If you've been suffering with a painful ingrown toenail, you may have been told that nail surgery is the best way to stop the problem from coming back.

But does that mean losing your whole toenail?

Not necessarily, and this is something we often find ourselves explaining to patients at Foot Corner.

Many people put off seeking treatment because they are worried about having their entire toenail removed, how their toe will look afterwards or whether the procedure will be painful.

The good news is that, in many cases, we only need to remove a small section of the nail that is causing the problem.

At Foot Corner in Ashford, Surrey, we offer nail surgery for painful and recurring ingrown toenails. Our aim is to relieve the discomfort, reduce the likelihood of the problem returning and preserve as much of your natural nail as possible.

What Is Nail Surgery?

When we mention nail surgery, some patients immediately imagine having their entire toenail removed.

However, one of the most common procedures we carry out is called Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA).

This is a minor surgical procedure where we carefully remove the small section of toenail that has been growing into the surrounding skin and causing pain.

The remaining toenail is left in place.

In many cases, we also apply a chemical called phenol to the area where the removed section of nail grows from. This helps prevent that particular section from growing back.

The result is a slightly narrower toenail, but you still have most of your natural nail.

For many patients, this can provide a long-term solution to recurring ingrown toenails.

Will My Toenail Look Different After Surgery?

This is another question we are frequently asked.

Understandably, patients are concerned about how their toenail will look following treatment, particularly during the summer months when they may want to wear sandals or open-toed shoes.

Following a partial nail avulsion, the toenail will be slightly narrower because the troublesome section has been removed.

Once the area has completely healed, many patients find the appearance acceptable and appreciate no longer having the same recurring discomfort.

In some cases, where the entire nail is severely damaged, thickened or causing problems, we may recommend removing the whole toenail instead.

However, removing the entire nail is not always necessary, and we will always explain the options before proceeding with treatment.

How Do I Know If I Need Nail Surgery?

Not every ingrown toenail needs surgery.

At Foot Corner, we believe it is important to assess the toenail properly before recommending any treatment.

Sometimes, a simple podiatry appointment to carefully remove the troublesome nail edge may be enough to relieve the discomfort.

However, if the problem keeps returning, nail surgery may be worth considering.

Some common signs include:

• Your ingrown toenail keeps coming back despite previous treatment.

• The corner of your toenail is painful when wearing shoes.

• You regularly experience redness, swelling or inflammation around the nail.

• You have experienced repeated infections around the toenail.

• You find yourself constantly cutting down the side of your toenail to relieve the pressure.

• The pain is affecting your walking, exercise or everyday activities.

If any of these sound familiar, having your toenail assessed by a podiatrist can help you understand the treatment options available.

What Happens During Nail Surgery at Foot Corner?

We understand that the thought of surgery can make some patients feel nervous, particularly if they have never experienced the procedure before.

Our podiatrists will explain each stage of the treatment and answer any questions you may have.

1. Consultation and assessment

We begin by examining your toenail, reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms.

We will explain whether nail surgery is appropriate or whether there may be another treatment option worth considering.

2. Numbing your toe

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.

This involves injections to numb the toe. Although the injections can feel uncomfortable for a short time, you should not feel pain during the nail removal once the anaesthetic has taken effect.

3. Removing the troublesome section of nail

Once your toe is numb, we carefully remove the section of nail that is growing into the surrounding skin.

In most cases, the rest of the toenail remains intact.

4. Helping prevent the nail from growing back

Where suitable, we apply phenol to the nail matrix to help prevent the removed section from growing back.

This significantly reduces the likelihood of the same problem recurring, although no procedure can guarantee that regrowth will never occur.

5. Dressing and aftercare

Once the procedure is complete, we apply a dressing and explain how to care for your toe at home.

We also discuss the healing process and any follow-up appointments that may be required.

Is Nail Surgery Painful?

This is probably one of the most common concerns patients have.

The local anaesthetic injections may cause some temporary discomfort, but once the toe is numb, the procedure itself should not be painful.

After the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness or mild discomfort.

We will explain what to expect and how to manage this following your treatment.

One thing we always encourage our patients to do is ask questions. We want you to feel informed and comfortable with the treatment being recommended.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Nail Surgery?

Recovery can vary depending on the type of procedure, your general health and how well your toe heals.

Most patients are able to walk after nail surgery, although we generally recommend taking things easy for the remainder of the day.

You may need to wear comfortable, roomy footwear and avoid certain activities while your toe is healing.

Following a partial nail avulsion with phenol, complete healing can take several weeks and occasionally longer.

It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided, including keeping the area clean and changing dressings as advised.

As with any minor surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection, delayed healing and possible nail regrowth. We explain these before treatment so you can make an informed decision.

Are There Alternatives to Nail Surgery?

Yes, and this is why we always recommend an assessment before deciding on treatment.

Not every painful or curved toenail requires surgery.

At Foot Corner, we also offer conservative podiatry treatments and the Onyfix nail correction system, which may be suitable for certain types of curved or involuted toenails.

Onyfix is a non-surgical nail correction system designed to guide the nail as it grows.

However, it is not suitable for everyone, particularly where there is significant inflammation or infection.

Our podiatrists will assess your toenail and discuss which options may be appropriate for you.

Why Choose Foot Corner for Nail Surgery in Ashford?

At Foot Corner, we regularly see patients who have been struggling with painful ingrown toenails for months, sometimes even years.

Many have tried cutting the nail themselves or have had temporary relief from previous treatments, only for the problem to return.

We understand how frustrating this can be.

Our experienced, HCPC-registered podiatrists provide nail surgery in a professional and welcoming clinical environment.

We take the time to assess your toenail, explain the available treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

Our priority is not simply to remove a painful section of nail, but to help you find the most appropriate long-term solution.

We also understand that some patients feel anxious about nail surgery, and we aim to make the experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Our Foot Corner clinic is conveniently located in Ashford, Surrey, welcoming patients from Staines, Sunbury, Stanwell, Feltham and the surrounding areas.

Don't Let a Painful Ingrown Toenail Keep Coming Back

If you regularly experience pain around the corner of your toenail, find yourself constantly cutting the same section or have had repeated problems with ingrown toenails, it may be time to consider a different approach.

Remember, nail surgery does not necessarily mean losing your whole toenail.

In many cases, removing just the troublesome section can help provide lasting relief while preserving most of your natural nail.

At Foot Corner, we are here to help you understand your options and decide on the most appropriate treatment for your feet.

Book a Nail Surgery Consultation in Ashford, Surrey

If you are concerned about a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, why not arrange an appointment with one of our podiatrists?

We can assess your toenail, discuss whether nail surgery is suitable and explain the treatment process.

Foot Corner
15 Church Parade, Church Road
Ashford, Surrey, TW15 2TX

Telephone: 01784 250 781
Website: www.footcorner.co.uk

Book your appointment online or give our friendly team a call.