Noah Sinclair
Ingrown toenails are a common issue that can affect anyone and often require surgery. The condition occurs when the corner or edge of the toenail curves and digs into the surrounding skin, usually affecting the big toes. While some cases can be treated at home, others may require podiatric surgery, especially if the nail is infected. The procedure involves numbing the toe with a local anaesthetic and removing the nail from the nail bed. A chemical solution is then applied to prevent regrowth, and the toe is dressed to keep it clean and prevent infection. Post-operative care is crucial to a smooth recovery, and patients should follow their doctor's instructions, keep the area clean and dry, and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the toe and prevent pain
Ingrown toenail surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia. This means that you will be awake during the procedure, but your toe will be completely numb, and you will not be able to feel any pain. Local anaesthesia is administered through a small injection at the base of the toe, which can be uncomfortable, but no more so than an ordinary injection.
Once the toe is numb, the surgery can begin. The doctor will use a tourniquet (a tight band of elastic) to limit bleeding and improve visibility. They will then separate the nail from the nail bed and cut the nail edge vertically from the ingrown side down to the cuticle, removing the affected part of the nail.
After the offending nail or piece of the nail has been removed, a chemical solution (usually phenol) is applied to stop the nail from regrowing. A protective dressing is then applied, and the operation is complete. The whole procedure is usually over within an hour, and you will be able to go home.
It is normal to experience some mild swelling and aches at the surgical site following the procedure. This is a normal part of the healing process and is generally temporary. To promote a smooth recovery, it is recommended to keep your foot elevated, avoid rigorous exercise or sports, and wear comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the toes.
Best Places to Buy Acetone Nail Polish Remover in Singapore
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phenol is applied to stop the nail from growing back
Ingrown toenails are a common issue that can be caused by genetics, poor footwear, nail cutting, nail picking, trauma, sports, smoking, or medications. While some cases can be treated at home, others may require toenail surgery. During surgery, the podiatrist will numb the toe and cleanse it with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Then, they will remove the necessary part of the nail and apply a chemical solution of phenol to stop the nail from growing back.
Phenol is a strong chemical that is applied to the nail layer to cause regression and prevent regrowth. It is highly corrosive and toxic, destroying the nail matrix and causing a chemical burn that takes time to heal. The application of phenol is done for a minimum of six minutes to ensure the nail-creating cells are destroyed.
After the phenol application, the toe is flushed with a betadine solution to prevent infection. A protective dressing is then applied, and the operation is complete. It is important to keep the toe covered with a sterile dressing and clean until the toe has finished weeping, which usually occurs within 2-6 weeks. During this time, it is recommended to bathe the toe in warm saltwater twice daily and keep it elevated to reduce swelling.
While phenol effectively stops the nail from growing back, there is a rare chance of a reaction, known as a phenol flare, which occurs in less than 1% of cases. Additionally, regrowth can still occur in 5-8% of patients with partial nail avulsion and 10% of patients with total nail avulsion. However, the regrowth is often less troublesome, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary.
Buffing Nails Smoothly: Gel Powder Application Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dressings are applied to keep the area clean and prevent infection
After nail removal surgery, a protective dressing is applied to the affected toe to keep the area clean and prevent infection. The dressing also provides protection to the wound and facilitates the healing process.
The dressing is applied after the nail or part of the nail is removed and treated with a chemical solution to prevent regrowth. The toe is then covered with a protective dressing, and the operation is complete. The whole procedure is usually completed within an hour for one toe.
The dressing consists of gel and gauze applied to the treated area, followed by a bandage to secure the dressing in place. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions for proper wound care to ensure optimal healing. This includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding stubbing or injuring the treated toe, and refraining from rigorous exercise or sports activities for a specified period.
Additionally, wearing comfortable and supportive footwear can reduce pressure on the toes during the recovery phase. Following these precautions will help keep the area clean, minimise discomfort, and prevent infection.
Gel Nails: The Costly Truth About This Manicure Trend
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Minor interventions can be attempted before surgery
Ingrown toenails can sometimes be treated at home, but when they become painful and infected, they should be examined by a podiatrist. Ingrown toenails can be caused by several factors, including genetics, poor nail cutting, nail picking, trauma, ill-fitting shoes, smoking, and medications that affect nail shape. To avoid ingrown toenails, it is important to trim your toenails straight across, rather than rounding them at the corners. This promotes healthy nail growth and reduces the risk of ingrowth.
In some cases, minor interventions such as routine nail care, changing footwear, orthotic inserts, and gel toe separators can help relieve pressure on the affected toenail and treat ingrown toenails. However, if these interventions are unsuccessful, nail surgery may be the best solution, especially for recurrent ingrown toenails.
Before surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take any necessary precautions. This includes bringing roomy footwear, removing nail varnish and acrylic nails, and refraining from eating or drinking after a certain time if advised by your doctor. It is also important to be aware of the potential risks of the operation, such as regrowth of the toenail, which can occur in less than 10 out of 100 people.
IBD Gel Nails: Tips for a Perfect Manicure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aftercare is crucial to a smooth recovery
While ingrown toenail surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure, it is normal to experience mild swelling and aches at the surgical site following the procedure. This is a normal part of the healing process and is generally temporary. To reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort, the application of ice packs and keeping the foot elevated is recommended.
To promote a smooth recovery, individuals who have undergone ingrown toenail surgery should take certain precautions. These include avoiding stubbing or injuring the treated toe, as this can hinder the healing process, and refraining from engaging in rigorous exercise or sports activities for a specified period. The duration will be advised by the surgeon based on individual cases.
It is also important to wear comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the toes during the recovery phase. This can include open-toed sandals or slippers to allow room for the dressings. In addition, it is recommended to keep the area clean and dry and not pick at or disturb the area. Following the doctor's aftercare instructions and taking over-the-counter pain medication as recommended can help ensure a smooth recovery.
Gel Nail Glue: A Press-On Nails Savior?
You may want to see also
