Isla Bennett
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. The surgical removal of ingrown toenails is a relatively quick procedure, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes. But does it hurt after the removal? While there may be some mild swelling and aches during the healing process, the pain and discomfort from the ingrown toenail itself are significantly reduced or eliminated. The surgical procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that patients are comfortable and pain-free during the operation. After the surgery, patients are advised to take certain precautions, such as wearing comfortable and supportive footwear, to promote a smooth recovery. Most individuals can return to their daily routines and regular activities within a few days of the procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pain during the procedure | None due to the use of local anesthetic |
| Pain after the procedure | Mild |
| Recovery time | A few days to two weeks |
| Regrowth | 3-4 months for partial toenail removal, up to a year for total toenail removal |
| Recurrence | Possible |
| Precautions | Avoid stubbing or injuring the toe, refrain from rigorous exercise or sports activities, wear comfortable and supportive footwear |
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What You'll Learn
Ingrown nail removal is a quick procedure
Once the toe is adequately numbed, the surgeon can begin the process of removing the ingrown toenail. This typically involves separating the toenail from the nail bed, carefully cutting the nail edge vertically from the ingrown side down to the cuticle, and then removing the affected section. The goal is to remove enough of the toenail to prevent the condition from recurring while still leaving enough for the toenail to appear normal once it has healed. The surgical removal of the ingrown toenail typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and patients are usually able to return to their daily routines, including wearing regular shoes and resuming work or school, the day after the surgery.
After the procedure, patients may experience mild swelling and aches at the surgical site, but these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication. It is important to keep the foot raised above hip height for the next one to two days and to follow any aftercare instructions provided by the healthcare professional. Patients should also wear comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the toes during the recovery phase, which typically lasts for a few weeks. During this time, it is important to avoid rigorous exercise or sports activities to allow the toe to heal properly.
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Local anaesthetic is used to numb the toe
Ingrown toenail surgery is performed using a local anaesthetic to numb the toe and ensure the procedure is painless. The injection may cause a mild burning sensation that lasts for around 60 seconds, but this discomfort is usually well-tolerated. Once the toe is adequately numbed, the surgeon can begin the procedure. The entire surgery is relatively quick, typically taking about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you won't feel any pain.
The local anaesthetic is administered via an injection into the side of the toe where the nerves run. This process takes about 15-20 seconds. After the injection takes effect, the toe becomes numb, and you will be awake and comfortable for the surgery.
After the toe is numb, a tourniquet (snug elastic band) is applied to the base of the toe to limit blood flow and improve visibility during the procedure. The surgeon then removes the portion of the nail that is digging into the skin, using special tools to separate the toenail from the nail bed and cut the nail edge vertically. They ensure that enough of the nail is removed to prevent the condition from recurring, while leaving enough for the toenail to appear normal once healed.
The anaesthetic wears off after the procedure, and you may experience some mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. The pain will be significantly reduced compared to before the surgery, and you may even return to wearing regular shoes and resuming normal activities the day after.
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There is mild post-operative pain
Ingrown toenail surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which ensures the procedure itself is painless. The injection may, however, cause a mild burning sensation that lasts for about 60 seconds. This discomfort is usually well-tolerated by most individuals.
Once the toe is numb, the surgeon will remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, addressing the root cause of the pain and discomfort. This alleviates the pressure on the surrounding skin, promoting healing and preventing further complications. The whole procedure takes less than 15 minutes.
After the surgery, your toe will be bandaged, and you can go home. You will be given follow-up instructions on how to care for your foot and book a follow-up appointment to check that the toe is healing properly. You should rest and keep your foot raised above hip height for the next one to two days.
There is usually only very slight pain once the anaesthetic wears off. If you experience discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medication. Any discomfort you feel after surgery will be much less than the pain experienced from an ingrown toenail. You may experience mild swelling and aches at the surgical site, but this should start to resolve within a few days of treatment.
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The nail may grow back in a different shape
Ingrown toenail surgery is a procedure that removes the toenail that is digging into the skin. This surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which means that patients will not feel any pain during the procedure. However, the anaesthetic injection may cause a mild burning sensation that lasts for about a minute, but this is usually well-tolerated.
After the toe is numb, the surgeon will apply a tourniquet to limit blood flow for better visibility. They will then cleanse the toe and the surrounding areas with a disinfectant to prevent infections. Using special tools, the surgeon will then carefully remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, addressing the root cause of the pain and discomfort. In some cases, the entire nail may need to be removed, especially if both sides of the nail are ingrown.
The nail matrix, the area beneath the cuticle that produces nail-creating cells, is then destroyed using a heated electrical device or an acidic solution. This step stops the nail from growing back. If the nail does regrow, it may look different than it did before surgery. It will also be thinner than before.
After the surgery, the toe will be dressed with gel, gauze, and a bandage. Patients may experience mild swelling and aches at the surgical site, but this discomfort is much less than the pain caused by the ingrown toenail. Any pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
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Recovery is quick, with a low risk of complications
Ingrown toenail surgery is a quick procedure, typically lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. It is performed under local anaesthesia, which ensures that the patient does not experience pain during the operation. The anaesthetic is administered through an injection that may cause a mild burning sensation, but this only lasts for about a minute and is generally well-tolerated.
After the toe is numb, the surgeon applies a tourniquet to limit blood flow and improve visibility. They then proceed to remove the ingrown portion of the toenail, addressing the root cause of the pain and discomfort. Removing the pressure on the surrounding skin promotes healing and prevents further complications. The wound is then dressed with gel, gauze, and a bandage.
Following the surgery, patients might experience mild swelling and aches at the surgical site. However, this discomfort is much less than the pain caused by the ingrown toenail itself. Doctors provide instructions to manage any symptoms and recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers if needed. The residual discomfort usually starts to resolve within a few days of treatment.
To promote a smooth recovery, patients should avoid stubbing or injuring the treated toe and refrain from rigorous exercise or sports activities for a specified period. They should also wear comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the toes. Despite these precautions, most individuals can return to wearing regular shoes and resume their normal activities, including work or school, the day after surgery. Ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective, with a low risk of complications.
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Frequently asked questions
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which may cause a mild burning sensation that lasts for about a minute. However, the anaesthetic ensures that the procedure is painless.
There might be some discomfort when the anaesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
You will be able to return to normal activities after a few days, but it is recommended to avoid rigorous exercise or sports activities for about two weeks.
If you have a partial toenail removal, your nail may grow back in approximately three to four months. If you had your toenail totally removed, regrowth can take up to a year.
