An ingrown toenail - is a common condition in which the corner or side of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. This causes pain, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes infection. It most commonly occurs on the big toe, but any toe can be affected. This condition often occurs when people cut their toenails by rounding the corner of the nail.
When should I see a doctor about an ingrown toenail?
- Pain and tenderness;
- Swelling and redness;
- Pus;
- Bleeding.
Useful information about ingrown toenail removal
How should I prepare for ingrown toenail removal?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to best prepare. It is recommended that you avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants for several days before the procedure, as these can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is also necessary to inform your doctor before the planned surgery if you smoke, take medication, or suffer from arterial hypertension, blood clotting disorders, or endocrine system diseases.
What happens during ingrown toenail removal?
Depending on your goals and your doctor's recommendations, partial nail removal or complete nail and tissue removal may be performed. The doctor will mark the planned incision sites with a special skin marker. Local anesthetics will be injected into the surgical site so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. The doctor will then use a scalpel to make an incision, during which the nail will be partially or completely removed, and the wound will be covered with a bandage. During the operation, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure in the area of the incisions.
How long does it take to remove an ingrown toenail?
Ingrown toenail surgery takes 10-20 minutes.
What happens after ingrown toenail removal?
After the surgery, the doctor may monitor you for 15-30 minutes to make sure you do not experience any side effects, including bleeding, dizziness, nausea, or an allergic reaction.
After the surgery, the following is recommended:
- Wound dressings;
- Medication for pain relief.
These recommendations must be discussed in detail with the doctor who performed the surgery. The doctor will also schedule a follow-up appointment approximately one week after the surgery to evaluate the results.
What are the side effects or complications of ingrown toenail removal?
Like any intervention, ingrown toenail surgery carries certain risks. Complications that may arise include:
- Redness, swelling, and pain;
- Bleeding;
- Infection;
- Skin sensitivity issues;
- Scars.
The risk of complications is increased by smoking, obesity, diabetes, endocrine system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases.
What is the healing period after surgery?
The healing period depends on your overall health and the healing process. It is likely that healing after ingrown toenail surgery will take 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, you will be able to engage in your daily activities, but you may experience slight discomfort. To promote faster healing and avoid complications, you should follow your doctor's instructions.
Is ingrown toenail removal painful?
On the day of the operation, you may feel slight discomfort, which should disappear after 12-24 hours.
When should I see my doctor after the operation?
It is recommended that you have a follow-up consultation with your doctor approximately one week after the ingrown toenail operation.
