Ingrown Toenails
& Nail Surgery
Assessment, treatment and planned aftercare for painful or recurring ingrown toenails.
What Does Nail Surgery Do?
Nail surgery removes the part of a toenail causing pain or growing into the surrounding skin. It may be considered when an ingrown nail keeps returning or routine treatment is not enough. Not every ingrown toenail needs surgery.
- Partial Nail Avulsion: Removal of one or both troublesome edges, leaving the remaining nail in place. The nail will usually look narrower afterwards.
- Total Nail Avulsion: Removal of the whole nail when appropriate.
Where suitable, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail’s growth area to prevent the removed portion growing back. This is intended to be permanent, but regrowth can occasionally occur.
The Procedure, Step By Step
- Assessment And Consent: We check your nail, circulation, medical history, medicines and allergies, then discuss the options, risks and aftercare before you decide.
- Numbing The Toe: Local anaesthetic is injected around the base of the toe. The injection can briefly sting. We check the toe is numb before starting; you remain awake.
- Removing The Problem Nail: A temporary band around the toe helps control bleeding. The affected edge or whole nail is carefully removed.
- Treating The Growth Area: Phenol is used where appropriate to prevent regrowth of the removed section.
- Applying The Dressing: The temporary band is removed and a protective dressing is applied. We explain your aftercare and arrange your first dressing review.
What To Expect On The Day
Bring a current medication list and roomy footwear that can accommodate a dressing. Arrange transport home and time to rest with your foot raised afterwards. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless advised by the relevant clinician.
Once the toe is numb, you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. Tell us immediately if you do. Some soreness is expected as the anaesthetic wears off; we will discuss suitable pain relief.
Dressings And Follow-Up Care
Five dressing appointments after surgery, plus all dressings provided.
At your reviews, we check healing and change the dressing. We will explain how to care for the toe and change dressings between appointments, including how often to do so.
- Keep the initial dressing clean and dry until your planned review, unless advised otherwise.
- Wash your hands before dressing changes and avoid touching the wound or the inside of the new dressing.
- Use the dressings supplied and follow your individual instructions.
- Replace a dressing if it becomes wet or dirty; contact the clinic if unsure.
- Avoid soaking the toe or applying creams unless advised.
Healing And Returning To Activity
Healing takes several weeks. Around 6–8 weeks is common, but it can take 12 weeks or longer depending on the procedure and your health. Whole-nail removal may take longer to heal than partial removal. Five dressing appointments do not guarantee the wound will be healed by the final visit.
A small amount of light-coloured fluid can occur during healing after phenol treatment and does not, on its own, mean infection. Keep the wound protected as advised. Avoid swimming and high-impact sport while it is healing; we will guide your return to work, footwear and activity.
Risks And When To Contact Us
Risks include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, nail regrowth and reactions to local anaesthetic or phenol. We discuss the risks relevant to you before obtaining consent.
Contact the clinic promptly if pain is increasing, redness is spreading, the toe becomes increasingly hot or swollen, there is pus or an unpleasant smell, or bleeding is not settling. If you feel unwell or need urgent advice when we are unavailable, contact NHS 111 or your GP.
Further Patient Information
Your individual TP Podiatry aftercare instructions take priority over general guidance. These NHS resources explain the procedure and recovery; their appointment arrangements and dressing provision differ from ours.
Clear pricing for your care.
| Appointment or treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| New patient appointment | £50 |
| Return appointment | £45 |
| Nail surgery — one toe | £350 |
| Nail surgery — two toes | £400 |
Both nail surgery options include five dressing appointments after surgery and all dressings provided.
Take the next step.
Let’s look after your feet.
Personal podiatry care in the heart of Bolton.