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Ingrown toenails/Surgery

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Toenail surgeries are procedures that we often carry out in our clinic as a solution to toenails that have become ingrown, involuted, disfigured, thickened or are affecting a patient’s quality of life, comfort, their risk of injury, or other negative effects. 

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An ingrown toenail develops when the sides of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin. The nail curls and pierces the skin, which becomes red, swollen and tender.

The big toe is often affected, either on one or both sides. Other possible symptoms include:

• pain if pressure is placed on the toe

• inflammation of the skin at the end of the toe

• a build-up of fluid in the area surrounding the toe

• an overgrowth of skin around the affected toe

• bleeding

• white or yellow pus coming from the affected area

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A number of things can cause an ingrown toenail to develop, including:

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• badly cut toenails – cutting your toenails too short, or cutting the edges, will encourage the skin to fold over your nail and the nail to grow into the skin

• wearing tight-fitting shoes, socks or tights – this places pressure on the skin around your toenail; the skin may be pierced if it's pressed on to your toenail

• sweaty feet – if the skin around your toenails is soft, it's easier for your nail to pierce it and embed itself within it

• injury – for example, stubbing your toe can sometimes cause an ingrown toenail to develop

• natural shape of the nail – the sides of curved or fan-shaped toenails are more likely to press into the skin surrounding the nail

A fungal nail infection can cause your toenail to thicken or widen.

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Surgery

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The two main procedures we carry out are the:

• Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA), for ingrown toenails

• Total Nail Avulsion (TNA), for a variety of conditions

Both of these procedures may be carried out with or without a chemical matrixectomy.

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Partial nail avulsion (Most Common)

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Partial nail avulsion is a very effective and commonly used operation for treating ingrown toenails.

A local anaesthetic is used to numb your toe and the edges of your toenail are cut away. A chemical called phenol is applied to the affected area to prevent the nail growing back and becoming ingrown in the future.

A course of antibiotics may be prescribed if your nail is infected, and any pus will be drained away.

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The Cost

For conservative nail care, the cost is $55/$60. A partial nail avulsion, which is the permanent correction of ingrown toenails with a minor surgical procedure, is an all-inclusive cost of $360. This involves one or both sides (extra$60 additional side) of the toenail, all dressings including a take-home dressing pack, and three follow-up appointments. If both of your toenails are ingrown and need permanent correction, you will need to discuss this cost with your Podiatrist. Every treatment is completed by a podiatrist that is highly experienced in ingrown toenail care and surgery.

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A Partial Nail Avulsion Surgery

• You can book directly for the surgery by calling 688 9095 

• Takes around 40 minutes

• Performed by  Registered Podiatrist

• Performed under anesthetic

• Safe and Sterile environment

• Minimal Post Op pain

• Minimal bandages post op and  you can still wear your work footwear

• You can walk out after surgery

• Bring a Support person along

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Surgery cost includes a dressing pack for post op care and three follow up visits.

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Total nail avulsion

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Total nail avulsion may be necessary if your nail is thick and pressing into the skin surrounding your toe.

After your toenail has been removed, you’ll have an indentation where your nail used to be. However, it's perfectly safe for you not to have a toenail.

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After surgery

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After toenail surgery, your toe will be wrapped in a sterile bandage. This helps to stem any bleeding and prevent infection. Rest your foot and keep it raised for one to two days after the operation ideally to help with healing.

To help reduce the pain, you may need to take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and wear soft or open-toed shoes for the first few days after surgery.

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