Nail surgery is a minor podiatric procedure used to permanently or temporarily remove part or all of a toenail that is causing pain, infection, or repeated ingrowing.

The most common procedure is a partial nail avulsion with chemical cauterisation, which removes only the problematic section of the nail while preventing it from growing back. In more severe cases, total nail removal may be recommended.

Nail surgery is commonly recommended for:

• Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis)

• Recurrent or infected ingrown nails

• Thickened, damaged, or deformed toenails

• Nail trauma or injury

• Chronic nail pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

• Nail infections causing repeated inflammation

If conservative podiatry care has not resolved the issue, nail surgery is often the most effective long-term option.

Your procedure will follow a clear, structured clinical pathway:

1. Assessment & Consent

A full podiatric assessment is carried out to confirm suitability for nail surgery. Treatment options, risks, and aftercare are explained clearly before consent is obtained.

2. Local Anaesthetic

The toe is fully numbed using a local anaesthetic injection. This ensures the procedure itself is pain-free.

3. Nail Removal

The affected portion (or the entire nail if required) is carefully removed using sterile instruments.

4. Chemical Cauterisation

A medical chemical is applied to prevent regrowth where a permanent solution is required.

5. Dressing & Aftercare

A sterile dressing is applied, and you will receive written aftercare instructions to support healing.

The procedure typically takes 45 minutes - 1 hour.

The procedure itself is not painful, as the toe is fully anaesthetised. Some mild discomfort may be experienced once the anaesthetic wears off, but this is usually manageable with simple pain relief and settles quickly.

• Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours

• Dressings are usually required for 1–2 weeks

• Full healing typically occurs within 4–6 weeks

• Recurrence rates are very low when chemical cauterisation is used

You will be advised on footwear, activity levels, and dressing changes during recovery.

• HCPC-registered podiatry professional

• Fully insured and clinically trained

• Sterile instruments and infection-controlled procedures

• Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up support

• Calm, patient-focused approach

• Clinic-based.

Your safety, comfort, and long-term outcome are our priority.

No referral is required. You can book directly following an assessment.

If a permanent procedure is performed, the treated portion of the nail will not regrow.

With modern nail surgery using chemical cauterisation, the success rate is approximately 95–98%. There is a small risk that part of the nail may regrow, but this is uncommon.

Yes. Walking is allowed immediately, although rest is recommended for the first 24 hours.

Yes, following a full vascular and neurological assessment.