Caleb Foster
Toenail surgery is a minor procedure that involves removing part or all of an ingrown toenail. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia and takes about 45 minutes, but you should allow about an hour for the whole procedure, including the time for the toe to go numb and paperwork. After the surgery, you will need to keep your bandage dry and in place for a few days until your first redressing appointment, which is usually scheduled for 3 to 7 days after the surgery. The healing time after toenail surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. During this period, you should avoid strenuous activities and swimming and maintain healthy blood sugar levels to promote healing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surgery time | About 45 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Numbness | 2 to 3 hours |
| First redressing appointment | 3 to 7 days |
| Healing time | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Regrowth time | 3 to 12 months |
| Return to work | Next day or after a few days |
| Return to normal activities | After a few days |
| Return to sports | 2 weeks |
| Swimming | 4 to 6 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Nail surgery procedure time
The time taken for nail surgery procedures varies depending on the type of surgery and the extent of the issue. On average, the procedure itself takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including the time required for administering anaesthesia and completing paperwork.
Nail surgery is typically performed to treat ingrown toenails or other nail conditions that cannot be resolved through routine care. The surgery can involve partial or total nail removal, and the type of procedure will impact the overall time required. Partial nail removal is a relatively minor procedure where a small piece of the ingrown nail is removed and treated to prevent regrowth. Total nail removal involves removing the entire nail and treating the nail bed to prevent regrowth.
The healing time after nail surgery can range from four to twelve weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. During the healing process, it is essential to keep the wound clean and dry, and redressing appointments are typically scheduled within three to seven days after surgery. Patients may experience some bleeding, discharge, and inflammation during the healing process, which is normal. However, if there are signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or severe pain, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
The time taken for nail regrowth after surgery can vary. For partial nail removal, regrowth typically occurs within three to four months, while total nail removal can take up to a year for the nail to regrow completely. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and tight-fitting shoes during the healing process to promote optimal recovery. Returning to work is usually possible within a few days, depending on the nature of the job and the level of activity required.
It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and patients should always follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider for optimal recovery after nail surgery.
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Healing time
The healing time for nail surgery depends on the type of surgery performed and individual factors. On average, it takes four to six weeks for the toe to heal if part of the nail is removed, and ten to twelve weeks if the whole nail is removed. The chemical phenol is applied to the nail bed during surgery to prevent nail regrowth, and this can cause the area to become inflamed or blistered, which is a normal part of the healing process.
It is important to keep the dressing on the toe clean and dry for the first three to seven days, after which the first redressing appointment will occur. Patients are advised to avoid getting their toes wet for too long when bathing or showering, as this can slow the healing process. The wound may weep a light yellow discharge for several days, which is expected and does not indicate an infection.
After the initial healing period, it is recommended to change the dressing once a day. The toe will heal faster if it is not subjected to pressure or squash forces. Patients should avoid wearing tight clothing for about one to two weeks and refrain from swimming and strenuous exercise for several weeks. Returning to work is usually possible within a few days, but it is important to avoid any exercise until the toe is fully healed.
Smoking and high blood sugar levels can cause delayed healing, so it is advisable to quit smoking and maintain healthy blood sugar levels through proper medication and diet. Overall, the healing time for nail surgery can vary, but with proper care and management, most patients can expect to fully recover within a few weeks to a few months.
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Pre-surgery preparation
Preparing for nail surgery is an important step to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery process. Here are some detailed instructions for pre-surgery preparation:
Consult your healthcare provider:
Before the surgery, schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss the procedure and any concerns you may have. They will advise you on what to expect during and after the surgery, including potential risks and complications. Ask about any pre-operative instructions, such as fasting or discontinuing certain medications.
Remove nail polish and decorations:
Ensure that your nails are free of any nail polish, acrylics, or other decorations. This is important to facilitate a clear view of the nail and surrounding area during the procedure.
Adjust your footwear:
On the day of your surgery, wear appropriate footwear that will accommodate a large dressing after the procedure. Open-toed sandals or flip-flops are recommended to avoid pressure on the surgical site and allow easy access for redressing.
Arrange transportation:
As you will be unable to drive immediately after the surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia, arrange for someone to drive you home. It is advisable to have someone accompany you to your appointment to ensure your comfort and safety.
