For the majority of cases, ingrown toenails or damaged nails are managed easily and conservatively. However, in some cases, nail surgery may be required, which may include:
Nail surgery can be a temporary (where the section of the nail will re-grow) or a permanent procedure (where we use phenolisation so that the nail does not re-grow).
In most cases, a section of the nail is removed. In some cases, the whole nail is removed. In both procedures, we use local anaesthetic and sterile instruments in our clinic.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. While mild cases can often be treated with routine podiatry care which involves careful trimming of the nail, severe or recurring ingrown nails may require surgical intervention.
At Healthy Sole Podiatry in Launceston, we provide professional nail surgery solutions to treat persistent ingrown toenails and restore comfort to your daily life. Our expert podiatrists specialise in procedures such as ingrown toenail removal surgery and partial nail avulsion, offering effective and long-lasting relief for this common condition.
We will always attempt and recommend conservative treatments first.
A podiatrist will trim the ingrown portion of the nail away to stop the nail from cutting into the skin. This will relieve the pain and in most cases, this type of ingrown toenail treatment is all that is required.
If you suffer from recurring ingrown toenails, you may like to return to Healthy Sole Podiatry on a regular basis to have your nails cut in the correct way. This will help prevent ingrown toenails or manage them early. Your podiatrist will discuss ways to prevent ingrown toenails from returning on a regular basis.
You can attempt to care for your ingrown toenails at home. Try soaking your feet, using antiseptic creams and wear open-toe footwear. However it is important to keep an eye on your ingrown toe, because if it keeps recurring or it becomes infected, you will need to see a podiatrist. The signs of infection include increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your ingrown toenail keeps coming back, it is important to seek professional medical attention from a podiatrist.
If you have diabetes or circulation problems, it’s also essential to see a podiatrist for treatment and evaluation to help avoid more serious complications.
If your ingrown toenail is a recurring issue and conservative treatments have not worked, we may recommend ingrown toenail removal. Toenail surgery is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthesia to remove some or all of the nail.
There are two types of toenail surgery – permanent and non-permanent.
If the entire toenail is removed but the nail matrix (the growth center of the nail) is left intact, the toenail will grow back. It usually takes 6 to 12 months for the nail to regrow fully, depending on factors like age, overall health, and individual healing rates. However, the new nail may have a slightly altered shape or texture.
In cases where the nail matrix is deliberately treated with a chemical (such as phenol) or surgically removed, the toenail will not grow back. This procedure is often recommended for chronic or severe conditions where regrowth would likely lead to recurring problems, such as repeated ingrown toenails or persistent infections.
Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is one of the most common surgical treatments for ingrown toenails. During this procedure, the problematic edge of the nail is carefully removed, along with the underlying nail matrix to prevent regrowth in the affected area.
This is a permanent procedure. The ingrown toenail part does not return, but the rest of the nail is preserved.
The process is straightforward and performed in the comfort of our clinic:
Nail surgery offers a permanent solution for recurring or chronic ingrown toenails, alleviating pain and preventing infection.
Healing typically takes a few weeks, and most patients can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure. At Healthy Sole Podiatry, we prioritise patient comfort and ensure you receive detailed guidance on post-surgery care.
If you’re dealing with persistent ingrown toenails, don’t let the discomfort hold you back. Contact Healthy Sole Podiatry in Launceston today to learn more about nail surgery and regain pain-free movement.
If your feet are unhappy, you’re unhappy.
Don’t let foot problems hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. At Healthy Sole Podiatry, we’re dedicated to providing the best foot care in Launceston. Experience the difference with Healthy Sole Podiatry. Book an appointment below and take the first step towards happy, healthy feet.
We are conveniently located at 100 Forster Street Invermay, Launceston.
Plenty of accessible, off-street parking. Click the Google map for directions.
We look forward to your visit.