Nail surgery can be performed by our expert, HCPC-registered podiatrists at Parkside Podiatry. Toenail surgery is a minor procedure undertaken within the clinic under local anaesthetic. It is often recommended when a nail is causing ongoing pain, infection or repeated problems that have not settled with routine treatment.

What sort of problems can be treated with nail surgery?

We regularly provide nail surgery for ingrowing toenails, involuted (curved) toenails causing pain, thickened toenails and nails affected by fungal infection.

These problems can lead to persistent discomfort, redness, swelling or discharge at the side of the nail. In some cases, the nail repeatedly breaks the skin, leading to infection that keeps returning despite conservative care.

Does toenail surgery hurt?

Toenail surgery involves an injection of local anaesthetic either side of the toe. This ensures that the toe is fully numb before the procedure begins. The injections can be uncomfortable, but this is brief and short lived. The anaesthetic works quickly, and once numb you should not feel pain during the procedure itself.

After the anaesthetic wears off, the toe may feel sore or tender. Over-the-counter pain relief is recommended for any discomfort you might experience. For most patients, this settles within a few days.

Does toenail surgery involve removing the whole nail?

Not necessarily. The podiatrist will recommend the most appropriate procedure for your specific problem.

It is possible to remove the whole nail or just the side of the nail if that is where the issue lies. For example, if only one edge of the nail is ingrowing, it is often possible to remove just that section rather than the entire nail.

Your treatment options will always be discussed with you before the procedure is carried out.

Will my nail grow back after nail surgery?

Nail surgery can be done with or without a chemical called phenol. Phenol is what stops the nail from regrowing. This is helpful if the nail is ingrowing and causing pain.

If the nail is being removed for other reasons, such as removing a
fungal nail infection, it is likely the nail will need to regrow.

Can I walk after nail surgery?

Yes, you can walk after nail surgery. A large dressing will be applied to the toe following the procedure and you will need to wear open-toed or loose-fitting footwear.

We recommend having a few days of rest after the surgery to allow your toe to recover. During the healing process, it is advisable to wear spacious shoes to avoid pressure on the area. You should not drive immediately after nail surgery due to the local anaesthetic.

How long does nail surgery take to heal?

General guidelines are around four to six weeks if part of the nail is removed and six to eight weeks if the whole nail is removed.

During this time the toe needs to stay dressed, clean and dry.

We will show you how to redress the toe and provide aftercare advice.

It is important to avoid activities which could damage the toe while it is healing, as this increases the risk of infection and delayed healing.

How do I know if I need toenail surgery?

If a toenail is repeatedly painful, becoming infected or simply not settling despite regular treatment, it’s sensible to have it assessed. Many people try to manage the problem themselves for months before seeking advice, particularly with ingrowing nails.

At an initial appointment, the podiatrist will examine the nail, look at the surrounding skin and talk through what has been happening. Not every nail problem requires surgery. In some cases, routine podiatry treatment or simple changes in nail care are enough to resolve it.

Where surgery is the most appropriate option, this will be explained clearly, including what the procedure involves and how the toe is cared for afterwards. This allows you to decide whether you feel ready to go ahead.

If you have an ongoing issue with an ingrowing or painful toenail, the team at Parkside Podiatry in Burgess Hill can assess it and advise you on the next step. The simplest way to move forward is to arrange an appointment so we can examine the nail properly and discuss the most suitable treatment for you.