Specialist Nail Surgery
You're in Safe Hands
It’s normal to worry about how painful nail surgery might be.Â
Don’t worry! Nail Surgery is regarded as a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic to resolve pain or recurring infections. The procedure involves removing either a section or the entire nail to stop it from digging into the surrounding skin.Â
Ralf and Abbi, our lead Podiatrists are both very experienced in op, having have been operating on ingrown toenails for Richards’ team were already very experienced in nail surgery operations. Abbi had led Nail Surgery teams in the NHS for 21 years prior to joining The Richards’ Centre Team. Ralf performed his first nail surgery in the clinic in 2009.Â
It’s a simple, routine procedure which is carried out under local anaesthetic. Mainly used to treat painful ingrowing toenails, curved nails or nails that are thick.
The only slightly painful part is the injection used to administer anaesthetic , very similar to the one you may have in your gums at the Dentist. Once the toe is numb, a tourniquet (tight rubber band) is then applied around the toe, this stays in place during the operation to prevent bleeding. The nail and the area where the nail grows from (nail matrix) is then removed.Â
It’s a simple, routine procedure which is carried out under local anaesthetic. Mainly used to treat painful ingrowing toenails, curved nails or nails that are thick.
The only slightly painful part is the injection used to administer anaesthetic , very similar to the one you may have in your gums at the Dentist. Once the toe is numb, a tourniquet (tight rubber band) is then applied around the toe, this stays in place during the operation to prevent bleeding. The nail and the area where the nail grows from (nail matrix) is then removed.Â
Nail Surgery Is Intended For:
Ingrown toenail where it penetrates the skin
Thickened ingrown toenail caused by injury or fungal infection
Corns occurring beneath the nail
An ingrown toenail has a number of different symptoms which can often be treated during a routine appointment:
Pressure pain when walking
Painful lateral nail fold
The nail thickens and folds inwards
Possible pyogenesis (pus formation,caused by bacteria)
Reddening & pain in the toes or folds
Pain restricts movement
Toe grows hot
DON’T BOOK NAIL SURGERY IF
If you are waiting for an operation.
Your nail is infected
you are pregnant, or breastfeeding
Within 24 hours of having a local anaesthetic
A Typical Ingrown toenail Surgery Timetable
Book a ‘Routine’ appointment with one of our Podiatrists. They will check the nail and, in most cases, deal with the problem during this routine appointment.
If Nail Surgery is considered the best option, you will be advised to book in. At this time a £50 deposit is taken.Â
Podiatry appointment costs:-
New Patients:-
£60/£55 depending on who you see
Follow-up Patients:-
£55/£52 depending on who you see
Nail Surgery appointment will be booked for:-
- 1 ¼ hrs for 1 side of the nail
- 1 ½ hrs for both sides
Before Nail Surgery Advice
After Surgery
Wear ‘loose open-toed shoes’. Don’t drive, walk or take public transport. Avoid alcohol.
Try to be off your feet for 24 hours
Re-dressing appointments will be made at the time. Don’t remove the dressing at all before the first re-dressing appointment. If the wound seeps, put one of the dressings provided,over the top and elevate the foot.
After Nail Surgery you will be provided with details of the operation, and after care advice. A follow-up appointment to re-dress the wound is also a necessary part of the surgery.

