Sophia Delgado
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or side of a toenail grows into the soft tissues of the toe. While minor cases can be treated at home, severe cases may require surgery. There are several surgical procedures for ingrown toenails, including wedge resection, toenail removal, and matrixectomy. In most cases, the nail will grow back after surgery, although it may take up to 18 months. However, there is a possibility that the nail may not regrow or may grow back misshapen. To prevent the nail from growing back, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed during the procedure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regrowth after partial toenail removal | 3-4 months |
| Regrowth after total toenail removal | Up to 18 months |
| Regrowth after matrixectomy | None |
| Recurrence of ingrown toenail | Possible |
| Misshapen or deformed toenail | Possible |
| Post-operative infection | Possible |
| Inflammation, blistering, scabbing | Common |
| Pain | Common |
| Anaesthetic wearing off | Couple of hours |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The nail may grow back in a different shape
The nail may or may not grow back after ingrown toenail surgery, depending on the type of surgery performed. If a partial toenail removal is performed, the nail will typically grow back within three to four months. However, if a total toenail removal or matrixectomy is performed, the nail will not regrow.
It is important to note that even if the nail does grow back after a partial toenail removal, it may grow back misshapen or deformed. This can increase the risk of future ingrown toenails. The new nail may be thinner than the original nail, and it may also grow in curved, causing it to become ingrown again. In some cases, the nail may not reach its previous length.
To prevent the nail from growing back ingrown, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for wound care and toe care. This may include wearing open-toed shoes or sandals and avoiding constricting shoes until the nail has fully healed. Keeping the toe clean and dry is also important to prevent infection.
In some cases, a chemical called phenol may be applied to the nail bed during surgery to stop the nail from growing back. This is a common and effective method to prevent regrowth and relieve pain. However, it is important to note that all surgeries come with risks, and there is a small possibility that the chemical may cause irritation or affect the growth of the remaining nail.
Overall, while the nail may grow back after a partial toenail removal for an ingrown toenail, it may not grow back in the same shape or thickness as before. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor and follow their instructions for care to ensure the best outcome.
Nail Growth Vitamins: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can take up to 18 months for the nail to regrow
Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a nail grow into the skin next to it, causing tenderness, redness, and even bleeding. They can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, injury to the toe or nail, or improper nail clipping.
In most cases, ingrown toenails can be treated at home. However, in severe cases, especially when the nail has become infected, a doctor may recommend surgery. During surgery, a doctor may remove a portion of the toenail or the entire toenail. Removing the whole nail makes it more likely that the nail will grow back misshapen or deformed, increasing the risk of future ingrown toenails.
To prevent the nail from growing inward again after surgery, it is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions on how to take care of the toe. This includes keeping the wound covered with a bandage and dry until the first re-dressing. It is also recommended to wear open-toed shoes for the first 48 hours and to avoid wearing constricting shoes until the nail has fully healed.
While ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective, there are potential complications such as infection, which is possible after any surgery. Additionally, there is a rare possibility of the local anaesthetic not wearing off, resulting in permanent numbness in the toe.
Toe Nail Regrowth: How Many Times Can It Happen?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
There's a chance the nail won't grow back
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem that can usually be treated at home. However, in severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are several types of surgery for ingrown toenails, including:
Wedge resection
This procedure involves removing a portion of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. The nail should grow back within three to four months.
Toenail removal
This surgery involves removing the entire toenail. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to regrow, and it may grow back misshapen or deformed, increasing the risk of future ingrown toenails.
Matrixectomy
If wedge resection or toenail removal fails, a matrixectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the nail bed in addition to the nail. The nail will not regrow after a matrixectomy.
While the above procedures are generally safe and effective, there is a small chance that the nail may not grow back or may not reach its previous length. This is more likely to occur after a matrixectomy or toenail removal, as these procedures involve removing a larger portion of the nail or nail bed.
In addition, there are potential complications with any surgery, such as infection. To prevent these complications, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for wound care and keep the area clean and bandaged until it heals.
Nail Growth and the Seasons: When Nails Grow Faster
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The nail edge is removed and treated to prevent regrowth
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or side of the toenail punctures or grows into the soft tissues of the toe. This can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, toe or nail injuries, or improper nail cutting. Minor ingrown toenails may heal on their own as the nail grows out or with simple at-home treatments. However, in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the ingrown toenail.
One surgical option is a partial nail avulsion, also known as wedge resection, where a doctor removes a portion of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. This procedure has a high success rate, and the nail typically grows back within three to four months. However, there is a possibility of the nail growing back misshapen or deformed, which can lead to future ingrown toenails.
For patients with long-term and recurring ingrown toenail issues, a more permanent solution may be necessary. This involves removing the nail edge, which does not grow back, providing a permanent solution to avoid continual discomfort and pain. During this procedure, the cut nail edge is gently removed from the nail fold, and any remaining fragments are extracted. Phenol acid is then applied to destroy the nail matrix, ensuring the nail does not regrow.
It is important to note that ingrown toenail surgery is generally a minor procedure performed under local anaesthesia. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications to consider. These may include minor toenail deformities, subsequent ingrown toenails, or, in rare cases, the need for additional surgeries. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the benefits and risks with a medical professional before undergoing any surgical procedure.
Toe Nail Growth: Why Big Toes Hurt
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Removing the whole nail may increase the risk of future ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner of the toenail grows into the soft tissue of the toe. They can be caused by ill-fitting footwear, toe injuries, or improper nail clipping. Mild cases can be treated at home by soaking the toe in warm water and gently lifting the edge of the nail to place cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin.
However, in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the ingrown toenail. There are several surgical options available, including:
Wedge Resection
This procedure involves removing a portion of the toenail to prevent it from growing into the skin. It is also known as a partial nail avulsion. The nail typically grows back within three to four months, although it may take longer.
Toenail Removal
This surgery involves removing the entire toenail. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to regrow fully. Removing the whole nail may increase the risk of future ingrown toenails as the nail is more likely to grow back misshapen or deformed. This procedure is also called a complete nail plate avulsion.
Matrixectomy
This procedure is typically performed if toenail removal or wedge resection fails. It involves removing the nail bed in addition to the nail. The toenail will not regrow after a matrixectomy.
While surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications that may occur. These include nail deformity, where the nail may grow back misshapen or deformed, and subsequent ingrown toenails. Therefore, it is important for individuals to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with their doctor and consider all treatment options before proceeding.
Rapid Toenail Growth: Effective Strategies and Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the nail will grow back in approximately three to four months.
Yes, the nail will regrow but it can take up to 18 months. The nail that grows back will be thinner than it was before and may look different.
A chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed to stop the nail from growing back.
In rare cases, the nail may grow back after the surgery. If this happens, the surgery will be redone.
