Nail Surgery (Partial Nail Avulsion with nail matrix phenolisation)
When ingrowing toenails become recurrent and progress to the stage whereby other treatments have not resolved the issue, a partial nail avulsion can be considered.
What does it involve…
This is completed under a local anaesthetic, which involves two injections at the base of the toe.
A partial nail avulsion is where a section of nail is removed from the offending side to the base of the toenail, to create an altered shape, to alleviate the pressure on the surrounding tissues.
A chemical called phenol is applied to where the nail has been removed to stop the in-growing toenail from reoccurring.
A dressing is a applied.
The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes, however, please allow for up to 1 hour for preparation and post-operative monitoring.
Risks and complications
Every effort is made to reduce these, however, pertinent risks and complications include:
- Infection (2-4%)
- Recurrence and re-growth of the offending nail 5-8% and up to 10% undergoing total nail removal.
- Delayed healing may occur which may be brought about by a chronic infection pre-op
- A thickened nail plate
- Altered nail shape, every effort is made to provide a cosmetic appearance, sometimes due to a large involuted plate or chronic infection a large section needs to be removed.
What happens after the procedure
- There may be some mild pain and discomfort following the procedure for which it is advised you take some painkillers before the anaesthetic wearing off.
- It is important for you to go home and elevate your for and rest for 48hours after the procedure.
- Please bring a pair of wider-fitting shoes or sandals as the initial dressing may be bulky.
- You will be shown how to look after your toe, healing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, for this duration is important to keep a dressing on your toe, it is quite normal for the surgery site to discharge whilst healing is occurring.
For further information or more details please get in contact.
