What to expect from nail surgery for an ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail edge presses into nearby skin, often causing tenderness, redness, swelling, or drainage. During surgery, the toe is numbed and the clinician removes the section of nail that is digging into the skin. In some cases, treatment also addresses part of the nail growth area to reduce recurrence. The exact approach depends on the nail edge, surrounding inflammation, and whether infection is present.

Wear roomy footwear and keep the dressing dry until the clinic says it can be changed. When cleaning is advised, wash gently, pat dry, and apply the recommended dressing rather than cutting the nail edge yourself. Elevating the foot can make the first part of recovery more comfortable. Avoid pressure, long periods of walking, swimming, and sports until the wound has settled or your clinician clears them. Take prescribed or recommended pain relief as directed.

Contact the clinic if pain, warmth, redness, or swelling is increasing, or if drainage develops or persists. Seek prompt advice for fever, red streaking, bleeding that will not stop with pressure, or a dressing that becomes saturated. People with diabetes, reduced circulation, or reduced sensation in the feet should use a lower threshold for contacting their healthcare team.

Ask how much nail will be removed, whether the nail growth area will be treated, when you can wear closed shoes, and how often the dressing should be changed. Clarify which symptoms suggest infection and when the toe should be reviewed.