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Ingrown toenail removal
ingrown toenail · ingrown toenail surgery · partial nail removal
With local numbing, the doctor removes the edge of the nail that has grown into the skin. Usually only a strip is removed, not the whole nail.
When the edge of the nail cuts into the skin of the toe and causes pain, inflammation, or pus, and home care does not help.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Feet. Wash your feet before the visit. Remove nail polish.
- Shoes. Bring roomy shoes or open slippers. There will be a dressing on the toe.
- Getting home. Your toe will be numb, which makes driving awkward. It is better if someone else takes you home.
What to bring
- Your referral, if you have one
- Roomy shoes
- Socks
How it goes
- You lie down or sit, and your foot is cleaned
- Numbing injections are given at the base of the toe
- You wait a few minutes for the toe to go numb
- The doctor separates and removes the ingrown edge of the nail
- Often the growth area of that edge is treated so it does not grow in again
- A dressing is put on
What you'll feel
- The numbing injections hurt. This is the most unpleasant part
- After that you feel nothing in the toe, only touch
- When the numbing wears off, the toe aches. A painkiller your doctor suggests will help
Afterwards
- For the first day, keep your foot raised
- Change the dressing as the doctor says, usually after 1 to 2 days
- Healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks
- Later, cut your nails straight across, without rounding the corners
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pain and swelling get worse, or the redness spreads
- Pus, a bad smell, or a fever
Common questions
Will the nail grow in again?
Sometimes it does. To prevent this, the doctor often treats the growth area of the nail edge.
Can an ingrown toenail be treated without surgery?
In mild cases, foot soaks, correct nail cutting, and nail braces help. If there is pus or the pain does not go away, you need a doctor.
Does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
Only the numbing injections hurt. You will not feel the procedure itself.