Isla Bennett
Toenail surgery is a common treatment for ingrown toenails that do not respond to other forms of care. The procedure involves numbing the toe, cutting away the ingrown portion of the nail, and possibly removing the entire nail. A chemical is then applied to prevent the nail from growing back. The wound is dressed, and patients are advised to keep their foot raised for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of swelling and bleeding. On average, it takes four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed. During the healing process, it is important to keep the wound clean and change the dressing regularly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time after partial nail removal | 4-8 weeks |
| Healing time after total nail removal | 6-12 weeks |
| Dressing changes | Once or twice daily, or as advised by your doctor |
| First redressing appointment | Within 3 days after surgery |
| Wound weeping | Normal |
| Blistering or redness | Normal |
| Regrowth | Occurs in less than 10% of cases |
| Phenol flare | Rare; should settle during healing |
| Infection | Small risk; contact your GP for antibiotics |
| Returning to work | Not recommended immediately after surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Healing time varies depending on the type of nail removal surgery
The healing time after nail removal surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Typically, there are three types of nail removal surgeries: partial nail removal, bilateral partial nail removal, and total nail removal.
Partial nail removal involves removing a small piece of the nail from the painful side and treating it to prevent regrowth. This type of surgery usually takes four to six weeks to heal. During this time, it is important to keep the wound clean and change the dressing daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Bilateral partial nail removal is similar to partial nail removal, but a small piece of nail is removed from both sides of the toenail. The healing time for this procedure is similar to that of partial nail removal.
Total nail removal, on the other hand, involves removing the entire nail, and it takes significantly longer to heal, ranging from 10 to 12 weeks. It is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare team to ensure proper healing and prevent infections. This includes keeping the wound clean, changing dressings, and avoiding activities that may injure the toe, such as swimming and sports.
In general, it is recommended to keep the toe covered for the first week and then leave it uncovered during the second week to promote airflow and aid the healing process. Additionally, soaking the foot in warm water or Epsom salt can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.
It is important to note that individual healing times may vary, and it is always best to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or experience more severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, or advanced swelling, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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How to care for your wound
It is important to care for your wound after nail removal surgery to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for your wound:
Keep your foot elevated
In the first 24 hours after surgery, keep your foot raised as much as possible. This will help to reduce swelling and bleeding. Avoid any exercise or strenuous activity, and do not put any pressure or weight on the affected toe.
Change your dressing
Your first redressing appointment will usually be within three days after surgery. Keep your original dressing in place until then. After your first redressing, you will typically need to change your dressing once a day. Soak your toe in lukewarm water for 15 minutes before removing the old dressing to prevent it from sticking to your wound. Gently remove the bandage, wash your wound with soap and water, and pat it dry with clean gauze. Apply an antibiotic ointment to your wound and cover it with a new dressing.
Look out for signs of infection
It is normal for the wound to have some discharge, redness, blistering, or inflammation. However, if you notice signs of infection, such as increased heat, swelling, throbbing pain, or bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Keep the wound clean
Daily wound care is essential to prevent infection. Cleanse the wound area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide. Ensure you dry the area thoroughly with clean gauze.
Protect the wound
Keep your bandage dry and intact for the first few days after your procedure. Avoid getting your toe wet for too long, as this can slow the healing process. Do not wear tight clothing or shoes that may put pressure on the affected toe.
Manage pain
You may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery. Take recommended pain medication and apply an ice pack to the wound for 15-20 minutes every hour to help reduce pain and swelling.
Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional, as they may differ based on your individual needs.
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Signs of infection
The healing time after nail removal surgery depends on whether part or the whole nail is removed. On average, it takes four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed, and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed.
- Pain, swelling, and heat at the site of the surgery. While some pain and discomfort are normal after the surgery, if you experience a significant increase in pain, along with swelling and heat, it could indicate an infection.
- Redness and irritation: If the area around the surgery becomes red and irritated, especially if it is also uncomfortable or painful, it could be infected.
- Discharge and blistering: While it is normal for the wound to have some discharge and blistering, especially after three to 14 days, a significant increase in discharge, or the presence of a foul-smelling discharge, could indicate an infection.
- Failure to heal: If the surgical site fails to heal or shows signs of deterioration, such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain, it could be infected.
- Fever and malaise: In some cases, an infection can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to reduce the risk of infection and promote proper healing. This includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed, and avoiding walking or standing for long periods immediately after the surgery. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist immediately, as you may require antibiotics or further treatment.
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Preventing future toenail problems
It typically takes around four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed, and ten to twelve weeks if the whole nail is removed. However, it's important to prevent future toenail problems to avoid having to go through this process again.
Practicing Good Nail Care
- Cut nails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short or curving the edges.
- Avoid tight, pointy shoes, and replace footwear every eight to twelve months.
- Keep your feet moisturized and avoid cutting the cuticles.
Foot Care
- Soak your foot in Epsom salts for pain relief.
- Wear appropriate footwear to support healing.
- Avoid swimming and strenuous sporting activities until the toe has healed.
Follow-Up Care
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your podiatrist to ensure everything is healing correctly.
- During this appointment, your podiatrist can assess the healing process, check for signs of infection, and provide further treatment recommendations.
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Pain management
The healing time after nail removal surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. If only a part of the nail is removed, it usually takes around four to six weeks to heal, while total nail removal can take up to 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, proper wound care and pain management are crucial for a comfortable and speedy recovery.
To manage pain after nail removal surgery, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers such as Tylenol. These medications are usually sufficient to control pain levels. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for about a week to address any infections present.
It is important to keep your foot elevated as much as possible during the first 24 hours after surgery. This will help reduce swelling and bleeding. You should also avoid any exercise or strenuous activities that may injure your toe until it is fully healed.
Soaking your foot in Epsom salt can provide additional pain relief and reduce inflammation. You can also clean the area with warm, soapy water and pat it dry to maintain good hygiene.
It is normal for the wound to have some discharge and for the area to be inflamed or blistered. However, if you notice increasing heat, swelling, and pain, it may indicate an infection. In such cases, contact your healthcare provider immediately for further advice and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed, and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed.
Keep your foot raised as much as possible in the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of swelling and bleeding. Change your dressing once or twice daily, or as advised by your healthcare provider. Keep the wound clean using warm, soapy water, and pat it dry.
You may experience pain as the anaesthetic wears off, light swelling, or bleeding. These are usually not cause for concern. However, contact your doctor if you experience fever, chills, or more severe swelling or bleeding.
Implement good nail care practices, such as cutting your nails straight across, avoiding cutting them too short, and not curving the edges. Wear appropriate footwear, and avoid tight, pointy shoes.
