Nail Surgery
Relief from Painful Ingrown or Involuted Toenails
At Carlisle Road Foot Care, we provide expert nail surgery to treat painful ingrown or incurved toenails—a common condition that can severely affect your mobility and quality of life. This minor procedure is safe, effective, and performed under local anaesthetic by an experienced podiatrist.
What Is the Problem?
Ingrown or involuted nails can become red, swollen, and painful, often resulting in infection and difficulty walking. While the big toes are most commonly affected, the lesser toes may also be involved. In some cases, pus may be present and the area may feel warm to the touch.
Common Causes
Ingrown toenails may result from:
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Improper nail trimming (especially digging into the sides)
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Tight or poorly fitted footwear
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Trauma or repeated pressure on the nail
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Inherited nail shape or structure
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Long-term use of slip-on footwear
These nails may present in two forms:
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Shoulder – where the edge of the nail curves into the skin
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Spicule – a sharp fragment grows or pierces into surrounding tissue
How Is It Treated?
Nail surgery is a straightforward, in-clinic procedure that involves the following steps:
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Local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the toe to numb the area.
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An antiseptic is applied and a tourniquet is used to control bleeding.
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The ingrown portion of the nail, along with any excess tissue (such as hypergranulation), is removed.
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Phenol, a medical-grade chemical, is applied to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth of the problematic section.
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The area is cleaned and dressed, and full aftercare instructions are provided.
What Will the Nail Look Like After Surgery?
After surgery, the nail will be narrower as the edge causing the issue is removed. The rest of the nail usually grows back normally, though in some cases it may appear thicker or change shape slightly.
Please note: Nail surgery is a medical treatment, not a cosmetic procedure.
Success Rate
This is a highly successful procedure, with a 97% success rate.
In rare cases (around 3%), regrowth may occur. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated with the same high likelihood of success.
How Soon Can Surgery Be Performed?
We can usually schedule your nail surgery within 24 hours of your consultation and signed consent for local anaesthetic.
View Our Toenail Surgery Video
Watch a step-by-step overview of our nail surgery procedure for ingrown toenails, performed at Carlisle Road Foot Care in Derry, Northern Ireland. This quick and effective treatment relieves pain and prevents recurrence with a 97% success rate.