Ava Monroe
Ingrown toenails are a painful and common problem, often affecting the big toe. A matrixectomy is a simple and effective surgical procedure to remove the ingrown nail and prevent it from returning. The procedure involves numbing the toe, removing the ingrown portion of the nail, and treating the nail matrix or base of the nail to prevent regrowth. While the nail usually does not grow back, there is a small chance of regrowth, which may require a repeat of the procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Remove ingrown toenails |
| Procedure | The ingrown piece of the nail is lifted out from under the edge of the skin. The podiatrist cuts a straight line through this piece of nail from the tip to the root and removes it. The nail matrix is treated with a chemical solution to prevent regrowth. |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia is used to numb the toe |
| Effectiveness | The procedure is 95% effective but the nail may regrow in some cases |
| Recovery | The toe will usually heal within a couple of weeks. Pain and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medication. |
| Precautions | Keep the area clean and open to allow for drainage. Avoid running or strenuous activity for about two weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
- Matrixectomy is a common procedure to remove ingrown toenails
- The nail matrix is treated with surgical methods, a laser, or a chemical solution
- The procedure is 95% effective, but the nail may regrow and cause pain
- The toe will usually heal within a couple of weeks
- It is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate
Matrixectomy is a common procedure to remove ingrown toenails
A matrixectomy is a minor, minimally invasive, and straightforward procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. It is done under local anaesthesia, and the podiatrist will first place a constricting band around your toe to reduce blood flow. Then, they will administer an anaesthetic to numb your toe and perform a pain test to ensure that it is completely numb. You might feel pressure but no pain.
The podiatrist will then lift the ingrown piece of the nail out from under the edge of the skin and cut a straight line through this piece of the nail from the tip to the root. They will then remove this piece of the nail completely. To prevent the nail from growing back, the nail matrix, or base of the nail, is treated with surgical methods, a laser, or a chemical solution that scars the matrix. This typically results in a slightly narrower toenail.
The procedure is about 95% effective, but sometimes the nail can regrow, even partially, and cause some pain. If this happens, the procedure can be done again and is usually effective the second time. The toe usually heals within a couple of weeks, and you can take over-the-counter pain medication for any throbbing pain or discomfort that occurs after the anaesthesia wears off.
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The nail matrix is treated with surgical methods, a laser, or a chemical solution
A matrixectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful and inconvenient, and if left untreated, they can become infected and lead to other medical complications.
During a matrixectomy, a podiatrist will place a constricting band around the toe to reduce blood flow and then administer an anaesthetic to numb the area. The ingrown piece of the nail is then removed, and the nail matrix or base of the nail is treated with cotton swabs dipped in a chemical solution to prevent the nail from growing back.
The chemical solution applied to the nail matrix during a matrixectomy typically contains 88% phenol. This solution is applied to the zone of the matrix and the nail bed for about a minute. The zone is then irrigated with 76% ethanol and a physiological saline solution. The use of phenol in chemical matricectomy has been shown to have beneficial effects such as strong antiseptic properties and a recurrence rate of less than 5%. However, it may also delay healing time due to tissue destruction and excessive drainage.
In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend alternative surgical options such as aesthetic reconstruction, which offers a shorter healing time and a similar recurrence rate compared to chemical matricectomy. This procedure does not use chemical agents and provides a better cosmetic result.
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The procedure is 95% effective, but the nail may regrow and cause pain
A matrixectomy is a common procedure to remove an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can be painful and inconvenient, interfering with daily activities. They can also become infected and lead to other unpleasant complications. A matrixectomy is often recommended when at-home remedies have not resolved the issue, or for those who experience recurring ingrown toenails or have conditions that increase the risk of complications, such as diabetes.
During the procedure, a podiatrist will place a constricting band around the toe to reduce blood flow and administer an anesthetic to numb it. They will then lift the ingrown piece of the nail and cut a straight line through it from the tip to the root, removing it completely. To prevent the nail from growing back, the nail matrix, or base of the nail, is treated with surgical methods, a laser, or a chemical solution that scars the matrix. This typically results in a slightly narrower toenail.
