Nail Surgery

Nail avulsion, or nail surgery, is a minor surgical procedure to remove whole or part of a nail plate. The foot is cleansed with an antiseptic then a local anaesthetic is given, usually by means of two injections to the affected toe. The anaesthetic lasts a few hours and will totally block all pain sensation during the operation.

Once anaesthetised, an elastic strip is wound around the toe from tip to base to act a tourniquet. There is no cutting or stitching involved. The appropriate part of the nail is simply lifted and removed from its nail bed. The nail matrix (the part that produces the nail plate) is then treated with a chemical called Phenol to prevent further unwanted re-growth of the nail. The tourniquet is then removed.

Once a sterile dressing is applied to the toe, you are free to leave the clinic. The whole procedure usually takes about an hour. We would point out, however, that the anaesthetic may still have some effect for several hours.

Important things to remember before attending one of our clinics for nail surgery:

• please arrive early leaving time to park;
• arrange transport home; you will not be able to drive whilst your toe is anaesthetised;
• bring an open toed shoe or an old slipper which can be cut to accommodate the first dressing, which will be quite bulky;
• bring a list of all current medication;
• if the patient is under 16 the legal guardian of the child must accompany them; and
• please remove any nail varnish.

We trust that we have allayed any fears that you may have had about nail surgery.