Nail surgery, total or partial nail avulsion, involves the complete or partial removal of the toenail under local anaesthetic. When the toe is completely numb, the chiropodist/podiatrist will remove either the whole nail plate or a section of the nail border. This involves removal of the nail matrix (root/s) also.

Following the nail removal a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed. This chemical prevents any subsequent re-growth of nail in that area and also adds as a post operative analgesic (eases the discomfort after the local anaesthetic has worn off). The toe is then thoroughly irrigated to ensure that all of the phenol is washed from the area and the toe is bandaged.

Repeat visits for fresh dressings are necessary to ensure that the toe is kept free from infection. On average you can expect the toe to heal within 3 weeks.

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