An ingrown toenail is a very common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe. The skin along the edge of the nail can either be growing over the nail, or the nail begins to grow underneath the skin.
Which treatment option is best?
If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail for the first time, Dr Buckley offers conservative treatment options to remedy the ingrown nail and provide immediate pain relief. If however you are experiencing a recurrent ingrown nail/s, a permanent surgical option may be advised.
Dr Buckley offers both the Winograd and the Phenolisation surgery techniques to permanently treat ingrown toenails. Large studies have shown both procedures to be equally safe and effective, with very high success rates. The ingrown toenail surgery is performed at either our West Perth clinic, or at a day surgery facility. The procedure takes around 10 minutes and is normally performed under either local anaesthesia or sedation.
Winograd procedure
The sharps nail resection technique is advised for patients who have excessive tissue growth in the nail sulcus, which has been caused by chronic tissue inflammation. The technique involves a small wedge of nail (A) and soft tissue being removed from the affected side of the nail (B+C), and the skin is then closed with stitches. Recovery time is approximately one week and during this time the toe must be kept dry to allow healing.
Dr Buckley usually performs this procedure under local anaesthesia or light sedation at a day surgery centre.
Phenolisation procedure
The chemical nail ablation technique is advised for more simple ingrown toenail issues where no excessive tissue growth is present. The affected side of the nail is cut and removed, and then a chemical (phenol) is applied to the nail matrix to prevent the regrowth of the ingrown toenail. Recovery from this procedure takes around 2 weeks for the wound to fully heal.
Dr Buckley typically performs this procedure under local anaesthesia in his rooms in West Perth.
Ingrown toenail surgery indications
- Painful and recurring ingrown toenail
- Conservative podiatry care has been ineffective
Ingrown toenail surgery aims
- Removal of problematic nail growth
- Reduction of pain and prevention of further infection
To book a consultation with Dr Ned Buckley regarding your ingrown toenail, please contact our clinic on 9481 8194 or use our online booking system for an instant appointment.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.