Isla Bennett
The time it takes for a nail to grow back after surgery depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, the nail involved, and individual characteristics. Partial nail removal surgeries, for instance, involve removing a portion of the nail while allowing the rest to grow normally. Total nail removal, on the other hand, entails removing the entire nail, resulting in no nail regrowth. The regrowth period for fingernails in adults is estimated to be between 4 and 6 months, while toenails can take twice as long, ranging from 10 to 18 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nail regrowth after surgical avulsion | 5 to 10 months |
| Time taken for nail regrowth after surgical avulsion (fingernails) | 4 to 5 months |
| Time taken for nail regrowth after surgical avulsion (toenails) | 10 to 18 months |
| Time taken for nail regrowth in adults (fingernails) | 6 months |
| Time taken for nail regrowth in adults (toenails) | 18 months |
| Time taken for toenail surgery wounds to heal | 6 to 12 weeks |
| Time taken for anaesthesia to wear off after toenail surgery | 2 to 3 hours |
| Time taken for the first redressing appointment after toenail surgery | 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Toenails grow back slower than fingernails
The speed at which nails grow varies depending on several factors. One factor is the hand dominance of the individual. Nails on the dominant hand grow faster because they are more prone to trauma, such as catching your nail on something or hitting it with a hammer. This temporary boost in circulation increases the blood and nutrient supply to the affected area, promoting nail growth.
Age is another factor that affects nail growth. Nail growth slows down as we age due to a decrease in blood circulation. For example, Dr. William Bean's left thumbnail grew at a rate of 0.123 mm per day when he was 23 years old, but this rate decreased to 0.095 mm per day when he was 67.
Nutrition is also a factor in nail growth. Malnourishment can lead to slower nail growth. Additionally, certain medications, such as those used in chemotherapy, can temporarily affect nail growth and cause changes in nail colour and appearance.
Other factors that influence nail growth include the season, gender, and individual habits such as nail-biting (onchycophagia). Nails grow faster during the summer, with an increase in growth rates of 0.050 to 0.150 mm/day. Males tend to have faster nail growth rates than females, and nail-biting has been associated with increased nail growth rates.
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Factors affecting nail growth rate
The rate of nail growth is influenced by a multitude of factors, some of which are outlined below:
Age
The growth rate of nails tends to slow down as people age. This could be attributed to the fact that blood circulation slows with age.
Handedness
Fingernails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster.
Finger
The middle finger nail typically grows the fastest, while the thumb and little finger nails have the slowest growth rates.
Season
Nails tend to grow faster during the summer.
Hormone Levels
Hormone levels can affect nail growth rates. For example, pregnancy tends to result in rapid nail growth, while lactation decreases the rate of nail growth. Puberty is also a time of rapid nail growth due to fluctuating hormone levels.
Overall Health
Illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, or peripheral artery disease, can interrupt nail growth. In addition, certain medications, such as those used in chemotherapy, can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) or slow nail growth.
Nutritional Status
Nutritional status can influence nail growth rates, with deficiencies potentially leading to slower growth.
Trauma
Injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger, can cause nail matrix damage, bruising, ridges, or discolouration. In severe cases, the nail may fall off and may not grow back.
Environmental Temperature
Nails tend to grow faster in warmer months.
While the rate of nail growth is influenced by these factors, it is important to note that individual growth rates may vary, and proper medical care can help promote nail regrowth after surgery or injury.
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Avoiding infection after nail surgery
The regrowth of nails after surgical avulsion typically takes between 5 to 10 months, including fingernails and toenails. However, several factors can influence the rate of nail growth, including age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, trauma, handedness, pregnancy, acute illness, and pre-existing skin conditions. While nail surgery is generally safe, there are a few key considerations to avoid potential complications, especially infections:
Preoperative Care
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before surgery as it can increase bleeding.
- Remove any nail varnish before the procedure.
- Ensure you have suitable open-toed footwear to wear home after the surgery, as your toe will be dressed.
