Nail Surgery At Essex Podiatry Clinics

When routine procedures just aren’t enough, nail surgery can offer a long-term solution for painful or recurrent problems. Whether you’re dealing with ingrowing toenails or damaged/deformed nails that cause pain or discomfort, our highly-experienced podiatrists are here to help.

Understanding Nail Surgery

Why Consider Nail Surgery?

Many clients that visit us at Essex Podiatry Clinics have already exhausted home remedies, such as regular trimming, soaking, or over-the-counter treatments, only to find that the issue keeps coming back.

When performed correctly, nail surgery can relieve discomfort and reduce the chance of recurrence; allowing you to get back to wearing regular footwear and living normally.

Nail surgery is often considered when:

Ingrowing toenails cause pain or infection
Repeated home treatments have failed to solve the issue
The nail is torn, thickened, or has a fungal infection which won’t budge
Involuted nails cause pressure down both sides of the nail
Trauma has caused the nail to grow backwards into the skin (Retronychia)
You want a more permanent fix rather than ongoing symptomatic treatment
The nail needs cosmetically altering following previous surgery or injury
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Relief from Ongoing Nail Pain and Infection

Our Nail Surgery Treatments

We offer several surgical options at Essex Podiatry Clinics, which one we recommend will be dependent on your requirements.

Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)

Partial Nail Avulsion involves removing only the affected edge or edges of the nail, while preserving the healthy remainder. Where appropriate, a specialised chemical is applied to prevent the problematic section from regrowing, helping to resolve ongoing pain or infection. If the issue is considered temporary – such as minor trauma from nail cutting or a fungal infection expected to improve the chemical treatment may be avoided to allow the nail to grow back naturally.

Total Nail Avulsion

Total Nail Avulsion involves the complete removal of the nail, with treatment of the nail bed to prevent regrowth. This option is typically recommended for more persistent or severe problems, such as recurrent blood blisters, corns or callus forming beneath the nail, chronic discomfort, or ongoing bacterial infection. The procedure aims to provide long-term relief where conservative treatments have not been effective.

A Clear Guide to Your Treatment

Your Nail Surgery Procedure

Our experienced podiatrists will discuss this in more detail during your consultation.

1

Preparation & Consent

Before surgery, we will have completed a full assessment at one of our Essex Podiatry Clinic sites. This includes reviewing your medical history, medications such as Warfarin, and any factors that may affect healing, to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.

2

Anaesthesia

The toe is numbed using a local anaesthetic injected at the base or sides of the toe. You may feel a brief sting, but this is typically the only uncomfortable part of the procedure.

3

Removal of the Nail or Section

Depending on the agreed treatment plan, the podiatrist will carefully remove part or all of the nail to address the underlying problem.

4

Chemical Treatment

A specialised chemical is applied to the exposed nail bed to prevent regrowth of the affected area. This helps to reduce the risk of recurrence and is successful in around 97% of cases.

5

Dressing & Aftercare

The toe is dressed with a sterile bandage, and you will be given clear aftercare and follow-up instructions. As the toe may remain numb, you should arrange transport home and reduce activity for a few days to support healing.

Take the Next Step

Talk To Our Patient Care Team

If you’re experiencing ongoing nail problems or would like advice on whether nail surgery is right for you, our team is here to help. Get in touch to book an appointment or discuss your options with one of our experienced podiatrists.

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01268 416603
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our Safety, Recovery, and Eligibility

Preparing for Nail Surgery and Recovery

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about eligibility, preparation, recovery, and potential risks, so you can feel fully informed before your procedure.

Whilst nail surgery is a safe and routine procedure, it’s still surgery, so it comes with some risks. At Essex Podiatry Clinics we always take care to minimise them, but it’s important that you’re aware of what they are:

  • Regrowth: In a small percentage of cases (less than 3%) the nail, or part of it, may grow back which could possibly require a repeat treatment.
  • Infection: As with any open wound, infection is a possibility. Proper aftercare is essential; we will discuss this with you after the procedure.
  • Delayed Healing: Some cases may take several weeks to fully heal, especially with total nail avulsion.
  • Skin Irritation: Occasionally the chemical used may cause redness, blistering, or irritation; this is usually temporary.
  • Nerve Injuries: Very rarely, nerve damage may result in altered sensation or pain.
  • Allergic Reaction: Though uncommon, there is always a small risk associated with anaesthesia.

To help make sure that you have a smooth experience and better healing, we’ve compiled a list of what to do before your surgery. Please also note that if you’re under 16, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and provide consent:

  • Eat and drink normally before your appointment unless instructed otherwise
  • Continue your usual medications (unless your podiatrist advises otherwise during your consultation)
  • Bring open-toed, breathable footwear (such as sandals) to reduce pressure on the treated toe and allow space for the dressing
  • Remove nail varnish or artificial nails on the toe(s)

Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of surgery. We generally advise that it can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks for the area to be totally healed.

Here’s a guide to the first few weeks:

First 24-48 Hours

  • Rest with your foot elevated to minimise swelling and bleeding
  • Keep the initial dressing intact and dry
  • You may experience some mild discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off; simple pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen usually works well. Please do not take any aspirin, as this may cause the area to bleed.

First Week

  • You’ll typically return back to us between days 3-7 for your first review
  • After that, you may redress the toe every 2-4 days
  • Keep the toe covered, clean, and dry; avoid soaking it in water until we confirm that it’s safe

Weeks 2-8+

  • We recommend saltwater bathing every other day before applying a small breathable dressing. Avoid getting the area wet in a shower or bath by wearing a cast protector to minimise your risk of infection (these are available from the clinic).
  • Footwear should stay roomy and low-pressure, avoid tight shoes or high-impact activity
  • Normal walking and light daily activity are usually okay, unless advised otherwise

Most patients with problematic nails are suitable, but individual factors matter. At Essex Podiatry Clinics we evaluate each case carefully during the initial consultation to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome.

You will generally be eligible for nail surgery if you have:

  • Recurring ingrowing toenails or nail damage
  • Nail deformity which is unresponsive to non-invasive treatments

You may not be eligible for nail surgery if you:

  • Have poor blood supply or uncontrolled diabetes. (We can still perform a nail removal but the chemical treatment is not advised)
  • Are allergic to local anaesthetic or components used in the chemical treatment
  • Have a condition that impacts healing
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