What Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor surgical procedure used to treat an ingrown toenail, a common condition in which the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. Ingrown toenails often occur in the big toe, though they can affect other toes too. They may result from improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, injury, hereditary nail shape, or repeated pressure on the toes.
When an ingrown toenail does not improve with home care, such as warm soaks, proper nail trimming, or antibiotic creams, a doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pain and prevent the problem from returning. The goal of ingrown toenail surgery is to remove the part of the nail that is growing into the skin and allow the area to heal, reducing discomfort and lowering the chance of future recurrence.
This procedure is usually performed by a podiatrist (foot specialist) or a trained surgeon under local anesthesia, so the toe is numb and the patient remains comfortable throughout.
Who May Need Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Surgery may be recommended for people who:
● Have a severe or recurring ingrown toenail
● Experience significant pain or swelling
● Develop infection (pus, redness, warmth) in the affected toe
● Do not respond to home treatment
● Have curved or thickened nails that continuously dig into the skin
● Are prone to repeated ingrown toenails
● Have diabetes or circulation issues where frequent infections are a concern
A doctor will first assess the toe, check for infection, and talk about the best treatment option before recommending surgery.
Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery
There are several approaches a doctor might use based on the severity and recurrence of the ingrown toenail:
1. Partial Nail Removal (Partial Nail Avulsion)
Only the part of the nail that is cutting into the skin is removed. This is the most common method. It relieves pressure and pain quickly.
2. Total Nail Removal (Total Nail Avulsion)
In more severe cases, the entire toenail may be removed. This method is used when the nail repeatedly becomes ingrown or is severely infected.
3. Matrixectomy
To prevent the ingrown portion of the nail from growing back, the nail “matrix” (root) may be treated or removed chemically or surgically. This helps prevent recurrence.
Your doctor chooses the best option based on the shape of the nail, recurrence, and overall health.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Procedure
The ingrown toenail surgery procedure is usually performed in a clean clinical setting and involves the following steps:
1. Preparation and Cleaning
The foot and toe are cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic injection is given around the base of the toe so you feel no pain during the procedure.
3. Toenail Removal
- Partial avulsion: The surgeon lifts and removes the ingrown portion of the toenail.
- Total avulsion: The entire toenail is carefully removed if needed.
4. Matrix Treatment (if required)
If a matrixectomy is planned, the nail root area is treated with a chemical (like phenol) or surgically removed so that part of the nail does not grow back.
5. Cleaning and Dressing
The area is cleaned again, and a sterile dressing or bandage is applied to protect the surgical site.
The procedure usually takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the method used.
Recovery & Aftercare
After ingrown toenail surgery, proper care helps speed healing and reduce discomfort:
● Bandage Care: Keep the toe clean and dry. Change dressings as instructed by your doctor.
● Pain Relief: Mild pain or throbbing can be expected for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicines may be recommended.
● Avoid Pressure: Wear open-toed or loose shoes to avoid pressure on the toe during healing.
● Foot Elevation: Elevating the foot for the first day can help reduce swelling.
● Soaks: After a few days, you may be advised to soak the foot in warm water unless otherwise instructed.
● Antibiotics: If the toe was infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Most people can resume normal daily activities within a few days, but full healing of the nail bed may take 2–4 weeks or longer, depending on the extent of surgery and how well aftercare is followed.
Risks & Possible Complications
Ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe, but like all procedures, there can be risks:
● Infection at the surgical site
● Bleeding or continued oozing
● Delayed healing if care is not followed
● Recurrence of an ingrown nail if matrixectomy is not done
● Pain or tenderness around the toe
● Changes in nail appearance after regrowth
The risk is lower when the procedure is done properly, and aftercare instructions are followed carefully.
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Plastic surgery
Surgery
General Surgeon
Podiatry
