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Ingrown toenail surgery
Nail surgery starts with an assessment, not a procedure booking. If an ingrown edge keeps coming back, we check whether surgery suits you or other care is worth trying first; any procedure is discussed and quoted separately.
Nail surgery at a glance
- Surgery is not the only option: conservative care may still suit you. Assessment and surgery are separate unless the clinic has specifically arranged otherwise. Other options for ingrown nails
- Cost: the procedure is quoted at your assessment. Ask whether it includes dressings, follow-up reviews and any additional charges. Fees
- Healing: usually several weeks or longer; time off work depends on your job, footwear and comfort. Recovery
- Aftercare: arrange a lift or taxi home and roomy footwear for the dressing; we show you how to redress the toe and arrange a review. Before · Aftercare
- The procedure: usually only the problem edge is removed, under local anaesthetic in the treatment room; appointments can take longer than an hour. Step by step · Who it isn’t right for
Worth thinking about before you choose surgery
What you need to wear for work, whether you can manage dressings, and any swimming or sport coming up. Raise them at your assessment, so the options, risks and aftercare can be discussed against your actual week.
On this page
What actually happens, step by step
We usually carry out the procedure in the treatment room under local anaesthetic, and it generally does not need stitches. You may be able to walk short distances afterwards with a dressing, depending on the procedure and your health. We check that the local anaesthetic is working before starting and explain the procedure planned for you:
- The toe is numbed with local anaesthetic, and we wait a few minutes to be sure it’s working before anything starts
- The narrow strip of nail that’s digging in is gently freed and removed — usually just the problem edge, not the whole nail
- Usually a chemical (phenol) is applied to that exposed edge of the nail bed to discourage the same strip from regrowing
- The toe is cleaned and dressed, and you’re shown how to look after it before you leave
Procedure appointments can take longer than one hour—please discuss with your podiatrist for more information.
Partial (the usual)
Only the offending edge of nail is removed. The nail becomes narrower. We discuss the likely appearance and the possibility of regrowth before you decide.
Total (occasionally)
Where the whole nail is the problem, the entire nail is treated. We’ll always talk this through, and what to expect for that nail, before you decide anything.
Will it hurt?
We explain each step before we begin. If you’re worried about discomfort, let us know—we’ll discuss how we can help you feel more comfortable.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the toe and check its effect before starting. You may still feel pressure or movement. Let us know if you feel pain so we can stop and reassess. We discuss tenderness and pain relief afterwards.
Worried about needles? Please tell us before treatment. The injection near the base of the toe stings briefly, then numbs it over several minutes; you can look away and talk with us.
Before your appointment
- Eat normally beforehand — this isn’t a general anaesthetic, so there’s no fasting
- Wear or bring roomy, open footwear (a sandal or a shoe you don’t mind over a dressing) for the trip home
- Arrange a lift or a taxi home — the toe will be numb and bandaged, so it’s sensible not to drive yourself after a first procedure
- Tell us about your medications and health history — especially blood thinners, diabetes, or circulation problems — so we can plan around them
- Leave nail polish off that toe on the day
Afterwards — the first few days
- Rest and keep the foot elevated for the rest of that day where you can — it helps with swelling and comfort
- Keep the dressing clean and dry and follow the written dressing instructions supplied at your appointment
- Follow the pain-relief advice discussed with your podiatrist or pharmacist
- Some discharge can occur while healing; we will show you how to redress the toe and explain which changes need review
- We’ll arrange a review to check it’s healing well — bring any questions to that visit
Recovery and returning to activity
Healing takes several weeks and can be longer depending on the procedure, circulation and your health. Your podiatrist will review the wound and advise when to increase activity.
- Protect the dressing as shown at your appointment.
- Time off work depends on your job, footwear and comfort. Tell us about standing at work, caring responsibilities or difficulty managing dressings so we can discuss aftercare and timing before you book the procedure.
- Avoid swimming until the wound has healed. Running and sports that may injure the toe also need to wait for healing and advice from your clinician.
- Follow your individual dressing and review plan, rather than a fixed return-to-sport date.
Further information: South Tees Hospitals: nail surgery aftercare.
What could go wrong — and who it isn’t right for
Your podiatrist will discuss risks and alternatives before you decide:
- Tenderness, swelling or discharge can occur during healing; follow your aftercare advice about which changes need review
- Infection can occur and may require further treatment
- Healing can be slower for some people — particularly with diabetes or reduced circulation
- A treated edge can regrow and may need further assessment or treatment; recurrence and appearance vary
Extra planning may be needed: reduced circulation or sensation, poorly controlled diabetes, some medicines or other conditions. We assess suitability and explain if surgery isn’t appropriate.
Contact the clinic for advice about healing concerns. Spreading redness, fever, feeling unwell or rapidly worsening symptoms need same-day medical care (a GP today, an urgent care clinic or the emergency department); do not wait for a routine review or an email reply. Follow the aftercare instructions given for your procedure.