Is it painful to have a toenail removed?

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 will toenail removal hurt?

There could be some discomfort during activities within the first week after toenail removal. Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, or lakes during this 1-2 week recovery time.

How long does it take to recover from toenail removal?

You may have some swelling, colour changes, and bloody crusting on or around the wound for 2 or 3 days. This is normal. Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce your chance of infection. The wound should heal within a few weeks.


Does it hurt to walk after 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. This is completely normal and we recommend taking some painkillers if you need to.

How long should you stay off your feet after toenail removal?

What is the recovery time from my surgery? You should keep your foot elevated for a few hours and rest on the day of the surgery; the next day, you can return to work or school. You should refrain from running or vigorous exercise for 2 weeks after the surgery.


Is it Painful to Get an Ingrown Toenail Removed?



Should you stay off your feet after toenail removal?

Rest your foot and avoid moving it. Keep your wound clean and dry.

What to expect after a toenail removal?

If part of your nail has been removed it will usually take six to eight weeks to heal. 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.

How does a podiatrist remove a toenail?

Your foot care doctor injects an anesthetic into the skin around your toe. The doctor then uses a special tool to remove the toenail. Your doctor applies a bandage to the surgical wound.


Can I shower after toenail removal?

Care of Wound Site

Keep wound dry for 24 hours, then remove bandage and shower normally. Cleanse wound gently, allowing soap and water to run over wound, but do not scrub. Keep wound moist with Polysporin ointment or Vaseline, and cover daily with a clean non-stick bandage.

Can I wear shoes after toenail removal?

It is important to dry the toe after soaking and to use sterile gauze for dressing until the wound is healed. The sutures will be removed after seven to ten days. This depends on the speed of wound healing. Shoes should not be used for the first seven to ten days after ingrown toenail surgery.

How long do you have to keep your toe wrapped after a toenail removal?

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. Minor bleeding is normal and nothing to worry about and can be controlled by elevating your foot.


Are you awake for toenail removal?

Whether you're having partial or total nail avulsion, you'll only need a local anaesthetic. You'll be awake and comfortable throughout the surgery.

Can you be put to sleep for toenail removal?

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 you dress after toenail removal?

Place your foot in the water for 2 minutes, then dry the foot thoroughly with a clean towel, avoiding the healing areas on the toe(s). Apply the antiseptic IF advised by your podiatrist and place a new piece of dressing over the wound. Secure with Comfinette® and hold in place with adhesive tape.


Can you live without a toenail?

“Toenails are like our appendix,” Krebsbach says. “They do serve a purpose, but we can live without them.”

How do you prepare for toenail surgery?

To prepare you for surgery, your doctor will first clean and numb your toe with an anesthetic injection. This can be quite uncomfortable. A snug elastic band may be applied to the area near where your toe joins your foot. They may put a wedge under your nail to hold up the ingrown section.

Does removing toenail get rid of fungus?

Outright removing your toenails, however, is the absolute last resort option for treating toenail fungus, and only performed in very rare cases.


Is removing a toenail considered surgery?

Surgery Overview

Surgical nail removal can be done for severe or returning fungal nail infections. The entire nail or only part of the nail can be removed. Surgical nail removal can be done in your doctor's office. Your doctor will give you an injection in the finger or toe to prevent pain.

How long does big toenail removal 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.

How long after toe surgery can I shower?

This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say you can have a shower 48 hours after surgery.


Why does my toe hurt after toenail removal?

There are instances however where one may experience pain after the procedure. This is usually an indication of complications such as an infection especially for those who do not adhere to the home care instructions given by the podiatrist.

What helps toenail removal pain?

After a nail-removal procedure, you can take a pain reliever as needed. It might help to apply a wet compress for a few minutes for a few days, until the swelling has gone down. And rest and elevate the toe for 12 to 24 hours.

When does a toenail need to be removed?

Why Might You Need Toenail Removal? There are several reasons why you might need nail surgery, but the most common one is ingrowing toenails. These occur when the edges of your nails grow into the skin around the nail, causing pain and swelling.


Are you awake during toe surgery?

Local and Regional Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is used to numb a small area, like a toe, while a regional blocks pain in a large area, such as your leg. With both these forms of anesthesia, you remain completely awake, so you can respond to questions and instructions from your foot doctor.

How do you sleep after toe surgery?

By elevating your foot with a propped-up pillow or a bed that can do so for you, you'll notice reduced swelling and discomfort while you sleep. In addition to this, wearing fitted boots or sleeves can provide comfort throughout the night and have you waking up with less discomfort than you went to bed with.