What is  Nail Surgery

Nail surgery, a common procedure, involves removing the nail from its connections to the nail bed and surrounding skin to treat conditions like ingrown nails, fungal infections, injuries, tumors, and deformities. The procedure can involve partial or complete removal of the nail or surrounding tissue and is usually performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office or clinic. The primary goals are pain management, infection control, and improving the nail's function and appearance.

Nail problems go beyond looks. They can reveal serious health issues. Common issues include injuries, infections, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. People with weaker immune systems and diabetes are more likely to get nail infections. 

Nail Surgery Can Effectively Treat The Following Conditions:

Ingrown Toenails

Fungal Nail Infections

Nail Trauma

Nail Deformities

Paronychia

Nail Tumours

Chronic Nail Infections

Psoriatic Nails

Types Of Nail-removal Procedures

Partial nail removal: It involves removing a small section of the nail from the painful side of your toenail, followed by treatment to prevent regrowth. The remaining part of the toenail will continue to grow normally.

Bilateral partial nail removal: It entails removing small sections from both sides of your toenail and treating them to stop regrowth. The rest of the toenails will grow as usual.

Total nail removal: It involves removing the entire nail and treating the area to prevent regrowth. After this procedure, you will no longer have a toenail.

Nail Surgery Procedure

Nail surgery begins by cleaning and sterilizing the affected area. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the toe or finger, making the procedure painless after the initial injection. The surgeon removes either part of the nail (if only a section is ingrown or infected) or the entire nail (if the damage is extensive). For recurring issues, the nail bed may be treated with a chemical called phenol or a laser to prevent regrowth. Infected tissue and debris are cleaned out to aid healing.

After the surgery, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry, use over-the-counter pain relievers, avoid heavy activities, and wear open-toed shoes if it’s toe surgery. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to check on the healing process. Report any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.

Nail surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few days to a couple of weeks. The entire procedure takes about an hour for one toe or finger, including cleaning, applying antiseptic, removing the nail, treating the area with antibiotic ointment, and bandaging. After the procedure, you can go home and relax with your feet up for the rest of the day.

Benefits Of Nail Surgery?

Nail surgery is a lasting solution to chronic nail problems.

It relieves pain and removes the cause of the infection. 

The procedure is pain-free with minimal discomfort afterward.

You can return to your normal activities quickly.

You can wear regular shoes again.

Local anesthetic is used, so no fasting is needed.

Improved Nail Appearance.

Reduces discomfort when walking or using hands.

What Is The Expected Recovery Time After Partial Nail Avulsion?

Recovery from a partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your age and health. Avoid physical activity after the procedure until your doctor says it's okay. 

Does Nail Surgery Hurt?

It's normal to worry about how painful nail surgery might be. The only slightly painful part is the injection of the anesthetic, which is similar to the one you get at the dentist. Once your toe/hand is numb, you won't feel any pain during the nail removal. After the procedure, when the anesthetic wears off, your nail around the area will be cushioned in a protective dressing. It may feel a bit tender but shouldn't be painful. Just be careful not to bump it.