Does it hurt when a doctor removes an ingrown toenail?

However, the minor surgery to remove an ingrown toenail is mostly painless, and if you follow the doctor's aftercare instructions, your toe should heal with little discomfort. Most patients resume normal activity without restrictions within a few days.


How long does it hurt after ingrown toenail removal?

Recovery lasts 1-2 weeks.

Pain during ingrown toenail surgery removal should be less than the pain experienced while having the ingrown toenail. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can be taken to help minimize any superficial pain.

Does it hurt when a doctor removes a toenail?

It's normal to worry about how painful nail surgery might be. Reassuringly, the only slightly painful part is the injection used to administer anaesthetic - very similar to the one you may have in your gums at the Dentist. Once the toe is numb, you will not experience any pain while the nail is removed.


How long does ingrown toenail surgery take?

The operation usually takes about 10 minutes and may involve one or more of the following techniques. Nail avulsion — Removing your whole toenail. Wedge excision — Removing part of your toenail where it is growing into the skin, along with the area of tissue in the corner that your toenail grows from.

Can you walk after ingrown toenail removal?

Although you'll be able to walk, your toe will remain numb for a few hours due to the local anaesthetic we use to block the pain. Once this anaesthetic wears off you may feel some slight discomfort in the toe.


Is it Painful to Get an Ingrown Toenail Removed?



How long do you have to stay off your feet after ingrown toenail surgery?

You should avoid running, jumping, or strenuous activity for 2 weeks after the surgery. Teenagers should not participate in physical education activities for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Infection may develop in the toe during the first few weeks after the surgery.

Can I wear socks after toenail removal?

To help with your recovery: Wear cotton socks and loose fitting shoes for about 2 weeks. Do not run or engage in strenuous activities until the toe is healed. You may need to wait 2 weeks.

Why is ingrown toenail surgery so painful?

You have the border of your nail literally growing into your skin, causing a lot of pressure in that area. All it takes to remove the pain is removing the nail border, thus removing the cause of the pressure. After ingrown toenail surgery, the discomfort will go far quicker than you can imagine.


Do you need to rest after ingrown toenail surgery?

We recommend resting with your foot up for the rest of the day. Keep the large dressing on your toe and keep it dry until your first redressing. If you see any blood come through the dressing, add extra gauze over the top. This will be provided for you at your surgery appointment.

Are you awake during ingrown toenail surgery?

Ingrown toenail surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that involves the use of local anesthesia. Local anesthesia means that the person remains awake, but the doctor numbs the area so that the person cannot feel their toe. Some doctors offer a sedative or twilight anesthesia during the surgery.

How do doctors take out ingrown toenails?

For a slightly ingrown nail, your health care provider may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge, usually in 2 to 12 weeks.


What to expect after ingrown toenail removal?

After partial nail avulsion is performed pain typically improves compared to pre-procedure pain from ingrowing nail. Activity: After partial nail avulsion, patients should avoid physical activity for several days to allow for nail fold to begin healing. Activity may begin after several days, but expect some discomfort.

Do you feel instant relief after ingrown toenail removal?

The relief you feel after the ingrown toenail is gone is incredible and just about immediate. And by the time the anesthetic wears off within a couple of hours, your pain should be pretty much gone. Just like that. Most patients are back at school or work the next day.

How much does it cost to remove an ingrown toenail?

The cost of ingrown toenail treatment can depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition, how many toenails you have, and the region you live in. According to our research, the costs of treating an ingrown toenail range from $190 - $355.


How long does ingrown toenail anesthesia last?

The local anaesthetic usually lasts for about 2 hours. After the procedure you may have some pain and tenderness. When you get home and before the local anaesthetic wears off it is advised to take a simple painkiller and you may need to keep taking these for 24 – 48 hours.

What not to do after ingrown toenail surgery?

Don't wash it on the first day. Pretty much leave it as is after surgery for 24 hours. If your toe is bleeding, do not remove the dressing. Apply additional gauze and bandaids as needed.

How painful is ingrown toenail shot?

Does it hurt? Ingrown toenails can be painful, especially if you press on or around the nail. Some people report that the anesthetic injection before surgery can be painful. But after the injection takes effect and the numbness sets in, you should be comfortable during the procedure.


How long does it take for a toe to heal after toenail removal?

If all of your nail has been removed it will usually take eight to ten weeks to heal. It is normal for the wound to weep. If the toe(s) get VERY red, swollen and painful the wound may have become infected and you may require a prescription of antibiotics from your GP. Please seek medical advice.

What are the risks of ingrown toenail surgery?

Complications from ingrown toenail removal do not occur very often. Potential complications include recurrence, visible narrowing of the nail, thickening or discoloration and infection. Recurrence of an ingrown toenail is probably the number one complication of following surgery.

How long after nail surgery can I shower?

If there is no discharge on a dressing two days in a row and a black scab has formed over the wound then normal showering and bathing can be resumed. You no longer need to salt water bathe the toe(s) and dressings no longer need to be applied.


How do I numb my toe to remove ingrown toenail?

Try a numbing cream or spray. This will not treat any underlying infection, but it can help with the pain if there is a wound. Soak the foot in warm water several times per day. People can also add Epsom salt to help with the pain and swelling.

Can I wear shoes after toenail removal?

You may want to wear open-toed shoes. If wearing closed shoes, make sure they are not too tight. Wear cotton socks. You may need to do this for about 2 weeks.

How should I dress my toe after ingrown toenail surgery?

You may soak the toe in the salt water for 5 minutes instead. 3 Dry gently and thoroughly around the toe without touching the wound. Pat gently rather than rubbing the toe. 4 Cover your toe with the sterile dressing and strap it to your toe with a thin strip of adhesive tape.


Can I drive after ingrown toenail surgery?

No, not until the anaesthetic has worn off. It is also not recommended that you drive any significant distance for the first couple of days after surgery.

How can I make ingrown toenail removal less painful?

Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in warm water to soften the nail tissue. This will relieve tenderness and can reduce swelling. After the soaking, place fresh bits of waxed dental floss or cotton under the edge that has become ingrown (to prevent it from growing back into the skin).