Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Thinking about an Ingrown Toenail procedure and want to learn more?

Ingrown Toenail Care Made Simple

Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be frustrating, painful, and sometimes even scary when it keeps coming back. At Ingrown Toenail Doc, with clinics in West Leederville and Bassendean, we understand how much this can affect your day-to-day life. Our goal is to make treatment straightforward, comfortable, and tailored to you, so you can get back on your feet without the worry.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot issues people experience. They often happen when the side of the nail curves or presses into the skin, leading to redness, swelling, and pain. For some, it’s a one-off problem that settles quickly, while for others it can become a recurring issue that disrupts work, sport, and everyday comfort.

Caring For Your Nails — Step by Step

Every toenail is different, and so is every treatment plan. That’s why we take the time to examine your nail, talk through your symptoms, and discuss what you’ve already tried. For mild or occasional cases, gentle conservative care may be all that’s needed to relieve the pressure and allow healing.

When the problem is ongoing or keeps coming back, a small surgical procedure can offer lasting relief. This is a simple treatment performed under local anaesthetic where the painful edge of the nail is removed — and the best part is, it doesn’t grow back. Many of our patients describe it as “life-changing” because it stops the cycle of repeat infections and discomfort.

Is Surgery Right for You?

Surgery may be the best option if you:

Have a toenail that keeps becoming ingrown despite routine care
Experience frequent pain, swelling, or infection
Find it hard to wear shoes or enjoy daily activities because of your toenail

If your issue is more minor, we’ll explore conservative treatments first. Our focus is always on what works best for you and your lifestyle.

Why Choose Ingrown Toenail Doc?

Friendly, reassuring care — we know toenail problems can be sensitive, so we keep things calm and comfortable.
Tailored solutions — whether it’s simple care or a small procedure, your treatment plan is made for you.
Convenient locations — clinics in West Leederville and Bassendean so you can choose what’s easiest.

Finding Relief: Your Surgical Options for Ingrown Toenails

We believe in providing care that is as unique as you are. If your ingrown toenail requires a permanent solution, we offer gentle and effective surgical procedures. During your consultation, we will take the time to explain your options and create a personalized treatment plan focused on your comfort and long-term well-being.

What to Expect:

The most common and successful procedure is a Partial Nail Removal. This minor surgery gently and permanently removes the problematic edge of the nail, providing lasting relief while preserving your toenail’s natural appearance.

In some cases, a Full Nail Removal may be the best path to complete comfort. This procedure is only recommended when necessary to ensure the nail does not cause further issues, allowing you to return to your daily activities without pain.

Partial Nail Avulsion

Partial Nail Removal: A Lasting Solution

If your ingrown toenail hasn't responded to simpler treatments, a Partial Nail Removal (PNA) offers a permanent path to relief. This minor, in-office procedure gently and precisely removes the narrow sliver of nail that is digging into your skin.

We prefer this approach because it effectively eliminates the source of your pain while preserving the majority of your healthy toenail. This means you can enjoy a pain-free toe while maintaining a completely natural appearance.

Benefits

A swift, 45-60 minute in-office procedure.
Preserves your nail's natural appearance once healed.
Highly effective with a 98% success rate.
A permanent solution to prevent the problem from returning.
A quick recovery so you can get back on your feet fast.

Total Nail Avulsion

Complete Nail Removal: A Solution for Severe Cases

In rare cases where a toenail is severely damaged or repeatedly infected, a more comprehensive solution may be needed. A Complete Nail Removal (TNA) is a procedure that addresses these complex issues by gently and permanently removing the entire nail.

While not our first choice, this option is highly effective at providing lasting relief and preventing future problems when other treatments are not suitable. Your podiatrist will only recommend this if it is the very best way to ensure your long-term comfort and foot health.

Benefits

A permanent solution that stops the problematic edge of the nail from growing back.
Highly effective with a 98% success rate for lasting relief.
A simple, quick procedure that takes just 45 to 60 minutes.
A fast recovery with most patients returning to daily activities the next day.

