Ingrown Toenail Surgery

An ingrown toenail is a common condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat an ingrown toenail.

Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery

• Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA): This is the most common type of surgery for ingrown toenails. The procedure involves removing a portion of the nail plate, usually the edge that is growing into the skin.
• Total Nail Avulsion (TNA): In this procedure, the entire nail plate is removed. This is typically done in cases where the ingrown toenail is severe or recurrent.
• Nail Matrix Ablation: This procedure involves destroying the nail matrix, which is the area under the cuticle where new nail growth occurs. This can be done using various methods, including chemical ablation or surgical excision.
• Wedge Resection: In this procedure, a small wedge of tissue is removed from the affected toe, including the nail bed and surrounding skin.

Surgical Procedure

The surgical procedure for an ingrown toenail typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the toe.
2. The surgeon cleans and prepares the area around the ingrown toenail.
3. The surgeon performs the chosen type of surgery, such as partial or total nail avulsion.
4. The wound is dressed and bandaged to promote healing.

Post-Operative Care

After ingrown toenail surgery, it's essential to follow proper post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Pain management: The patient may experience pain and discomfort after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage pain.
• Wound care: The wound should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. The dressing should be changed daily or as instructed by the surgeon.
• Elevation: The affected toe should be elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
• Activity modification: The patient should avoid strenuous activities, such as running or jumping, for several weeks after surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with ingrown toenail surgery:

• Infection: Bacterial infection is a possible complication of ingrown toenail surgery.
• Bleeding or hematoma: Excessive bleeding or the formation of a blood clot (hematoma) can occur after surgery.
• Nerve damage: The nerves surrounding the toe can be damaged during surgery, leading to numbness or tingling sensations.
• Recurrence: In some cases, the ingrown toenail may recur after surgery.

Recovery Time

The recovery time for ingrown toenail surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and individual factors:

• PNA: The recovery time for partial nail avulsion is typically 2-4 weeks.
• TNA: The recovery time for total nail avulsion is usually 4-6 weeks.
• Nail matrix ablation: The recovery time for nail matrix ablation can range from 2-6 months, depending on the method used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an ingrown toenail surgery?
A surgical procedure to remove part or all of the nail to treat an ingrown toenail.

Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?
Typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure, but some discomfort may occur afterwards.

How long does the surgery take?
Usually around 15-30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.

What are the risks and complications of ingrown toenail surgery?
May include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and recurrence of the ingrown toenail.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after ingrown toenail surgery?
Usually an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day.

How long does it usually take to recover from ingrown toenail surgery?
Typically several weeks, with some discomfort and swelling expected during this time.

Can I walk after ingrown toenail surgery?
Limited walking may be allowed, but heavy activity and weight-bearing should be avoided for a few days.

How do I care for my toe after ingrown toenail surgery?
Follow post-operative instructions from the doctor, including keeping the area clean and dry, and taking pain medication as directed.

Will I have a scar after ingrown toenail surgery?
Possibly, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing.

Can ingrown toenail surgery be prevented?
May be preventable by properly trimming toenails, wearing comfortable shoes, and practicing good foot hygiene.