nail surgery.
You can generally expect:
Mild discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off
A small amount of drainage during healing
Regular dressing changes as advised
K-Laser therapy sessions, if recommended, to support tissue healing
Healing over several weeks, depending on the procedure performed
Attending any recommended follow-up appointments is important to ensure your toe is healing well and to monitor your recovery.
Why Choose Nail Surgery?
Nail surgery offers several benefits, including:
- Long-term relief from recurring ingrown toenails
- Reduced risk of future infections
- Improved comfort when walking and wearing shoes
- Quick, minimally invasive treatment
- High success rates with permanent procedures
Nail Surgery FAQs
Does nail surgery hurt?
The local anaesthetic is the only part you feel, and it is a brief sting. The procedure itself is painless. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles with simple pain relief.
Will the nail grow back?
When phenol is used, the treated portion of nail is very unlikely to return. Total regrowth is uncommon and, if it happens, we will discuss your options.
How soon can I walk and drive?
You can walk out of the clinic, though we advise resting the foot and wearing an open or roomy shoe for a day or two. Please arrange your own transport home on the day of surgery. You are advised not to drive on the day of the surgery.
Do I need an assessment before surgery?
Yes. An initial assessment is required so we can confirm the diagnosis and make sure surgery is safe and suitable for you.
Book a Nail Surgery Assessment in Worthing
Arrange your appointment online through our booking system or contact our clinic.