Ingrown Toenails
Surgery for ingrown toenails involves removing a section of toenail bed so that the condition does not reoccur and cannot continue to cause painful swelling and infections. This procedure can be done at our Kensington Park Medical Practice Day Surgery. Any out-of-pocket expenses for this procedure will be discussed with you at your initial consultation at our clinic.
FAQs
Why do ingrown toenails happen?
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding flesh, often leading to pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection. Contributing factors may include improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or genetic predisposition.
What does the procedure involve?
While antibiotics can address infection temporarily, surgical intervention is often necessary to resolve the underlying issue. Surgery involves partially removing the ingrown portion of the nail and potentially cauterizing the nail bed to prevent regrowth and recurrence. Additional measures like soaking the foot in warm water and wearing comfortable shoes can aid in recovery and prevent future occurrences.
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the condition and individual healing factors. Patients are advised to keep the area clean and dry, adhere to post-operative care instructions, and attend follow-up appointments as needed for optimal healing and prevention of complications. Post-operative pain will require standard pain relief for a few days.
What are the potential complications from this procedure?
The main complications are the risk of recurrence, infection, bleeding. Rarely, the nail bed may still be partially intact and regrowth of abnormal nail may require a second procedure.