Description

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common and usually minor procedure done when conservative treatments for an ingrown toenail haven’t worked or when there's recurring infection or severe pain. Here’s what you need to know: When Is Surgery Needed? Surgery is recommended if: The ingrown nail keeps coming back. There’s chronic pain or infection. Home treatments (soaking, lifting the nail, antibiotics) fail. Types of Ingrown Toenail Surgery Partial Nail Avulsion (Most Common) The edge of the nail that's growing into the skin is removed. Often done with phenolization (applying a chemical to destroy the nail root on that side to prevent regrowth). Performed under local anesthesia. Total Nail Avulsion The entire nail is removed if both sides are affected or there's severe damage. May also be followed by phenolization to prevent regrowth. Matrixectomy The part of the nail matrix (root) that causes the nail to grow inward is destroyed—chemically, surgically, or with laser. Done to prevent recurrence.