An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of your toenail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. This can be a very painful condition that often results in swelling and infection. Your big toe is most likely to be affected.
Common causes of ingrown toenails are:
– Trauma
– Wearing shoes that are too tight
– Cutting toenails too short/at an angle
What solutions can you offer?
We offer minor surgical repair of ingrown toenails. This involves either total avulsion, partial avulsion or partial avulsion and embolisation of the nailbed. These procedures are all carried out under local anaesthetic using sterile surgical instruments, drapes and gloves.
We carry out minor surgical procedures on a weekly basis so we should be able to treat your issue quickly and effectively. During an initial consultation we will talk you through the risks and benefits of surgery and advise on what we feel is the best course of treatment.
Is there any preparation required prior to surgery?
This will all be discussed at your pre- op assessment. The majority of people can take their regular medications as prescribed. There is no need to fast so eat a good breakfast on the day of the procedure. Remember you cannot drive the day of the surgery so please arrange transport.
How long will the procedure last?
The procedure can last up to one hour. This includes an opportunity to ask questions, administration of local anaesthetic and dressing the wound following surgery. You will be able to walk following the surgery but your affected toe will have a dressing so please wear appropriate footwear.
What will I expect after the surgery
Your toe will feel numb immediately following the surgery but this effect will wear off after a few hours. The surgical site will be dressed and you will be able to walk immediately following the procedure. After a few hours you may feel some pain at the surgical site but this should respond to simple analgesics such as paracetamol. We will offer you detailed advice on how to look after the wound and how to change your dressings. We may ask you to return if your procedure is complicated for a dressing change but the majority of patients are happy to change their own dressing and don’t need to return for review. Healing times depend on a number of factors and we will discuss this during your pre-operative assessment.