Phenolisation: Our Preferred Method and A Lasting Solution

The most common and successful procedure we perform for ingrown toenails is a Partial Nail Removal. This technique involves a crucial step called phenolisation, which ensures the problem doesn’t return.

How does it work?

After gently removing the problematic edge of the nail, we apply a specialised solution (phenol) to the nail root beneath. This is a safe, TGA-approved method that gently prevents that specific narrow section of the nail from growing back. The result is a permanent solution that leaves your toe with a natural appearance.

Why we trust this method:

Highly Effective: Boasts a 98.5% success rate.
Minimal Discomfort: Patients experience very little pain after the procedure.
Proven Safety: It is a safe and appropriate option even for patients with diabetes or vascular concerns.
Well-Regulated: The solution we use is approved for this purpose by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

A Note for Expecting & New Mothers:
To ensure absolute safety, we recommend postponing this particular treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Your In-Office Procedure: Quick, Comfortable, and Effective

This simple procedure is designed to permanently relieve your ingrown toenail pain. We’ll ensure your toe is completely numb before we begin. The entire process is straightforward and typically takes less than an hour.

Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

Numbing and Preparation: After gently numbing your toe, we apply a small band to minimize bleeding. This ensures a clear view and allows the treatment to work most effectively. The problematic edge of the nail is then precisely trimmed.
Removing the Problem Section: The trimmed piece of nail is gently lifted away. We carefully clear any tiny remaining fragments and any overgrown skin tissue that had developed in response to the irritation.
Preventing Regrowth: To ensure the problem doesn’t return, we apply a specialized solution to the nail root. This is the key to a permanent fix. The area is then thoroughly rinsed.
Aftercare: The band is removed, and we apply an antibiotic ointment and a protective bandage. Once we’ve gone over your aftercare instructions, you’ll be ready to head home and rest.

Prior to booking in ingrown toenail surgery, patients should have a pre surgery assessment discuss suitability for surgery.

Safe

Effective

Quick to heal

Your Comfort is Our Priority: Local Anesthetic

Before we begin, we will completely numb your toe to ensure your entire procedure is comfortable and pain-free. We understand that the idea of an injection can make some people nervous.

Please know that our podiatrists are highly experienced in making this quick and as gentle as possible. We use precise techniques to minimize any discomfort, and we perform this every single day. If you have any anxiety about needles, please tell us. We can talk you through it, work at your pace, and help you feel relaxed and secure.

Preparing for Your Procedure

Your path to a pain-free toe is underway. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth procedure and recovery:

For Your Journey & Comfort:

Plan Your Ride: Please arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, or book a taxi. You will not be able to drive yourself after the procedure.
Wear the Right Footwear: Bring a pair of open-toe shoes (like sandals) to wear home. You’ll need to wear them for the next few days to accommodate a bandage and avoid pressure.
Fuel Up: Have a light meal before your appointment to help you feel your best.

For Your Safety:

Share Important Info: Please ensure we have your updated list of any medical allergies and an emergency contact.

Planning Your Recovery:

Rest is Best: Plan to take it easy for the first 48 hours after your procedure. If your job involves standing or walking, you may need a couple of days off. If you must wear safety boots, please discuss this with us, as you may be able to return after 48 hours with specific precautions.
Trust Your Experts: It’s easy to find worrying videos online. Remember, our team is here to answer any questions you have directly. We’re the experts in your care!

Your Guide to a Smooth Recovery

Leaving our clinic, you’ll have everything you need for a successful healing process, including your dressings and clear instructions. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.

Right After Your Procedure:

Rest and Elevate: Go home and relax. Keep your foot elevated above your hip as much as possible for the first day to minimize swelling and bleeding.
Managing the Dressing: Your podiatrist will apply your first bandage. If you notice a small amount of blood showing through, don’t worry—this is normal. Simply place a fresh dressing over the top of the existing one. Please leave the original bandage intact until your first follow-up appointment.
Keep It Dry: It is very important to keep the bandage completely dry until we see you next.

