For some individuals ingrown toenails are a painful nuisance that occur regularly. In this case it is advisable to remove a section of nail and nail bed so that the nail is permanently reduced in width. On the day of your operation you should eat and drink as normal. You will be awake for this procedure. The procedure is carried out here in the clinic using sterile equipment and with the toe numbed using a local anaesthetic injection. A large sterile dressing is applied to the toe/toes. A visit to the clinic 2-3 days later will be required for a smaller re-dressing (15 minute appointment). Healing takes place over the next few weeks to give a pain free toe. If left untreated, ingrown toenails may become infected and will be constantly painful. The appointment time required for this treatment is approximately 1 hour. It is advisable to rest the foot for the remainder of the day of operation and the following day as much as possible. You should arrange for transport as you will not be allowed to drive on the day of this procedure.

Healing takes place over the course of a few weeks depending on how much rest you are able to take and provided the wound remains free from infection. The wound normally forms a scab 10-14 days post-op depending on the size of the wound.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEED YOUR RECOVERY
 
- Rest your foot for at least 24 hours, preferably sitting with your feet up. 
  If your foot is sore you should rest it longer. The more you rest the quicker the 
  wound will heal and the possibility of infection will be reduced.
 
- Avoid excessive exercise e.g. dancing, running sport etc. until your podiatrist advises you that
  you can.
 
- Keep the bandage on and dry until your first redressing appointment if blood seeps through cover
  it with another dressing.
 
- Please do not remove the dressing unless advised to. If it becomes very soiled, replace it 
  with a new sterile dressing
 
 
Complications
 
There are complications, which may arise from nail surgery.
 
- Infection - Occasionally whilst healing, the wound may become infected and a
  course of antibiotics from your G.P may be needed.
 
Contraindications
 
There are some contraindications to nail surgery these include
 
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to Local Anaesthetic
- Poor Circulation
- Certain Medications