Permanent Partial Nail Removal vs Onyfix: A Podiatrist’s Honest Comparison

If you’re suffering with an ingrown toenail, you’ll quickly discover there’s more than one treatment available and it’s not always obvious which option is best.

At Foot Corner in Ashford, we offer both Onyfix nail correction system and Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA). While both have their place, we often recommend PNA when the goal is a permanent and reliable solution. Here’s why and how both treatments actually work.

Onyfix - The Pain-Free Nail Correction System

Best for: Curved nails, mild ingrown toenails, nails that dig in without infection.

What it does:
Onyfix gently repositions the nail by applying a small, hardened composite strip to the nail plate. This strip slowly encourages the nail to grow straighter over several months reducing pressure on the sides.

The Onyfix Process (Step-by-Step):

1. Clean & Prepare the nail - the nail is lightly buffed.

2. Apply Onyfix material - a small strip is placed across the nail.

3. Cure with blue light - it hardens in seconds, pain-free.

4. Nail grows flatter over time - usually 3–6 months.

5. Follow-up checks - we monitor your progress and reapply if needed.

Pros: Non-invasive, no anaesthetic, no pain.
Limitations: If the nail is infected, deeply ingrown, or repeatedly inflamed, Onyfix cannot fix the underlying cause. Relief may be temporary.

Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) - The Permanent Fix

Best for: Recurrent ingrown toenails, infected nails, swollen nail folds, people who’ve tried everything else.

What it does:
PNA removes the small portion of nail causing the problem and then uses a chemical (phenol) to stop that section from growing back permanently.

 The PNA Process (Step-by-Step):

1. Local anaesthetic - numbs the toe completely; no pain during the procedure.

2. Remove problem edge - only the offending sliver of nail is removed (the rest stays intact).

3. Apply phenol - destroys the nail root on that side so it can’t regrow.

4. Clean & dress the toe - sterile dressing applied.

5. Healing - usually 4–5 weeks, with follow-up checks included.

Pros: Permanent, stops recurring infections, rapid healing, excellent cosmetic results.
Limitations: It is a minor surgical procedure, so not suitable for those who prefer a completely non-surgical option.

Both Onyfix and PNA are excellent treatments but they serve different purposes.

For mild, non-infected nail curves, Onyfix is gentle and effective.
But for painful, swollen, or repeatedly infected nails, PNA is the quickest, most reliable long-term fix, stopping the cycle for good.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’re here to assess your nail and guide you honestly and professionally.

📞 01784 250781
🌐 www.footcorner.co.uk 
📍 Foot Corner, 15 Church Parade, Ashford  (next to the Co-op)