1. The Initial Examination

Your journey toward ingrown toenail surgery typically begins with a thorough examination by a skilled podiatrist or foot specialist. During this examination, the healthcare professional will assess the extent of the this and determine whether surgery is the best course of action. We will consider the severity of the condition, your medical history, and other factors to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

2. Anesthesia

Before the surgery commences, local anesthesia is administered to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. This anesthesia effectively numbs the toe and the surrounding area, making the surgery relatively painless. You’ll be awake and aware, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.

3. Nail Avulsion Procedure 

The most common surgical technique for this treatment is the nail avulsion procedure. In this process, a section of the toenail is carefully removed to prevent it from growing into the surrounding skin. The extent of the removal may vary depending on the severity of the infection. For less severe cases, a partial avulsion may be sufficient, whereas more severe cases may require a complete removal of the nail edge.

4. Preventing Recurrence

To minimize the risk of this returning, the surgeon may also destroy the nail matrix, which is the tissue where the nail originates. This procedure effectively reduces the chances of the nail growing back in the same problematic manner. By addressing the root cause of the infection, this step helps prevent its recurrence.