Managing Discomfort:

It’s common to feel some tenderness as the local anesthetic wears off. You may take paracetamol as directed for any discomfort.
Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain.

Supporting Your Healing:

Attend Follow-ups: We will schedule your first check-up within 48 hours. Please attend all your included follow-up appointments so we can ensure your toe is healing perfectly.
Continue to wear open-toe or roomy shoes for about a week to avoid pressure on the toe.
Avoid strenuous activity, including gym workouts and heavy lifting, for two weeks to allow for proper healing.

Your Follow-Up Care: Supported Every Step of the Way

Your recovery is our shared priority. To ensure you heal quickly and comfortably, your care includes a series of follow-up appointments at no extra charge.

Your First Follow-Up (48 Hours After Surgery):
This first visit is a key step in your healing. We will:

Gently remove the initial bandage.
Cleanse the area with a saline solution to promote healing.
Apply a fresh, antiseptic dressing.
Provide you with a complimentary aftercare kit and clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to keep your toe clean and protected at home.

Continued Weekly Reviews:
We will schedule weekly check-ups to carefully monitor your progress. Attending these appointments is the best way to ensure a smooth recovery, prevent complications, and achieve the fastest possible healing. This ongoing support is all part of our complete care package.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Healing is a process, and everyone’s timeline is unique. Here’s what you can generally expect on your journey to a pain-free toe.

Your Healing Timeline:

Returning to Work: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after 48 hours of rest, especially if they can avoid prolonged standing.
Full Healing: While you’ll feel better quickly, the tissue under the nail will take 2 to 6 weeks to heal completely. In some cases, this may take a little longer.

Ensuring a Great Outcome:

High Success Rate: Our procedures have a 98.5% success rate. In the rare event the issue recurs, we will repeat the procedure at no cost to you.
Managing Infection: The most common complication is infection, particularly if one was present before surgery. If this occurs, we will promptly treat it with antibiotics.
A Natural Appearance: We always aim for the best cosmetic result. For most patients, especially after a partial removal, the change is minimal and the toe retains a very natural look. We encourage you to discuss any concerns about appearance with us during your consultation.

Our Promise to You

We stand behind our care. Your procedure has a 98.5% success rate. Should your ingrown toenail ever recur, we will gladly repeat the surgery at no additional charge.

This guarantee reflects our commitment to your long-term well-being and confidence in providing a permanent solution.

Is This Procedure Right for You? (Contraindications)

Your safety is our highest priority. While ingrown toenail surgery is a safe and common procedure for most, there are certain situations where we may recommend an alternative approach or postponing treatment.

We may advise against surgery at this time if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You have a known allergy to local anesthetic.
You have significantly reduced blood flow to your feet (Peripheral Vascular Disease).
Your toe has a severe infection. In this case, we will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics first to ensure the best possible outcome from surgery.

We will thoroughly review your health history during your consultation to ensure this is the safest and most effective option for you.

What to Expect After Surgery

It’s normal to have questions about the healing process. Being informed helps ensure a smooth recovery.

Common Post-Procedure Experiences:

Mild Discomfort: It’s common to experience some tenderness after the anesthetic wears off. This is usually mild and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol.
Infection: There is a small risk of infection in the days following the procedure. We will provide you with clear instructions on how to care for your toe to minimize this risk and will treat any infection promptly if it occurs.

Rare Outcomes:

Recurrence: In a small number of cases, the nail edge can grow back. Should this happen, we will discuss your options, which include repeating the procedure.

Our team is here to support you through every step of your recovery. If you have any concerns about pain, signs of infection, or your healing progress, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

One Toe
Two toes

(08) 9379 3838

103 Old Perth Road

144 Cambridge St

Mon - Fri 08:00am - 5:00pm

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