The matrixectomy procedure is highly effective, with a 95% success rate in ensuring the nail or partial portion of the nail is permanently removed. However, in rare cases, the nail may regrow, even partially, and cause some pain. If this occurs, the procedure can be performed again, usually with successful results. To monitor for regrowth and ensure proper healing, it is recommended to have a follow-up appointment with the doctor a few weeks after the procedure.
While matrixectomy is generally a safe and effective method for treating ingrown toenails, there are alternative treatments available as well. Chemical matrixectomy, for example, has gained popularity due to its low recurrence rate and good cosmetic results. This method involves applying a chemical solution, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or sodium hydroxide, to the nail matrix to prevent the nail from growing back into the lateral nail fold. Other alternatives, such as partial nail avulsion followed by TCA matrixectomy, have also shown promising results in clinical studies.
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The toe will usually heal within a couple of weeks
After the procedure, it is important to keep the area where the toenail was removed clean and open. If the whole toenail was removed, you have to keep the sides open and don't allow them to close. If you only had one side done, keep that groove where the nail was removed open to allow drainage. You will most likely experience some tenderness after a matrixectomy.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your podiatrist. You should make sure you have a follow-up appointment to see the doctor at 2–3 weeks to ensure it is healing properly and that there is no regrowth of the nail. The procedure is 95% effective but sometimes the nail can regrow even partially and this can cause some pain. If this happens, the procedure can be done again and usually is effective.
It is important to avoid running and/or strenuous activity for about two weeks following the procedure. Take your medication. Be sure to take your oral antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them. You will usually receive these if the toenail was already infected.
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It is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate
A matrixectomy is a common procedure to remove an ingrown toenail. It is a straightforward procedure with a high success rate. The procedure itself is quick, and the total appointment time usually does not exceed 45 minutes. It is performed under local anaesthesia, and the toe is numbed before the surgery. The portion of the nail causing pain is then removed using sterilised instruments. The podiatrist treats the nail matrix or base of the nail with cotton swabs dipped in a chemical solution to prevent the nail from growing back. This typically results in a slightly narrower toenail.
The procedure is 95% effective at ensuring the nail or partial portion of the nail is permanently removed. However, in some cases, the nail can regrow, and the procedure may have to be repeated. The toe usually heals within a few weeks, and the patient can resume their daily activities. The patient may experience some throbbing pain or discomfort for a couple of days after the anaesthesia wears off, which can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relief medication.
A matrixectomy is recommended for anyone struggling with the pain and inconvenience of ingrown toenails. It is a permanent solution to ingrown toenails, which can become infected and lead to other complications if left untreated. The procedure is often chosen when at-home remedies have not resolved the issue or if the patient has a condition such as diabetes that increases the risk of complications.
Chemical matrixectomy, introduced in 1945, is a widely used method that meets all the criteria for an ideal surgical treatment. It is technically easy to perform, has rapid healing with minimal postoperative morbidity, and a high success rate. It is performed after partial nail avulsion, where the ingrown nail is lifted off the nail bed and removed. The chemical solution is then applied to the nail matrix to prevent the lateral nail plate from growing into the lateral nail fold in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
A matrixectomy is a common procedure to remove an ingrown toenail. It is a permanent solution to an ingrown toenail that has a high success rate.
The podiatrist places a constricting band around your toe to reduce blood flow and administers an anesthetic to numb your toe. The ingrown piece of the nail is then lifted and removed. The base of the nail, or the nail matrix, is then treated with surgical methods, a laser, or a chemical solution to prevent the nail from growing back.
The matrixectomy procedure is 95% effective at ensuring the nail, or a partial portion of the nail, is permanently removed. However, in some cases, the nail can regrow, even partially, and cause some pain. If this happens, the procedure can be performed again.
The toe usually heals within a couple of weeks of the procedure. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience some throbbing pain or discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications. It is important to keep the area where the toenail was removed clean and open. You should also make sure to have a follow-up appointment with your doctor 2-3 weeks after the procedure to ensure proper healing and monitor for any nail regrowth.
