Nail Surgery

Nail surgery is a routine minor procedure, which is performed under local anaesthetic by suitably qualified Podiatrists, to relieve discomfort from ingrown, painful or infected toenails.

'Here at Plymouth Podiatry we have a specialist interest in nail surgery and we are passionate about offering the very best services for nail surgery.'

About Nail Surgery

Your Podiatrist will remove the offending section of nail, or sometimes the whole toenail. If treating a fungal nail the nail is usually left to grow back healthily but if treating a painful, ingrowing toenail the nail matrix is treated to prevent it from growing back.

We have successfully performed many procedures on painful ingrowing toe nails and unsightly fungal nails. Jody Templeton BSc holds a prescription only medicine certificate (POMs) which gives her access to the local aneasthetic necessary for the nail surgery as well as appropriate antibiotics should these be necessary.


Nail surgery comes as a package of care which includes the surgery, x3 follow up appointments and all dressings and a cleansing spray to aid the healing process.


Nail Surgery (One toe) - £425

Nail Surgery (Two toes) - £550



Book Service

Plymouth Podiatry offers nail surgery for painful or infected toenails as a complete package of care. 

 

Your package of care includes the following:


  • The Nail Surgery – 90 minute appointment slot to allow an unhurried procedure. This makes for a more pleasant and relaxed experience and most importantly less pain during the local anaesthetic injections as we can take our time.


  • Re-dressing appointment within 24-48 hours of nail surgery.


  • Check-up appointments at approximately 2 and 8 weeks post surgery. 


  • A box of dressings for you to use once the surgical dressing has been removed.


  • Clinisept+ skin cleansing spray to aid the healing process.


FAQs

  • What happens during nail surgery?

    The nail surgery procedure involves local anaesthetic being injected at two points at the base of the toe. This numbs the toe so that the nail, or part of the nail, can be removed without any pain sensation. For ingrowing toenails your Podiatrist will use a small amount of a caustic chemical (phenol) to destroy the nail matrix to stop the problem nail/part of nail re-growing.  A series of surgical dressings are then applied to the toe.  The operation takes about one hour (from entering the clinic to leaving). This allows sufficient time to allow an unhurried and uneventful procedure.

  • What do I need to do?

    You will need to wear sandals or flip flops leaving the appointment and have someone drive you home as you cannot drive until the numbness  subsides.  It is important that you go home and rest with your feet elevated on the day of your surgery to aid healing.  You can resume normal activities the following day but should avoid swimming until your toe is fully healed (this can take anywhere between 2 and 12 weeks).

  • Will it be painful afterwards?

    Surprisingly, most patients have no discomfort following nail surgery.  


    Although some patients have reported some throbbing post surgery after the anaesthetic has worn off. If this occurs, routine doses of your usual painkiller should be sufficient to reduce the discomfort. 

  • Are there any side effects?

    Side effects are expected symptoms following a procedure.  After having nail surgery you can expect to have:

    • A numb toe for a few hours following surgery;
    • Some mild discomfort as the toe regains its feeling.
    • A temporary wound on the affected toe
    • Altered appearance of your nail

Make an Appointment

Contact Us

We are able to see you at short notice for painful ingrowing or infected toe nails.


This treatment is available to all patients who have problems with painful or infected toenails subject to an initial assessment. This initial assessment allows us to assess your suitability for nail surgery and ensure there are no medical or surgical reasons why such a procedure should not be carried out.

"EXCELLENT, PROFESSIONAL, HELPFUL"


I recently had toenail surgery to remove ingrown toenails. I had previously been to multiple podiatrists in the area but this one was by far the best with great customer service fitting me in very quickly due to having a basketball season coming up. Could not fault my experience, the operation was very professional and I was provided with lots of helpful advice on aftercare. Would highly recommend."



- Harry