Specialist Nail Surgery
You're in Safe Hands
We understand that the thought of having surgery can feel daunting, even when it is a relatively minor procedure. It’s perfectly natural to have questions or feel apprehensive, and we want you to feel comfortable and reassured throughout your treatment.
At The Richards’ Centre, nail surgery is carried out by our experienced podiatrists, Ralf and Abhi, who will take the time to explain what will happen, answer your questions and make sure you know what to expect.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to numb your toe. Although the injection can cause some temporary discomfort, you should not feel pain during the surgery itself. Your podiatrist will check that the anaesthetic has worked before proceeding.
What is Nail Surgery?
Living with a painful ingrown toenail can be miserable, particularly when it keeps coming back or starts affecting your everyday activities. The good news is that there are effective treatments available, and surgery isn’t always necessary.
Our podiatrists will carefully assess your nail and discuss the options with you. Sometimes the problem can be resolved with straightforward podiatry treatment. However, if it keeps recurring, nail surgery may provide a longer-lasting solution.
Nail surgery involves removing part or, occasionally, all of the affected nail. A chemical called phenol may be applied to help prevent the treated section from growing back.
We understand that deciding to have surgery can feel like a big step. Your podiatrist will explain the procedure, answer any questions and help you feel confident about the treatment that’s right for you.
When Might Nail Surgery Help?
If you’ve been struggling with a painful toenail, particularly one that keeps becoming sore or infected, we understand how frustrating it can be.
Nail surgery may be helpful for:
Ingrown toenails that keep returning or cause persistent discomfort.
Thickened or damaged nails that are painful or difficult to manage.
Nails that repeatedly become inflamed or infected, despite previous treatment.
Other painful nail conditions where your podiatrist feels surgery may be the most appropriate option.
Not Every Painful Toenail Needs Surgery
You may be experiencing pain when walking or wearing shoes, redness or swelling around the nail, or discomfort that’s beginning to affect your everyday activities.
The reassuring news is that many of these problems can be treated during a routine podiatry appointment, without surgery.
Our podiatrists will take the time to assess your nail, explain what’s causing the discomfort and talk you through the treatment options.
PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE YOUR NAIL SURGERY IF:
- You are awaiting another operation.
- Your toenail has become infected or its condition has worsened.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have had, or are due to have, another local anaesthetic within 24 hours of your appointment.
Please don’t cancel your appointment without speaking to us first.
If your toe has become infected or more inflamed, please email a photograph to info@therichardscentre.co.uk, with the subject “Infected Toe Photo – [Patient’s full name]”.
Our podiatrist will advise you on the best next steps.
Your Nail Surgery Journey
Your first appointment
If you’re struggling with an ingrown or painful toenail, the first step is to book a routine podiatry appointment.
Your podiatrist will examine your nail, listen to your concerns and discuss the treatment options with you. Many ingrown toenails can be treated during this appointment, without the need for surgery.
If nail surgery is recommended
Sometimes, a more permanent solution is needed, particularly if the problem keeps returning.
If your podiatrist feels that nail surgery may be the best option, they’ll talk you through their recommendation and explain what happens next.
Once surgery has been agreed, our reception team will help you arrange your appointment. A £50 deposit is payable when the surgery is booked.
Appointments and Costs
Your initial podiatry appointment is charged separately from nail surgery. You can find our current appointment fees and nail surgery prices on our Full Price List.
Your Nail Surgery Appointment
We allow plenty of time for your procedure, so you won’t feel rushed.
One side of the nail: 1 hour 15 minutes
Both sides of the nail: 1 hour 30 minutes
Before Nail Surgery Advice
After Surgery
Following your procedure, your toe will be dressed and you will be given written aftercare instructions explaining how to look after it.
You should plan to rest for the first 24 hours and wear loose, open-toed footwear to accommodate the dressing.
Your first postoperative appointment will be arranged for the following day, or as close to this as possible, so that your dressing can be checked and changed.
A second follow-up appointment will usually be arranged at this visit, depending on your recovery.
Both postoperative appointments are included in the cost of your surgery.