What is toenail surgery? 🦶🏼

At Feet First Newry we use a technique that research has proven to be superior to the others.

Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the toe, this involves two small injections to the base of the toe (not at the site of pain and inflammation). Mild discomfort may be felt but usually passes quickly. Once the patient is pain-free the procedure can begin.

This part of the procedure usually only lasts 15-20 minutes and involves a tourniquet placed around the toe to prevent any bleeding. 

There are several options for the next part:

An ingrown toenail may need one or both sides of the nail plate removed with Phenol*. This means the nail plate will be slightly more narrow than before and the offending sides of the nails will not regrow.
Fungal infected or thickened nails may require total nail removal with/without Phenol.
Retronychia (multiple nail plates grow into the nail fold) with/without Phenol.

Phenol* is a chemical used to prevent nail regrowth. This may or may not be required depending on the nail condition being treated. 

In most cases, mild pain or discomfort may be felt the day of the surgery once the local anaesthesia has worn off but can usually be controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen (NOT ASPIRIN AS THIS MAY ENCOURAGE BLEEDING).

It is advised to rest and elevate your foot on the day of the procedure. You may be able to return to work the following day depending on the type of work you do.

You will require an appointment a few days after the procedure. You will be shown how to redress your toe and will receive a dressing pack with aftercare instructions.

The procedure performed at Feet First Newry is a very effective procedure that causes very little discomfort and allows a quick return to normal activities, work, and footwear.