FAQs for Ingrown Toenail Surgery

 

Q: Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

A: The chiropodist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area, and does not proceed until completely sure that your toe is numb. You should not feel anything during the procedure itself. The only pain that you would feel would be during the initial anesthetic injection. Keep in mind that we use the smallest needle available to minimize any pain during the injection.

 

 

Q: Will my toe be in pain after?

A: This will be different for each person. Generally, after the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience a dull or throbbing ache in your toe. Over-the-counter Advil or Tylenol is typically all you would need. The pain in your toe would be comparable to a tooth ache. You may experience this sensation for a couple of days after the surgery.

 

 

Q: How long does it take to completely heal?

A: Most patients heal completely in about 3-4 weeks, but this is different for everyone. The chiropodist will bring you back one week after the procedure to check on your toe and clean up the area, and then as needed to ensure that you are healing well.

 

 

Q: Will I be able to do every day, normal activities right after ingrown toenail surgery? Will I have to take time off of work?

A: We recommend that you take it easy for the first 48 hours, but it doesn't prevent you from doing everyday activities. You should be able to return to work/school the next day.

 

 

Q: How do I care for my toe afterwards?

A: You will be given a post-surgical kit that includes an antibiotic, bandages, and gauze. The chiropodist will advise you to soak your foot/feet and apply the antibiotic cream and gauze/bandages to help expedite healing.

 

 

Q: Will the ingrown toenail ever grow back?

A: The chance that your ingrown toenail will regrow is 0.5%, but to date, we have never had a patient that experienced regrowth.

 

 

Q: How will my toenail look after the surgery?

A: We understand that the aesthetic look of your nail is very important. We try to take off as little as possible. Your nail should still look like a normal nail after the procedure. The chiropodist will be able to show you how much of the nail will need to be removed during your first consultation.

 

 

Q: Can you perform the procedure on children?

A: Yes, the procedure can be done on kids. For infants and very young kids, we usually recommend more conservative treatment options first.

 

 

Q: I have had ingrown toenail surgery done in the hospital several times, but it has grown back every time. How is the procedure different than at the hospital?

A: Very often and commonly at the hospital, the surgeon will remove the ingrown toenail, but will not apply any substance to permanently kill the nail matrix. At InStep, we apply a chemical substance to kill the nail matrix to ensure no regrowth.

 

 

Q: I have ingrown toenails on both sides of my toes. Can I get surgery for both sides at the same time?

A: Yes, it is possible to have both sides of your ingrown toenails removed at the same time.

 

 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: We offer ingrown toenail surgery as a case fee (includes the procedure and all follow-up visits).  Please contact our office via phone or email to find out pricing.

 

 

Please call 416-203-8563 or request an appointment online to book a consultation for ingrown toenail surgery.

 

 

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