Bedford Podiatry Nail Service

Nail surgery is typically recommended for persistent or severe nail problems that don’t respond to conservative treatments. Common conditions include:

• Ingrown toenails that cause pain, infection, or recurrent episodes.
• Nail infections that are resistant to topical or oral treatments.
• Nail deformities due to trauma or chronic pressure.
• Thickened or painful nails associated with fungal infections.
• Tumors or abnormal growths of the nail or surrounding tissue.

Nail surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is generally pain-free. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure. After surgery, some soreness or throbbing is normal for a few days, which can be managed with pain relief medications and proper aftercare.

Recovery time usually ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the procedure and individual healing.

Aftercare typically includes:

• Keeping the area clean and dry.
• Changing dressings as instructed.
• Soaking the foot in warm water if recommended.
• Avoiding tight shoes or activities that put pressure on the toe.

Your podiatrist will schedule a follow-up to monitor healing and remove any sutures if needed.

This depends on the type of surgery.

Partial nail removal (matrixectomy): Only the affected portion of the nail is removed, and it may regrow thinner or narrower.

Total nail removal: The entire nail may regrow over several months, though sometimes the regrowth is altered in shape or thickness.

In some cases, permanent removal of a nail portion is recommended to prevent recurrent issues.

Nail surgery is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Infection
• Prolonged pain or swelling
• Bleeding
• Nail regrowth abnormalities
• Rarely, injury to surrounding tissue or recurrence of the problem

Most complications are minimised by proper technique, sterile conditions, and following post-operative instructions carefully.