When Is Nail Surgery Necessary? A Guide to Common Conditions

Here at Harley Street Fungal Nail Laser Treatment & Foot Clinic London, we frequently see patients who are not sure if their nail condition really needs surgery. Understandably, "surgery" on the nail sounds scary — but for many routine foot issues, it's the best, safest option when non-surgical treatments have not worked.

Nail surgery in London is usually a minor operation under local anaesthetic, and it's much less painful than individuals anticipate. So, when do we ever suggest it?

● Recurring Ingrown Toenails

The most frequent reason that we do nail surgery is for ingrowing toenails that persistently recur. If you have attempted soaking, antibiotics, or clipping methods with no lasting relief, operation may be required. We usually perform a partial nail avulsion (PNA), which involves taking out a small piece of the nail edge that's bothering you. In most instances, we use a chemical known as phenol to inhibit regrowth at that particular area, which effectively lowers the probability of it returning.

● Fungal Infections That Don't Respond to Treatment

When oral and topical antifungal treatments don't work — and the nail is thickened, deformed, or painful — surgery could be the next option. In such instances, cutting out the infected nail might enable the antifungal medication to penetrate the nail bed more easily or permit the site to recover without the nail growing back. This is particularly useful when fungal infections have persisted for over a year or occurred in several nails.

Trauma to the nail, for example, by dropping something heavy on your toe or repetitive trauma from ill-fitting shoes, can cause thickened or curved nails that grow into the skin. When the nail fails to heal itself or persistently causes pain, surgical excision is likely to be the most effective long-term solution.

● Nail Tumours or Cysts

While rare, nail bed cysts or growths underneath the nail may also require removal for proper diagnosis and treatment. We’ll always evaluate any suspicious lesion through clinical examination and, if needed, refer for a biopsy to rule out more serious conditions.

Our podiatrists at our clinic thoroughly evaluate each patient prior to surgical recommendations. We explain all treatment options, detail what to expect from recovery, and make you feel at ease throughout the process. We value minimally invasive techniques and pain-free, sterile procedures.

So, do you need nail surgery in London? If you've been suffering from chronic nail pain, infection, or deformity, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. As a top provider of London nail surgery, Harley Street Fungal Nail Laser Treatment & Foot Clinic London can assist you in getting back on your feet — comfortably and confidently.