What Should You Expect?

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to know exactly what will happen.

Most ingrown toenail procedures follow a well-established sequence designed to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Although every patient is different, the overall process is remarkably straightforward.

Before the Procedure

The appointment begins with confirming:

  • Your symptoms.
  • Which side of the nail is causing the problem.
  • Your medical history.
  • Any allergies.
  • Previous nail procedures.
  • Current medications.
  • Any questions or concerns you may have.

The treatment plan is then explained, and informed consent is obtained before proceeding.

Preparing the Toe

The toe is cleaned using an appropriate antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

A sterile field is prepared, and the instruments required for the procedure are arranged.

Careful preparation helps minimise infection risk and allows the procedure to proceed efficiently.

Administering the Local Anaesthetic

A local anaesthetic is carefully injected around the base of the toe.

Within a few minutes, the toe becomes numb.

Before starting, the toe is always tested to ensure adequate anaesthesia has been achieved.

If you can still feel sharp pain, additional anaesthetic can be administered before continuing.

Removing the Ingrown Nail Edge

Once the toe is completely numb, the narrow strip of ingrown nail is carefully separated from the healthy nail.

Specialised instruments are then used to remove only the offending portion of the nail.

The remainder of the nail is left in place.

Patients often comment that they feel pressure but not pain during this stage.

Treating the Nail Matrix (If Required)

If a permanent procedure has been planned, attention then turns to the small section of nail matrix responsible for producing the removed nail edge.

Treating this tissue prevents that narrow strip of nail from growing back.

Only the portion responsible for the problematic nail edge is treated.

The remainder of the nail matrix continues producing the normal nail.

Cleaning the Area

Once the procedure has been completed, the nail groove is carefully inspected.

Any remaining debris is removed, and the area is cleaned before the dressing is applied.

The aim is to leave the wound clean and ready to heal.

Applying the Dressing

A protective dressing is then placed over the toe.

The dressing helps:

  • Protect the wound.
  • Absorb any small amount of drainage.
  • Reduce contamination.
  • Provide gentle support during the initial healing phase.

Patients are given detailed instructions regarding dressing changes and aftercare before leaving the clinic.

How Long Does It Take?

The procedure itself is usually relatively quick.

Most of the appointment is spent ensuring the anaesthetic is working properly, explaining aftercare and answering questions.

Taking time to do each step carefully is more important than simply rushing through the procedure.

Evidence Update

Partial nail avulsion performed under sterile conditions with appropriate local anaesthesia is considered a safe and effective office-based procedure with high patient satisfaction and excellent long-term outcomes when appropriately indicated.

Patient Tip

Don't hesitate to ask questions during the procedure. Understanding what is happening often helps patients feel significantly more relaxed.