Nail Surgery Romsey
Nail surgery is a safe and effective procedure for treating persistent nail conditions such as ingrown toenails and fungal infections. It offers long-term relief when other treatments haven’t worked, and is considered the gold standard for resolving painful, recurring nail problems.
At our Romsey clinic, our experienced podiatrists perform nail surgery under local anaesthetic, ensuring a pain-free experience with minimal downtime. Whether you need a small part of the nail removed or the whole nail taken off, we’ll talk you through your options and tailor your treatment to suit your needs.
Surgery to Help With Nail Conditions
We understand how painful and uncomfortable foot problems can be, whether you have a corn, fungal infection or an ingrown toenail!
Nail surgery can be helpful in the treatment of fungal nail infections and is the gold standard to help offer a permanent solution to ingrown toenails.
With success rates above 96%, we can remove a small section of the nail (Partial Nail Avulsion) or the whole nail (Total Nail Avulsion).
What is the process
We start with an initial appointment to assess your toe(s) and discuss your options. If nail surgery is agreed to be the most suitable option, we can often book you in for surgery at quite short notice.
When you attend for nail surgery, a Podiatrist will inject a local anaesthetic into your toe, making the procedure pain free.
Once we have removed the section of nail or whole nail, if we want to stop it growing back we will apply a chemical called phenol.
We will apply a dressing to your toe before you leave and so it is advisable to bring a pair of open toed sandals to your appointment. We provide a dressing pack for you to take away, which you can use until your toe has healed.
You will have a follow-up at 1 and 6 weeks post-nail surgery.
What Can Nail Surgery Help With?
FAQ
Can I drive home after nail surgery?
No. As you need to wait for the anaesthetic to wear off, and will also have a dressing on your toe, you will not be able to drive yourself home after your nail surgery. Please arrange for someone to collect you.
How long does it take to heal?
Nail surgery without phenol applied will usually heal within 3-4 weeks. If phenol is applied to stop the nail from regrowing, the recovery period will be 6-10 weeks.
Video of the process
We can perform nail surgery at Pepper Mill Barn, Romsey, or at the Candover Clinic, Basingstoke.
As our main clinic is in Romsey, we can often offer options for surgery at shorter notice here.
Benefits and Outcomes of Nail Surgery
Nail surgery offers a permanent solution to painful and recurring nail conditions. With success rates over 96%, it can prevent infections, reduce swelling, and eliminate discomfort from issues like ingrown toenails. Most patients experience a rapid improvement in symptoms after surgery, and with the application of phenol, regrowth can often be avoided altogether.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and typically takes under an hour, with minimal aftercare. You’ll leave with a dressing and follow-up plan, and most people are back to their usual routine within days.
Nail Surgery FAQs
Is nail surgery painful?
No, the procedure is done under local anaesthetic, which numbs the toe so you won’t feel any pain during surgery. You may experience some mild discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does it take to recover from nail surgery?
Initial healing typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and your general health. We’ll provide a dressing pack and detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days, although full healing may take slightly longer.
Will the nail grow back after surgery?
It depends on the approach. If we use a chemical called phenol, the nail (or the section removed) usually won’t grow back. This is often recommended to prevent the same problem from recurring. If phenol isn’t used, the nail may regrow over time.
Can I drive after nail surgery?
We recommend not driving immediately after nail surgery, especially if your driving foot was treated. The anaesthetic can temporarily affect movement and reaction time. If possible, arrange for someone to take you home and bring a pair of open-toed sandals for comfort.