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Expert Nail Surgery At Harley Medical Foot and Nail Clinic
Nail surgery is a minor, minimally invasive procedure carried out under local anaesthetic to address persistent nail problems such as ingrown toenails, fungal, damaged, thickened or deformed nails.
Depending on the condition, the treatment may involve removal of the problematic portion of the nail (partial avulsion) or the entire nail (total avulsion) and, if required, chemical treatment of the nail root (matrix) to prevent recurrence.
What’s Included
- Thorough clinical assessment of your nail condition (fungal infection, ingrowing edge, trauma, thickening) and your medical history.
- We also assess your footwear, foot measurements and biomechanics, as these factors can contribute to nail trauma, persistent thickening, pressure-related damage and environments that encourage fungal infection. Correcting these issues helps reduce recurrence and supports healthier long-term nail growth.
- Local anaesthesia of the toe/finger to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.
- Nail avulsion (partial or total) as indicated, and if needed chemical matrixectomy (e.g., application of phenol) to reduce regrowth and recurrence.
- After-care instructions, wound dressings and follow-up advice to support healing, return to normal activities and minimize the risk of complications.
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What to Expect During Your Appointment
- Arrival and registration, followed by a consultation to confirm suitability, review medications/health, and mark the site.
- Local anaesthetic injections at the toe/finger base; you may feel a quick sting but should be comfortable thereafter.
- The procedure typically takes around 30-120 minutes (varies by complexity and the quantity of nails being removed) and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
- You’ll leave with a dressing in place, and instructions to rest for the remainder of the day, avoid undue pressure or tight footwear, and keep the area clean and dry.
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Benefits for the Patient
- Relief of pain, swelling or infection caused by ingrown or deformed nails.
- Reduction in recurrence of the condition by treating the root cause—not just the visible nail.
- Improved ability to wear normal shoes, walk comfortably, and return to daily activities faster.
- Enhanced nail appearance (when partial avulsion), or elimination of a chronically problematic nail (in total removal cases) to restore foot/hand comfort and hygiene.
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Conditions We Commonly Treat
- Ingrown toenails (where the nail edge grows into the skin and can cause pain/infection)
- Fungal or thickened/discoloured nails that have failed conservative treatments, or when surgery is required as part of a multi-modal plan.
- Nail deformities or trauma(ed) nails (e.g., severely damaged or misshapen nails) where removal and renewal is clinically appropriate.