Nail Surgery
About Nail Surgery
Struggling with painful, recurring ingrown toenails? Nail surgery provides a long-term solution for ingrown nails that cause discomfort, infection, or ongoing pain. At The Local Podiatrist, our experienced podiatrists perform safe, effective, and minimally invasive nail surgery to relieve pain and prevent the problem from returning.
If conservative treatments (such as correct nail trimming, padding, or footwear changes) have not worked, nail surgery may be the best option to restore comfort and prevent future infections.
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What Is Nail Surgery?
Nail surgery is a simple, in-clinic procedure performed under local anaesthetic to remove part or all of the affected toenail. It is commonly recommended for chronic or severe ingrown toenails that do not respond to non-surgical treatment.
Signs You May Need Nail Surgery
You may benefit from permanent nail surgery if you experience:
- Persistent painor tenderness around the nail.
- Redness, swelling, or infectionfrom repeated ingrown toenails.
- Difficulty wearing shoesdue to nail discomfort.
- Recurring ingrown nailsdespite regular podiatry care.
- Pus or dischargefrom an infected nail.
If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to serious infections, particularly for individuals with diabetes or circulation issues.
Our Nail Surgery Procedure
We perform a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) – a safe, minor procedure that removes the ingrown portion of the nail while preserving the healthy part.
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Numbing the Area – A local anaesthetic is applied to ensure a pain-free procedure.
Step 2: Nail Removal – The affected portion of the nail (or the entire nail in severe cases) is carefully removed.
Step 3: Phenol Application (if required) – A medical solution is applied to prevent regrowth of the ingrown section, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Step 4: Dressing & Aftercare Instructions – The toe is cleaned, dressed, and protected, with clear aftercare guidance provided.
The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery.
Recovery & Aftercare
Following nail surgery, you can usually walk out of the clinic and return to daily activities with minimal downtime.
Post-Surgery Care Includes:
Rest & Elevation – Keeping the foot elevated for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Dressing Changes – A follow-up appointment is scheduled within 48 hours to clean and redress the toe.
Avoiding High-Impact Activities – No running, swimming, or tight footwear for 1–2 weeks.
Pain Management – Over-the-counter pain relief can be used if needed, but most patients experience minimal pain.
Most people return to normal activities within a few days!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is nail surgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, making it pain-free. Some mild discomfort may occur after the anaesthetic wears off, but this is manageable with simple pain relief.
Will the nail grow back?
If phenol is applied, the ingrown section of the nail is permanently removed and should not regrow. Occasionally (less than 10% of cases) some regrowth can occur. If no phenol is used, the nail may grow back over time.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks, depending on the level of activity and healing response.
Can I wear shoes after the procedure?
Yes, but we recommend loose, open-toed footwear for the first few days to avoid pressure on the toe.
Do I need a referral for nail surgery?
No referral is required! Simply book an appointment, and we’ll assess whether nail surgery is the right solution for you.
Book Your Nail Surgery Consultation Today!
Don’t let ingrown toenails cause ongoing pain and discomfort. The Local Podiatrist offers in-grown nail surgery with minimal downtime and long-term results.
Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards pain-free feet!
Other Services..
General Nail & Foot Care
Routine foot and nail care is essential for preventing issues like ingrown toenails, corns, and calluses. We help keep your feet in top condition with professional trimming, debridement, and treatment of common nail and skin concerns. Ideal for seniors and those with mobility issues.
Sporting Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries from sports can significantly impact your mobility. We diagnose and treat conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and stress fractures to get you back in action as soon as possible.
Specific Foot Problems
If you’re experiencing foot pain, swelling, or discomfort, we assess and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Morton’s neuroma, and arthritis-related foot pain, providing tailored solutions to improve your comfort.
Diabetic Foot Management
People with diabetes are at risk of foot complications due to reduced circulation and sensation. Our diabetic foot care services include regular check-ups, wound management, and preventative care to help avoid serious complications.
Home Visits & Age Care
For those who cannot make it to the clinic, we offer home visits across the Central Coast. This service is particularly beneficial for seniors, DVA Gold Card holders, and individuals with mobility challenges who require ongoing foot care.
Nail Surgery
We provide expert treatment for chronic ingrown toenails, including minor nail surgery when needed. Our gentle procedures help relieve pain and prevent recurring issues.
Paediatric Foot Care
Children’s feet develop rapidly, and early intervention can prevent future problems. We assess and treat common paediatric concerns such as flat feet, growing pains, and gait abnormalities to support healthy development.
Biomechanical Assessments
Custom orthotics and biomechanical assessments help correct foot posture, improve function, and relieve pain from conditions like overpronation, high arches, and sports-related strain.
Paraffin Foot Baths
Paraffin wax therapy is a soothing treatment for dry skin, arthritis, and joint stiffness. The warm wax helps increase circulation, hydrate the skin, and reduce pain in the feet. Ideal for those with arthritis or chronic foot discomfort.
Our Clinic Locations
Contact us today for an appointment in any of these locations
Saratoga
Toukley
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