Ingrown toenail Surgery
What is ingrown toe nail surgery?
Ingrown toenail surgery is performed by our Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Abdel Kak in the clinic or as a day case procedure under local or general anaesthesia. This procedure can be performed in the Dr Abdel Kak’s office or in a hospital. The nail that is under the skin will be carefully removed relieving the patient of the pain. If required, the nail root will also be removed to ensure it will not return. This procedure is also minor, and afterwards, a light bandage would be applied to the patient’s toe. After surgery, the majority of patients experience little pain and can continue their normal activity levels right away.
In some instances the severity of the ingrown toenail may result in extra skin formation (hypergranulation) around the toe. The surgical technique may vary in this instance and a more invasive procedure known as a ‘wedge resection’ may be required.
What is the recovery after a ingrown toenail surgery?
Your surgery recovery will depend on the initial severity of your nail deformity and the style of surgical treatment performed. Typically, ingrown toenail surgery recovery time takes about 2 weeks. It’s essential to rest and elevate your foot for the first two days after the surgery to assist the healing process. You will need to keep the area clean and dry for 2 weeks and stay out of closed shoes until the area has settled. We suggest waiting at least two weeks before returning to more vigorous physical activities or playing sports to ensure a smooth healing process.
If the more invasive ‘wedge resection’ is performed then typically a slightly longer recovery is required. You may be in a post-operative sandal and would have to have your sutures (stitches) removed 2 weeks following the procedure. During this period you would need to keep the area clean and dry and avoid long periods of time on your feet. Once the sutures are removed, a small dressing will be applied and you can transition into footwear and more physical activities in the coming days to weeks.
What are some of the risk and complications of ingrown toenail surgery?
During the preoperative consultations, Dr Abdel Kak will answer all your questions and discuss the potential risk and complications associated with ingrown toenail surgery. Although they are usually rare, some of risks and complications include;
- Wound infection – with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of getting an infection. This occurs in less then 1% of patients and the surgeon will give you antibiotics to treat or help prevent an infection from occurring
- Ingrown toe nail can return – quite rare (<5% chance), if the procedure is performed correctly then this complication is avoided
- General risks and complications from any foot surgery which can include; continuous pain, deep vein thrombosis and a possibility of reacting to the anaesthesia (general and local)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Dr Abdel Kak will perform a local anaesthetic injection and ensure the toe is completely numb prior to any procedure. This type of procedure is routinely performed in his office and the patient is able to walk home soon after it is finished.
Yes – in some instances patients will choose to have a procedure done under sedation or general anaesthesia. This may be due to previous bad experiences from other practitioners, needle phobia or the severity of the ingrown toenail requires a more invasive approach performed in a hospital setting. Ingrown toenail surgery is performed as a day procedure and you are able to go home the same day.
Following the completion of your procedure, the toe will be dressed and Dr Abdel Kak will go through the postoperative instructions with you. The toe will be numb and driving is no recommended, a lift home is advised.
In most instances, the patient can expect very little pain following the procedure. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol is taken for a few days after the surgery. The local anaesthetic injection will make the toe numb for 2-4 hours after the procedure.
With the more invasive wedge resection procedure, the patients may experience some more tenderness and pain and stronger painkillers may be needed in the first week after surgery.
It is important you rest and avoid any prolonged weight bearing to avoid swelling and pain in the area. It is advised you rest until your follow up appointment.
Your toe is usually bandaged and you can weight bear/walk in a post-operative sandal or wide footwear.
Yes you can have multiple toes operated on at the same time. Although your mobility will be reduced, the recovery for both will be the same. The surgeon will review your circumstances and advise if this is best for you and whether it can be performed in the office or under sedation in the hospital.
- Patients typically return 3-5 days following the ingrown toenail procedure to have the dressing removed. A smaller dressing is applied and patients are able to get the area wet. You will be given post-operative instructions to follow over the 2 weeks to follow.
- Following a ‘wedge resection’ surgery, the typical post-operative appointments are:
- 1 week
- The compression bandage is changed and the wound and toe is reviewed. You will be able to walk however best to keep it at a minimum with no vigorous physical activity.
- 2 weeks
- The bandage is removed, the sutures removed and a smaller dressing is applied.
- 4 weeks
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- You will no longer need any dressings and can return to most physical activities.
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The cost of ingrown toenail surgery may vary depending on each individuals requirements varying due to complexity, pathology and necessary treatments. We will provide a full cost disclosure prior to commencing any treatment and/or procedure.
Podiatric Surgery is covered by private health insurance funds, however, the level of health fund rebate depends on the fund and level of cover. It is beneficial to contact your private health insurance to find out your cover or one of administration staff can assist you with the health insurance claims.