Nail Surgery
Nail surgery is a medical procedure that can help people with problems with their toenails or fingernails. This surgery is designed to improve the appearance or health of the nail, which can be beneficial for those suffering from fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and other conditions.
Nail surgery is a relatively minor procedure
Nail surgery is typically done in an outpatient setting. It can be performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the nail so that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Depending on what type of surgery is needed, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to complete.
During your appointment, a detailed assessment will be conducted to determine exactly what needs to be done before your nail surgery begins. The procedure is typically conducted under local anaesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain during or after the surgery.
After the surgery, you may experience some minor discomfort and swelling, but this should subside within days. Most people can return to normal activities within one week after nail surgery at St Andrew’s Podiatry.
Overview of the types of nail surgery
Nail surgery can involve a variety of different treatments depending on the condition being treated. These surgeries can include removing an ingrown toenail, treating fungal infections, and reconstructing damaged nails. Other procedures may also be performed which include nail avulsion, matrixectomy and partial or total nail excision. All these procedures have their own advantages and risks, so it is important to speak to your podiatrist before undergoing any form of surgery.
Overall, nail surgery can be a great way to improve nail condition, remove ingrowing toenails and treat a variety of nail issues that could be causing you discomfort.
A Partial Nail Avulsion is a procedure used to remove part of the nail. This is usually done to treat an ingrown toenail or to reduce the size of a large nail. During this procedure, your podiatrist will numb the area around the nail and then use special tools to remove part of the nail plate and/or matrix.
A Matrixectomy is a procedure that involves removing the nail matrix or the area where the nail grows. This type of surgery is usually done to treat ingrown toenails or fungal infections. During the procedure, your podiatrist will use special tools to separate the affected tissue from its surrounding structures and then remove it.
A Total Nail Avulsion involves removing the entire nail plate and matrix. This procedure usually treats severe ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or trauma. During the procedure, your podiatrist will numb the area around the nail and then use special tools to remove the entire nail plate and matrix.
A Total Nail Excision is a procedure that involves cutting away part of the nail plate and matrix. This procedure usually treats severe ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or trauma. Like with TNA, your podiatrist will numb the area and then use special tools to remove a portion of the nail plate and matrix.
After nail surgery, it is essential to follow your podiatrist’s post-surgery instructions. This may include keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding activities that put strain on the treated area, and dressing it with antibacterial wipes as needed. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting shoes or sandals during recovery is important to reduce pressure placed on the nails. Following the surgery, most people are able to return to regular activities within one week. However, it is important to remember that everyone recovers differently, and it may take several weeks or months before your nails fully recover from the procedure.
To help prevent issues with nails after surgery, a few things can be done. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly and have room for the toes to move. Additionally, wearing appropriate footwear in wet or humid environments can help decrease the risk of fungal nail infections. Avoiding activities that put strain on the nails, such as running or jogging, can also help reduce the risk of further injury. Finally, keeping the nails trimmed and clean is important to prevent ingrown nails from occurring.
Good nail care is essential for your nails’ health and appearance. To keep your nails looking their best, it is important to trim them regularly and avoid biting or picking at them. Additionally, moisturising the skin around the nails helps keep them healthy and prevents dryness or cracking. If you’re prone to fungal infections, wearing clean socks and shoes that are made of breathable materials can help reduce the risk of infection.
It is important to ensure your nails are checked regularly by a podiatrist. During a regular checkup, your podiatrist can detect any early signs of infection or ingrown toenails and provide the necessary treatment. Additionally, they can help identify any potential causes of nail problems, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes or engaging in activities that put a strain on the nails. If any issues are found, they can provide treatment or advice on how to prevent the problem from occurring again in the future.
Overall, nail surgery can be a helpful treatment option for severe ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and trauma. Following the post-surgery instructions and maintaining good nail care are essential for proper healing. Regular checkups with your podiatrist can help detect any early signs of infection and provide preventive advice.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers around nail surgery
Generally, the recovery time following nail surgery depends on the type of procedure that was performed. Most minor procedures will require a few days to a couple of weeks for full healing. However, more complex and invasive surgeries can take up to several months.
Generally, following your podiatrist’s instructions closely is important to ensure successful healing. This includes keeping the surgical site clean and dry, protecting the area from further injury with bandages or protective coverings, and avoiding activities that put strain on the nails. Also, it is important to consult your doctor or podiatrist if you experience unusual symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain.
After the surgery, following the podiatrist’s instructions is essential to ensure successful healing. This may include protecting the area with bandages or a protective covering, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding activities that could strain the nails. Additionally, it is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help detect any signs of infection.
When it comes to recovering from toenail surgery, the amount of time you need off work depends on the type of procedure. Some minor procedures, such as nail avulsion, may require only one or two days of rest before returning to work. More complex surgeries, such as partial or total removal of the toenail, may require up to two weeks of recuperation before returning to normal activities.
Nail surgery is a type of minor medical procedure that can be used to treat a wide variety of foot and nail disorders. The cost of nail surgery will depend on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of the procedure, and the geographical location.
Call us to book an assessment so our podiatrists can provide you with an accurate cost based on your needs.
Having nail polish on your fingers or toes during surgery can be a serious problem. If the medical team is unaware that you have nail polish on, they may fail to properly clean and prep your nails before the surgery, which could lead to an increased risk of infection. Additionally, some types of nail polish contain hazardous substances such as formaldehyde and toluene, which could cause adverse effects if the polish is not properly removed.
For these reasons, removing any nail polish before surgery is important to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Book your nail surgery appointment at St. Andrews Podiatry today
If you have any questions about nail surgery or any other treatments we offer, we would be happy to help