Nail surgery.
A permanent solution for ingrown toenails.
Performed under local anaesthetic, with the toe completely numb throughout. We start with a thorough assessment, and surgery only goes ahead when it's the right option for you.
What is nail surgery?
Nail surgery is a minor outpatient procedure used to treat painful, problematic or recurrently ingrown toenails. It is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the toe is completely numb throughout, you will feel pressure but no pain.
At Stratford Foot Clinic, we don't rush anyone into surgery. Every patient begins with an assessment appointment where we examine the nail, review your medical history, and discuss your options. Surgery only takes place when it's clinically appropriate and you're fully comfortable with the plan.
Three approaches, one goal
Depending on the nature and severity of your nail problem, we may recommend one of three procedures. The right approach is agreed with you at your assessment.
Trimming or reshaping the nail edge under local anaesthetic to relieve pressure and pain without removing nail tissue permanently. Suitable for less severe cases.
Removal of one or both edges of the nail under local anaesthetic. Phenol is applied to the nail matrix to permanently prevent regrowth of the problematic edge. The most common procedure for ingrown toenails.
Complete removal of the nail under local anaesthetic, with phenol applied to prevent regrowth. Recommended for severely damaged, thickened or fungally infected nails where partial removal is insufficient.
Phenolisation, in both PNA and TNA procedures, we apply phenol to the nail matrix after removal. This destroys the cells responsible for nail regrowth, providing a permanent solution and significantly reducing the chance of recurrence.
Assessment to healed, four stages
Your first appointment is a thorough assessment, not surgery. We examine the nail and surrounding tissue, review your medical history and any medications, and discuss the procedure options in detail. If surgery is appropriate and you're happy to proceed, we book your surgery appointment.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, two small injections into the toe which numb it completely within minutes. You will feel pressure and movement during the procedure but no pain. The procedure itself takes around 30–45 minutes. You'll walk out of the clinic the same day.
Included in your package. We check wound healing, redress the toe, and give you clear guidance on aftercare and what to expect over the coming weeks. Most patients return to normal footwear within a few weeks depending on the procedure.
A further review appointment once the nail has fully healed, included in your package where needed. We confirm the outcome, check the nail bed, and ensure you're fully recovered.
Who is nail surgery suitable for?
Nail surgery is suitable for patients with recurrently ingrown toenails, nails causing persistent pain or infection, or those who have tried conservative treatment without lasting relief. It is a well-established and highly effective procedure.
Suitability is always confirmed at your assessment appointment. We will ask about your medical history, current medications and any relevant health conditions. Patients on blood-thinning medication, or with certain other medical conditions, may require additional consideration, this is all discussed at assessment.
Not sure if surgery is right for you? Book an assessment and we'll give you an honest clinical opinion. There's no obligation to proceed, and we'll always explore conservative options first if appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
The local anaesthetic injections cause a brief stinging sensation, this is usually the most uncomfortable part. Once the toe is numb (within a few minutes), you will feel nothing during the procedure itself. Some soreness afterwards once the anaesthetic wears off is normal and easily managed with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
Most patients return to normal footwear within 2–4 weeks depending on the procedure. The wound typically heals fully within 6–8 weeks. We provide clear written aftercare instructions and are available to answer questions throughout your recovery.
For PNA and TNA procedures with phenol application, the treated portion of nail is permanently prevented from regrowing. Success rates are very high, the vast majority of patients experience no recurrence. For nail resection, the nail does regrow and ongoing management may be needed.
Yes, you will walk out of the clinic the same day. We recommend wearing open-toed or loose-fitting footwear to your appointment. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days, and keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed.
No, and that's deliberate. Your first appointment is always an assessment: we examine the nail, review your history and agree the right option together, with no obligation to proceed. Surgery is only booked once you're happy with the plan. No referral is needed.