Nail surgery is a minor surgical procedure used to treat persistent or recurring ingrowing toenails, severely curved nails and some chronic nail conditions.

It is usually recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief or when repeated infections occur. The procedure may involve the partial or complete removal of the toenail under local anaesthetic.

If your toenail repeatedly becomes painful, swollen or infected despite routine treatment, nail surgery may provide a longer-term solution.

A clinical assessment helps determine whether surgery is the most appropriate option for your condition.

After assessing your toe, we numb it using local anaesthetic injections. The affected section of the nail, or the entire nail where clinically required, is then removed.

We treat the nail matrix, which is the root of the nail, either chemically or with laser treatment where appropriate. This helps reduce the chance of the problematic section of nail growing back.

A sterile dressing is then applied. The dressing is changed and the healing toe is reviewed at regular intervals.

The local anaesthetic injections briefly sting, but once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the procedure itself should not be painful.

Mild soreness afterwards is usually manageable with simple pain relief if required.

Yes. Nail surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, so you remain awake while the affected toe is completely numb.

Most nail surgery appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation and dressing the toe.

We normally allow at least one hour for the appointment, although the surgical part of the procedure usually takes approximately 10 minutes.

Healing times vary between individuals, but most people experience steady improvement over the following few weeks.

We will monitor your progress and provide clear aftercare advice to support the healing process.

Some inflammation, drainage and tenderness are normal during the early stages of healing.

Keeping the toe clean, following the dressing instructions and attending your review appointments will all support recovery.

Many people return to office-based work within a day or two.

People with more physically demanding jobs may require additional recovery time, particularly if their work involves prolonged standing, walking or protective footwear.

Light daily activities can usually be resumed relatively quickly.

Sport and higher-impact exercise should wait until healing has progressed sufficiently. Your podiatrist will advise you when it is appropriate to return to these activities.

Modern nail surgery has a high success rate, but no procedure can guarantee that recurrence will never happen.

The nationally recorded average nail regrowth rate is less than 5%.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks. These may include infection, delayed healing or recurrence of the nail problem.

Complications are uncommon, and the potential risks and benefits will be discussed with you before treatment.

Depending on the severity of the problem, alternatives may include conservative nail care, footwear advice or regular podiatry treatment.

However, many patients come to us for nail surgery after these options have not provided lasting relief.

Yes. In many cases, an infected ingrowing toenail can still be treated safely, although your clinician will assess each situation individually.

Antibiotics may be recommended if the ingrowing toenail has allowed a bacterial infection to develop in the toe.

You will receive detailed written and verbal aftercare instructions covering dressing changes, cleansing the toe, activity levels and when to contact the clinic for advice.

Follow-up appointments are normally scheduled approximately two days, one week and one month after surgery.

Our HCPC-registered podiatrists carry out a thorough assessment and explain all suitable treatment options before recommending surgery.

We use modern techniques designed to maximise comfort and support effective healing and recovery.

Yes. Where appropriate, we incorporate modern technologies and evidence-informed aftercare protocols to support healing and recovery.

No. Although you may feel physically able to drive, local anaesthetic will have been administered to your foot.

You should arrange for a family member, friend or taxi to take you home. You should also check your motor insurance conditions before driving following treatment, as cover may be affected for 24 hours after local anaesthetic has been administered.

NHS availability and waiting times vary across the country.

Many patients choose private treatment, or are advised by their GP to consider it, because it may provide quicker access, more flexible appointment times and greater continuity of care.

We aim to offer appointments as promptly as possible, subject to clinic availability.

An assessment can often be arranged during the same week, allowing you to discuss the most appropriate treatment without unnecessary delay.