Nail Surgery in Forest Hill

We provide minor nail surgery for painful and recurrent ingrown toenails. The aim is simple – remove the part of the nail that is causing the problem and reduce the chance of it growing back in the same way.

What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge of the nail grows excessively curved or flared into the skin at the side of the toe. This can cause significant pain, swelling and often infection. In many cases the nail edge needs to be removed to allow the area to settle.

When is nail surgery recommended?

Nail surgery is usually recommended when:

• The ingrown nail keeps recurring despite routine care
• There is frequent infection or the need for repeated antibiotics
• Simple nail trimming and footwear changes have not been enough

In these cases, a more definitive procedure is often appropriate. This involves removing a narrow strip of the nail and the root cells (matrix) that are responsible for the way the nail grows.

The ingrown toenail procedure

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in the clinic. A small injection of local anaesthetic is given at the base of the toe to completely numb it. Once the toe is numb, the foot is prepared under sterile conditions.

The offending edge of the nail, including the underlying matrix cells, is then carefully removed using sterile instruments. A chemical called phenol is applied into the small pocket where the matrix cells were located to destroy any remaining cells and reduce the chance of regrowth to a very low level.

A sterile dressing is applied at the end of the procedure. You will need to bring open-toed footwear, as the initial bulky dressing usually does not fit comfortably into closed shoes.

What happens after nail surgery?

At the end of the procedure, the podiatrist applies an antiseptic, non-adherent dressing and a tubular bandage to hold it in place. The area is an open wound and must be kept clean and dry until your first review, as this helps reduce the risk of infection.

Home care

Most people can walk and function normally after nail surgery, although it is sensible to rest and elevate the foot as much as possible on the day of the procedure. Some discomfort is expected as the anaesthetic wears off, so simple pain relief (for example paracetamol) is often recommended.

You will be given a post-operative handout with clear instructions on dressing changes, bathing, activity levels and when to seek review. It is important to follow these instructions to support uncomplicated healing.

Follow-up appointments

A follow-up visit is usually scheduled for the first dressing change. At this appointment the bulky dressing is removed, the wound is checked for signs of infection and the area is cleaned. After that, you will normally continue with simpler dressings at home as per the written instructions, until the toe has fully healed.

Book an ingrown toenail assessment

If you have a painful or recurrent ingrown toenail, nail surgery may be an appropriate option to discuss. You can book an assessment online or call the clinic to arrange an appointment.

Lefort Podiatry provides nail surgery for patients from Forest Hill and surrounding suburbs including Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Vermont and Vermont South.