Nail surgery

Step by step

What happens, from first visit to healed

1. Assessment We look at the nail, take your medical history and medicines, and check the circulation in your feet. We’ll explain whether a partial nail avulsion (removing the ingrowing edge) or, less often, removing the whole nail is right for you.
2. The procedure A local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the toe. You’ll feel the injections; after that, the toe is numb. We remove the nail edge and apply phenol to the root of that section so it doesn’t grow back. You’re with us for about an hour.
3. Going home You’ll leave with a bulky dressing, so wear a loose or open-toed shoe and arrange a lift: you shouldn’t drive while the toe is numb. Rest with your foot up for the evening.
4. Dressings and healing We redress the toe at two follow-up appointments, included in the price, and show you how to dress it at home in between. Most toes heal in four to six weeks.

Before you book

Is it right for you?

Nail surgery is safe and very effective for most people, but we check a few things first:

• Your health Diabetes, circulation problems, pregnancy and some other conditions need extra care, and occasionally we’ll ask for a letter from your GP before going ahead.
• Your medicines Bring a list. Blood thinners and some other medicines need discussing before the day.
• Your diary Avoid swimming and sport until the toe has healed, and plan around holidays.

Results

A lasting fix in most cases

Treating the nail root with phenol stops that section of nail regrowing in the great majority of cases, and the rest of the nail looks normal once healed, just a little narrower. Regrowth is uncommon, but no method can promise it never happens; if it does, we’ll see you again.

Prices

What it costs

If you need to change or cancel, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice. Missed appointments and later cancellations are charged £25.

Nail surgery

• From £350 Nail surgery (Includes two dressing appointments)
• £50 Assessment beforehand (If you haven’t been seen by us before)

FAQs

Questions about nail surgery

Does nail surgery hurt?

The anaesthetic injections sting for a few seconds. Once the toe is numb you’ll feel pressure but not pain. Afterwards most people manage with paracetamol for a day or two.

How long until I can get back to normal?

Most people return to work the next day if they can wear a roomy shoe. Leave swimming and sport until the toe has healed, usually four to six weeks.

Will the nail grow back?

Not in the treated section in most cases. The rest of the nail keeps growing normally.