Ingrown Toe Nail Excision

Healthy feet play an important role in everyday comfort, mobility, and confidence while walking. Even a small condition like an ingrown toenail can cause persistent pain, swelling, and difficulty in wearing shoes or carrying out daily activities. When left untreated, it may lead to repeated infections and ongoing discomfort.

Understanding the Basics

What Is Ingrown Toenail Excision?

Ingrown toenail excision is a minor day-care surgical treatment in which the portion of the nail that is digging into the surrounding skin is carefully removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable throughout. In cases where the problem keeps returning, the nail root may also be treated to prevent that section of the nail from growing inward again.

This treatment helps reduce pain, swelling, redness, and infection caused by the nail pressing into the skin. It is a quick and safe solution that allows patients to return to daily activities with minimal downtime and significantly improved comfort while walking or wearing footwear.

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Types of Excision Procedures

Partial Nail Removal

Only the ingrown edge of the nail is removed to relieve pressure and reduce pain while preserving the rest of the nail.

Partial Nail Removal with Root Treatment

In recurring cases, the nail root is treated to stop that portion of the nail from growing again and prevent future problems.

Complete Nail Removal (Severe cases)

In rare and severe infections, the entire nail may be removed to allow proper healing and recovery.

You May Be Suitable for Ingrown Toenail Excision If:

1

Persistent Pain Around the Nail

You experience continuous pain, tenderness, or discomfort around the toenail that worsens while walking, standing, or wearing closed footwear.

2

Repeated Swelling or Redness

The skin around the nail frequently becomes swollen, red, or irritated, indicating ongoing inflammation that does not settle with home care.

3

Frequent Nail Infections

There is discharge, pus formation, or repeated infections near the nail edge that require medical attention and keep returning.

4

Difficulty Wearing Shoes Comfortably

Pressure from footwear causes pain and makes routine activities uncomfortable due to the nail growing into the skin.

What to Expect from Ingrown Toenail Excision

Knowing what to expect from Ingrown Toenail Excision helps patients feel confident and prepared. This section explains the procedure process, expected results, and recovery journey, offering a clear understanding of how it unfolds over time.

The toe is cleaned and numbed using local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience.
The surgeon gently removes the ingrown portion of the nail causing the discomfort.
The procedure is completed within a short time, and you can return home the same day.

Mild soreness or sensitivity may be felt for a few days after the procedure.
Regular dressing and proper foot care help in smooth healing.
Most patients resume normal daily activities shortly after treatment.

In recurring cases, the nail root may be treated to prevent regrowth in that area.
This helps reduce the chances of the ingrown nail returning again.
Patients experience lasting comfort and improved ease while walking.

Even a small procedure like ingrown toenail excision requires precision, sterile technique, and proper medical judgment to prevent infection, recurrence, or nail deformity. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon ensures the treatment is done safely, comfortably, and with attention to long-term results.

Dr. Shraddha Deshpande focuses on gentle, effective care using medically sound techniques that minimize discomfort and promote smooth healing. Her patient-first approach ensures that even minor procedures are handled with the same level of safety, hygiene, and expertise as major surgeries.

FAQs

Common Questions About Ingrown Toenail Excision

We understand that choosing an aesthetic procedure comes with questions. Here you’ll find clear, honest answers to help you understand the treatment and what to expect.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. Some mild soreness may be present afterward, but it is temporary and manageable.

It is a quick minor surgical treatment that usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

In most cases, the nail grows back normally. If the root is treated, only the problematic edge may stop growing to prevent recurrence.

There is a chance of recurrence if only the edge is removed. Treating the nail root in repeated cases helps reduce the chances significantly.

You can wear comfortable, open or loose footwear soon after the procedure. Tight shoes should be avoided for a few days.

Yes, it is a safe and commonly performed minor surgery with minimal risks when done by an experienced specialist.

Book Consultation to Get Relief from Painful Ingrown Toenails

If an ingrown toenail is causing pain, swelling, or repeated infections, timely treatment can prevent further complications and provide lasting relief. A quick consultation can help assess the condition