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Nail Surgery

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​All nail surgery patients are initially seen for a 30 minute assessment appointment.

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During the consultation we will take your medical history, in addition to the physical assessment. In most cases treatment will not be provided at your first appointment, and you will be invited back at a later date. If your toe is infected it may necessary for us to give you or arrange a course of antibiotics prior to any surgery. Our podiatrists may write to your GP, after your first appointment, to inform them that you are registered with our practice and give brief details of any treatment plan.

The underlying problem
 
Sometimes toenails can curve in (known as involution) or ingrow (known as onychocryptosis) causing pain and discomfort. Involuted nails dig into the sulci (the grooves to the side of the nail), whilst ingrowing toenails normally puncture the skin at the side or apex of the toe. Ingrowing toenails can be excruciatingly painful, and are usually swollen, red, inflamed, exude pus and may impair your mobility.
 
What are the causes?
 
Involuted toenails can be inherited or may be caused by toes that stick up and rubbed by shoes, or by the long term use of slip-on footwear. Ingrowing toenails are usually caused by poor toenail cutting or digging down the side of the toenails, they can also occur due to trauma and wearing tight footwear. There are two forms of ingrowing toenail - spicule (spike) and shoulder.

How do you fix this problem?

Nail Surgery is a minor surgical procedure. We anaesthetise the toe(s) using a local anaesthetic into the base of the toe. Once it has gone numb we apply antiseptics and a tourniquet. We then remove the ingrown (involuted) section of the nail or if needed the whole nail and any scar tissue or hypergranulation tissue. A chemical called phenol is applied to cauterise the nail bed (matrix). The area is cleansed to remove excess chemicals and tissue debris, and the toe is dressed ready for you to go home.
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**Biped Podiatry Now Offering Advanced Incisional Nail Surgery**

 

Biped Podiatry is proud to announce that we now offer incisional nail surgery as part of our comprehensive foot care services. This advanced surgical technique provides an effective solution for patients suffering from chronic ingrown toenails or other nail-related issues. Here’s why incisional nail surgery is an exceptional choice and how it compares to traditional phenolisation procedures.

 

**What is Incisional Nail Surgery?**

 

Incisional nail surgery involves the precise removal of the problematic portion of the nail, along with a small section of the underlying nail matrix. This technique ensures that the offending nail edge does not grow back, providing a permanent solution to chronic issues. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under local anesthesia, and tailored for optimal patient comfort and rapid recovery.

 

**Key Benefits of Incisional Nail Surgery**

 

1. **Higher Precision and Control**: Unlike phenolisation, which uses phenol to chemically destroy the nail matrix, incisional surgery allows for more precise excision of the problematic tissue. This leads to a more targeted treatment and reduced risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

 

2. **Reduced Risk of Infection and Chemical Burns**: Phenolisation relies on the application of a chemical agent that can sometimes lead to extended healing times, chemical burns, or infection. Incisional surgery, on the other hand, employs mechanical removal, reducing these risks significantly.

 

3. **Shorter Healing Period**: Patients who undergo incisional nail surgery often experience a faster healing process compared to those who have phenolisation. This means less downtime and quicker return to regular activities.

 

4. **Improved Aesthetic Outcome**: The controlled approach of incisional surgery typically results in a more natural-looking nail post-recovery, as the surrounding tissue is minimally disturbed.

 

**Why Choose Biped Podiatry?**

 

At Biped Podiatry, our team of skilled podiatrists are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. With the addition of incisional nail surgery to our repertoire, we offer patients a modern, effective, and safer alternative for resolving nail issues. Our commitment to patient-centric treatment ensures personalized care plans and a comfortable surgical experience.

 

If you’re struggling with recurring ingrown toenails or other nail concerns, contact Biped Podiatry today to discuss whether incisional nail surgery is the right option for you. Your path to pain-free, healthy feet starts here!

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