Postoperative Care
- Keep the dressing on your toe dry and intact until your first redressing appointment, usually within three days after surgery.
- After the first redressing, change your dressing once a day.
- Avoid getting your toe wet for prolonged periods, especially before applying a new dressing, as this can slow the healing process.
- It is normal for the wound to have a light-yellow discharge and for the area to be inflamed or blistered. However, if you suspect an infection (a significant increase in discharge, pain, or other concerning symptoms), contact your healthcare provider.
- Keep your toe elevated to promote healing and avoid pressing or squashing the wound area.
- Avoid swimming and sports that may injure your toe during the healing process.
- Manage pain with recommended painkillers, such as paracetamol. Do not take aspirin unless advised by a medical professional.
- If you have diabetes, closely monitor the wound for any signs of infection, as diabetic patients are more prone to infection and poor healing.
By following these guidelines and the advice of your healthcare provider, you can effectively minimise the risk of infection and promote proper healing after nail surgery.
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Toenail removal surgery
The time it takes for a toenail to grow back after surgery can vary from 5 to 18 months. Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, trauma, handedness, pregnancy, acute illness, and pre-existing skin conditions. Keeping the foot raised as much as possible during the initial 24 hours after surgery helps reduce the risk of swelling and bleeding. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
In the first few days following toenail removal surgery, it is recommended to spend most of the time with the leg raised to minimize swelling. Strenuous exercise or sports should be avoided for at least the first two weeks. The wound should be kept clean and dry, and redressed at least every two days or whenever the dressing gets wet or dirty. It is normal to have some discharge from the toe, but signs of infection, such as heat, swelling, and pain, require immediate medical attention.
Partial nail removal is a procedure where a small piece of the nail is removed from the affected side and treated to prevent regrowth, while the rest of the toenail should grow normally. Bilateral partial nail removal involves removing a small portion of the nail from both sides. Total nail removal, on the other hand, entails removing the entire nail, resulting in no toenail regrowth.
It is important to note that toenail removal surgery may not always be a permanent solution, as there is a small chance of the nail growing back. In rare cases, a reaction to the chemical applied to prevent nail growth, known as phenol flare, may occur, causing redness, heat, and blistering at the base of the toe. However, this typically resolves during the healing process.
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Healing time after nail surgery
Nail surgery is a minor operation to remove part or the whole of a toenail. This procedure is performed to relieve pain and prevent infections caused by ingrown toenails. During the operation, a tourniquet (tight elastic band) is put on the toe to stop any bleeding while the toenail is removed. A chemical called phenol is then applied to the nail bed to prevent the nail from growing back.
After the surgery, it is important to follow the advice given to avoid infection, as there will be an open wound for some weeks. Signs of infection include heat, swelling, and pain, and if this occurs, a doctor should be contacted immediately. The wound will also discharge a light-yellow liquid, which is a normal part of the healing process. The healing process can take between 6 to 12 weeks, and during this time, the toe should be kept dry and raised to reduce the risk of swelling and bleeding.
The time it takes for the nail to grow back depends on various factors, including whether it is a finger or toenail, age, nutritional status, and environmental temperature. For the average adult, fingernails grow about one-tenth of an inch per month, meaning it can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow back. Toenails, on the other hand, grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, so it could take up to a year and a half for a toenail to grow back completely.
In some cases, the nail may not grow back at all due to severe damage to the nail matrix. The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are made, and certain injuries or illnesses can affect how nails grow or look. However, with proper medical care, healthy nails can often grow back.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can take anywhere from 10 to 18 months to grow back completely.
Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow back.
Age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, trauma, handedness, pregnancy, acute illness, and pre-existing skin conditions can all impact the rate of nail growth.
The recovery process for nail surgery involves keeping the wound dressed and dry for the first few days, managing pain with over-the-counter medications, and keeping the foot elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Yes, there is a small risk of infection after nail surgery due to the open wound. Other potential complications include delayed healing and skin reactions to the chemicals used to prevent nail growth.
