Nail Surgery

Our podiatrist has performed hundreds of nail surgery procedures over the last 20 years. We are well aware that the patient experience and indeed clinical outcome is very dependent on the practitioner and in both of these aspects, Nishal has extremely positive feedback.

Common indications for surgery:

  • In-grown toenail
  • Involuted toenail
  • Other nail disturbance/disease

Treatment Summary

Please note times stated below are a guide only and vary between patients.

  • Procedure Time 60 mintutes
  • Full Recovery 2-3 weeks
  • Duration of Results Longterm
  • Back To Work Time Next day
  • Sensitivity Period N/A
  • Anaesthetic Yes (Local)
  • Risks & Complications Infection, recurrence, bleeding
  • Prices
  • Aftercare
  • FAQs

Prices

Surgery and redressing appointment (1 nail) £280
Each additional toenail £185

All new patients will require a new patient chiropody appointment before having any surgery.

Aftercare

The dressing should be kept dry for 48 hrs. Following this period the toe should
be bathed in salt water and redressed by the patient (you will be given advice
about this). It is very important to keep the wound as clean as possible and to
avoid undue pressure to the area, to prevent infection and allow for a speedy
recovery.

FAQs

Can you tell me more about surgery for an in-growing toenail?

The usual approach would be to perform a “partial nail avulsion”. This involves
taking only part of the nail away ie the offending side which is growing into the
skin and causing the underlying problem. After a thorough assessment which
includes taking a medical history, local anaesthetic is injected with a fine needle
to completely numb your toe. Once numb, a tourniquet is tied around the toe

Can I wear my shoes afterwards?

The dressing will usually make this difficult so please bring a pair of flip-flops
with you. You will need the dressing on for at least a week after surgery.

Will it be painful afterwards?

There will be no pain immediately after as it takes 2-4 hours for the anaesthetic
to wear off in most patients. You will then gradually notice some discomfort but
you may take paracetamol or co-codamol (if there is no contra-indication
otherwise). Avoid drugs like aspirin for at least 3 days, as these can increase the
chance of post-op bleeding. Also note question below

Will it be ok with the medication I am on?

You should avoid any blood thinners eg aspirin, for 72 hours before and after
surgery. If you are taking these for a specific medical reason eg for atrial
fibrillation, you must NOT stop this medication until you have spoken to your GP
and have his/her endorsement. If you are on warfarin, your podiatrist will
discuss the options with you and almost certainly need to write to your GP first

My son is only 10 years old….can he have surgery?

Pending an assessment, yes. We are very experienced in dealing with children.
There is no strict age cut-off, but the final decision will be the podiatrist’s.
Generally speaking, if your child can tolerate having the local anaesthetic, then
the rest is easy! We sincerely believe that if the whole approach is made in a
sensitive and caring way, along with delicate administration of local anaesthetic,
the child (or adult!) can have a relatively comfortable and relaxing experience.