How effective is nail surgery for an ingrown toenail?

The clinician numbs the toe, lifts or removes the embedded side of the nail, and may treat that side of the nail matrix so it grows back more narrowly. This can reduce repeated pressure on the nail fold. The toe may remain tender and ooze slightly while the wound heals. Nail appearance and regrowth depend on the part treated. Surgery does not correct every cause of toe pain, so a diagnosis is needed when symptoms do not match an ingrown edge.

Wear roomy footwear, keep the dressing dry for the period advised, and elevate the foot if it throbs or swells. Clean and redress the area exactly as instructed. Do not cut into the nail corner or return to running and tight shoes before the clinician says the wound is ready. Preventive habits include trimming nails straight across and avoiding footwear that squeezes the toes.

Contact the clinic for worsening redness, warmth, swelling, pain, pus, fever, or bleeding that does not stop with pressure. Seek prompt medical advice if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system and develop a toe wound. Urgent help is needed for rapidly spreading infection or severe illness.

Ask whether part or all of the nail needs treatment, whether the matrix will be addressed, how to dress the toe, when normal footwear is suitable, and which infection signs require review.