Ingrown toenail surgery is reserved for patients who have a chronic, or recurring problem with an ingrowing toenail. Approximately 2mm-3mm of each involved incurvated nail border is removed without any skin incision. Then, the adjacent nail-producing cells are removed followed by the application of a chemical (called phenol). This prevents the re-growth of the ingrowing portion of the toenail.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia—you won’t go to sleep. For those of you with “needle-phobia,” don’t worry—we use a freezing spray to numb the skin prior to the injection of anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, you won’t feel any discomfort whatsoever. Our philosophy of practice dictates that we will not allow any of our patients to “suffer through” any treatment or surgery.

The entire procedure is undertaken in a sterile field. That is, we use sterile drapes, autoclave-sterilised instruments, sterile gloves and a surgical mask. Then, once the procedure is completed, sterile compression dressings are applied. You will be given printed instructions for aftercare. Also, you’ll receive any dressings required for application following saltwater soaks. Typically, patients take a mild analgesic (eg. Paracetamol ) on the day of the surgery and seldom require any from the next day on. Therefore, you may return to work or school the following day.