Ingrown Toenail Surgery: A Permanent Solution

The Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Local Anesthesia: The process begins with a small injection at the base of the toe. This completely numbs the area, ensuring the entire procedure is painless.
2. Partial Nail Removal (Avulsion): Our specialist carefully cuts and removes only the narrow, ingrown portion of the nail. The healthy, main part of your nail is left completely intact.
3. Chemical Matrixectomy: To prevent the ingrown edge from growing back, a chemical (phenol) is applied to the exposed nail root (matrix). This step is what makes the procedure a permanent solution for most people.
4. Dressing: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Recovery Timeline & Aftercare

Recovery is typically straightforward:

• Immediately After: You can walk out of the clinic. The anesthetic will wear off in a few hours, but post-procedure pain is usually minimal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• First 24-48 Hours: Keep the area clean and dry. We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the dressing.
• First Week: The toe may drain a small amount of fluid as it heals. This is normal. You will be instructed on how to perform daily soaks and re-dress the toe.
• 2-4 Weeks: The area should be fully healed. You can return to all normal activities, including sports.