Ingrown Toenail

What is an In-grown Toenail?

An In-grown Toenail is when the sides or corners of the nail curl inwards and dig into the surrounding skin causing pressure, pain, swelling and infection. This condition is commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes or improperly trimmed nails, which then encourages the corners of the nail to become deformed in shape and problematic. This condition most commonly affects the big toe.  

Why is In-grown Toenail surgery performed?

The most common reason this operation is performed is to relieve the chronic symptoms of pain, infection, pressure and discomfort, especially when other non- surgical treatment options have failed.

How is In-grown Toenail surgery carried out?

In-grown toenail correction is usually performed under Regional or Local Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around 15 minutes to perform and procedures are performed on a Day-Case basis.

During this procedure patients are typically positioned on their back or upright on an operating table and the toenail is cut lengthways and deep along the problematic toenail edge to remove the in-grown and curled nail edge. The surgeon may then treat the exposed nail bed with a small electrical charge or a special liquid solution that will prevent the growth of the remaining nail from reoccurring, this procedure is known as Ablation.

At the end of the procedure the wound area is covered with a simple dressing and protective bandage.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of the procedure they are quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible immediately after surgery. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake lower limb physiotherapy, walk up and down stairs and cover a gentle, partial weight bearing walking distance with a stick or crutches just a few hours after surgery. Patients are normally discharged home wearing a protective support slipper the same day as surgery.

Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility by increasing their weight bearing activity and walking distances. Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your condition after 1-2 weeks and then again after six weeks to evaluate how successful the corrective surgery has been.

Are there any risks associated with In-grown Toenail surgery?     

Although In-grown Toenail surgery is very regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking such specialist foot surgery. All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for In-grown Toenail surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert surgeon in In-grown Toenail surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating surgery and because of their expertise in foot surgery. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that all patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert surgeon in In-grown Toenail surgery: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com