Nail surgery is most commonly used to treat ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis), a painful condition where the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing redness, swelling, and infection. However, it can also address several other nail and toe-related problems.

The main conditions treated include:

Ingrown toenails: The most frequent reason for nail surgery. This occurs when the nail plate presses into the skin, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes pus or infection. Surgery removes the problematic section of the nail and prevents it from growing back in the same area.

Thickened or deformed nails: In cases where nails have become thick, hard, or distorted due to trauma, fungal infection, or underlying conditions, surgical removal can relieve discomfort and allow a new, healthy nail to grow.

Recurring infections: When repeated bouts of infection occur around the toenail due to trapped bacteria or ingrown edges, surgical treatment can resolve the underlying cause and prevent future issues.

Damaged or detached nails: Nails that have been severely injured or repeatedly damaged may be partially or fully removed to allow healthy regrowth.

Nail conditions caused by underlying health issues: Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis, can cause ongoing nail problems that require minor surgical intervention to maintain comfort and prevent complications.

Nail surgery provides a solution for recurring pain or infection that does not respond to conservative treatments such as trimming, soaking, or antibiotics.

At UK Nail Surgeon, each procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic for comfort, and tailored to the individual’s nail shape, health, and lifestyle needs.

What does the procedure involve?

Nail surgery is a simple and precise procedure designed to relieve pain, treat infection, and prevent the nail from growing back into the skin. It is carried out under local anaesthetic, which completely numbs the toe so that you remain comfortable throughout.

Before the procedure, you can carry on your day as normal — you’ll be able to eat, drink, and take regular medication unless advised otherwise. Once you arrive, your podiatrist will clean and prepare the area before carefully injecting a small amount of anaesthetic around the base of the toe. This causes only mild, short-lasting discomfort and quickly takes effect.

When the toe is fully numb, the procedure begins under sterile conditions to ensure maximum safety and minimise infection risk. An antiseptic solution is applied to cleanse the area, and the problematic section (or sections) of the nail is gently removed.

To prevent the ingrown edge from returning, a chemical solution (phenol) is usually applied to the nail bed. This destroys the small section of nail-growing cells responsible for the ingrown portion, making the result permanent and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

For patients who prefer not to have the phenol treatment, it is possible to have the procedure without this step. However, it’s important to note that without phenolisation, there is a small chance the ingrown edge of the nail may regrow over time.

Once the treatment is complete, the toe is thoroughly cleaned again, a sterile dressing is applied, and you’ll be given an at-home care kit with dressings, antiseptic, and step-by-step recovery instructions.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 40 minutes. Afterward, you’ll be able to walk out of the clinic, although it’s best to rest your foot for the remainder of the day to allow the anaesthetic to wear off and to reduce swelling.

Most patients find the recovery period smooth and straightforward, with minimal discomfort after the first day.

Will I need time off from work?

Most patients find that recovery after nail surgery is quick and manageable, but the exact amount of time off work depends on the type of job you do and the extent of the procedure.

After surgery, your toe will be dressed and protected. We generally recommend resting with your foot elevated for the first 24 to 48 hours to minimise swelling and promote faster healing. During this time, it is best to avoid standing or walking for long periods, especially if your job involves being on your feet.

If your work is sedentary, such as an office or desk-based role, many patients are able to return to work within three to five days. For jobs that involve prolonged standing, walking, or wearing safety footwear, you may need to take up to a week off to allow the toe to settle and reduce the risk of discomfort or reopening the wound.

The initial healing process typically takes two to four weeks, during which time you’ll need to keep the dressing clean and dry, following the aftercare instructions provided in your at-home care kit. The area will continue to improve over several more weeks as the skin fully regenerates.

It’s important to note that most patients can walk comfortably immediately after surgery, though the first day or two is best spent resting. Driving may also be restricted for a short period depending on which toe was treated and your individual comfort level.

At UK Nail Surgeon, you’ll receive full aftercare guidance and support to ensure a smooth recovery — including a follow-up check or call if needed.

If you have more than one affected toenail, additional procedures can be performed during the same appointment. The cost will increase slightly to reflect the extra treatment and materials required.

For multiple toenails treated during normal working hours, the total price is £690, and for out-of-hours appointments, it’s £980.

This ensures each toe receives the same level of care, precision, and sterile procedure needed for the best long-term results.

While no treatment can promise a 100% guarantee, nail surgery with phenolisation (application of a chemical solution to the nail root) has an excellent long-term success rate of around 95%, meaning only a small number of patients ever experience a recurrence.

When the phenol solution is applied, it prevents the problematic edge of the nail from regrowing, giving a permanent result in almost all cases.

If you choose to have surgery without phenolisation, the procedure can still relieve pain and infection, but the chance of the nail growing back is higher — with success rates closer to 30–40%, meaning regrowth occurs in many cases over time.

In the rare event that the problem does return, further options are available, such as the Winograd procedure, which involves removing a small wedge of tissue and the affected nail root. This method is typically reserved for more complex or persistent cases and also has very high success rates when required.

At UK Nail Surgeon, your clinician will discuss all treatment options with you in detail, ensuring the approach chosen is right for your condition and comfort.

After your nail surgery, you’ll receive clear written instructions and an at-home aftercare pack containing dressings, antiseptic, and everything you need to care for your toe during healing.

You’ll be advised to keep the dressing clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, then follow the simple dressing change steps provided in your pack. Keeping the toe protected and avoiding tight footwear will help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of infection.

Most patients find the healing process straightforward — any mild tenderness usually settles within a few days. If you notice anything unusual, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, you can contact us directly at any time for advice or reassurance.

At UK Nail Surgeon, you’ll always have direct access to your nail surgeon for aftercare support and guidance to ensure your recovery is smooth, comfortable, and worry free.