Refrain from strenuous activities:
In the 24 hours leading up to the surgery, avoid strenuous activities and procedures that may involve local anaesthesia. This includes dental work or other minor procedures. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol during this pre-surgery period.
Manage blood sugar levels:
If you have diabetes, consult your GP or diabetes specialist nurse to discuss maintaining healthy blood sugar levels before and after the surgery. Controlled blood sugar levels can help promote faster healing and reduce complications.
Discontinue smoking:
If possible, stop or significantly reduce smoking before the surgery. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and delay your recovery.
Prepare for post-operative care:
Ensure you have the necessary supplies for post-operative care, including non-stick or non-adherent sterile dressings, tape, acetaminophen or other recommended pain relievers, and loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the surgical site.
Remember to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider and ask any questions you may have during your pre-surgery consultation.
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Post-surgery redressing
The nail surgery procedure takes about 45 minutes, but you should allow about an hour for the whole appointment, including the time it takes for your toe to go numb and for paperwork. The effects of the local anaesthetic should wear off after approximately 2 to 3 hours.
After nail surgery, you will be given a large dressing to cover your toe. This dressing must not be removed until your first redressing appointment, which will be scheduled for 3 to 7 days after the surgery. At this appointment, the podiatrist will check your wound and advise you on how to care for your toe at home. You will be provided with a box of dressings and instructions on how to redress your toe.
After the first redressing appointment, you will need to change your dressing at home once a day. You should redress your toe at least every 2 days, or if your dressing gets wet or dirty. You can bathe or shower as normal, leaving the dressing on your toe, but do not get your toe wet for too long as this will slow the healing. After bathing, remove the dressing and allow your wound to air dry. Then, put on a new non-adherent, sterile dressing, with the shiny side facing towards your wound.
It is normal for the wound to weep a light yellow discharge and for the area where the nail was removed to be inflamed or blistered. After 3 to 14 days, there is usually an increase in discharge, so it may look worse before it gets better. This is a normal part of the healing process due to the chemical used to stop the nail from growing back.
You should wear open-toed or loose-fitting shoes for about two weeks after surgery to give your toe room to heal. You can return to normal activities after a few days, but you should avoid exercise, running, and other strenuous activities for about two weeks. Swimming and sporting activities that may injure the toe should be avoided for four to six weeks if part of the nail was removed, and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail was removed.
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Post-surgery activities
Post-surgery, it is important to keep your wound clean and dry until your redressing appointment, which will be 3–7 days after the surgery. You will be given advice about caring for your toe at this appointment. You should bathe or shower as normal, leaving the dressing on your toe. After the shower, remove the dressing and allow your wound to air dry.
You will need to change your dressing once a day after your first redressing appointment. You can buy non-adherent, sterile dressings from a pharmacy. It is normal for the wound to weep a light-yellow discharge, and for the area where the nail was removed to be inflamed or have a slight blister. After 3–14 days, there is usually an increase in discharge, so it is likely to look worse before it gets better. This is a normal part of the healing process due to the chemical used.
You should not take part in any exercise until your toe is healed. You can return to normal activities after a few days, but you should avoid running and other strenuous activities for about two weeks. Avoid swimming and sporting activities that may injure your toe for at least 4–6 weeks. If you have an office job, you can usually return to work the day after nail surgery. If your job requires you to be on your feet, you should let your employer know that you may need to take breaks or sit down more often.
You should not wear tight clothing for about 1–2 weeks after your procedure, as this may pull off the bandage. You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes for about two weeks after surgery. This gives your toe room to heal.
It is important to maintain your blood sugars throughout the period after nail surgery, as high blood sugars can cause delayed healing. Discuss how to do this with your GP or diabetes specialist nurse. Make sure you are taking your medications as prescribed and eating a healthy diet. If you are a smoker, it is recommended that you stop or reduce your smoking as much as possible, as this can also cause delayed healing.
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Frequently asked questions
The procedure itself takes about 45 minutes, but you should allow about an hour in total, including the time it takes for your toe to go numb and for the paperwork to be completed.
It takes around 4-6 weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed, and 10-12 weeks if the whole nail is removed. You should avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks.
If you have an office job, you can usually return to work the day after toenail surgery. If your job requires you to be on your feet, you can also typically return to work the next day, but it's a good idea to let your colleagues know that you may need to take breaks or sit down more often.
If you've had 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, but there's also a good chance that it won't grow back.
