Nail surgery is a quick procedure done in our Naas clinic under local anaesthetic. It’s used to fix ingrown toenails that keep coming back and nails that are badly damaged, so you can wear shoes again without pain.
Nail surgery is commonly performed to address issues such as ingrown nails, infections, or nail deformities, with various techniques employed depending on the condition. One of the most widely used methods is partial nail avulsion, where part of the nail is removed to treat an ingrown toenail or localized infection. In more severe cases, total nail avulsion may be necessary to remove the entire nail.
During the procedure, the area around the nail is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and the nail is either partially or fully removed. Phenol is then applied to the nail matrix to prevent the regrowth of the problematic nail. This treatment significantly reduces the chances of the nail growing back abnormally or becoming ingrown again. After the surgery, the wound is typically cleaned and dressed, and proper aftercare is essential to avoid complications like infection.
Pain, redness and swelling of the nail which couldn't be managed with other treatments
Cracked, split or damaged nails that are not healing properly. Usually black in colour
Nails that curve inward excessively, pressing on the skin and causing pain or irritation.
The only part most people feel is the local anaesthetic injection, which takes a few seconds. After that the toe is numb and you feel pressure, not pain. Some soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
You walk out the same day. Most people are back in normal shoes within a week or two, and the toe usually heals fully within a few weeks, depending on how much nail was removed.
If it’s your right foot, or you drive a manual, we recommend someone else drives you home, as the toe will be numb and in a bulky dressing.
When phenol is applied to the nail root, the removed section is very unlikely to grow back. After a partial removal, the rest of the nail grows normally.
We accept cover from all major Irish health insurers. What you can claim depends on your plan, so check your policy before your appointment.
Nail surgery starts with a short assessment, where our podiatrist examines the toe, checks for infection and agrees a plan with you. Please note nail surgery is for recurring ingrown toenails or damaged nails that need to be removed. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major problem: book your nail surgery assessment today at our clinic on John’s Lane, Naas.
