What it is
Subungual hematoma drainage in Korea is a minor medical procedure used to treat a collection of blood trapped beneath the nail plate (usually toenails or fingernails).
This condition typically results from trauma—such as dropping a heavy object on the toe, stubbing it, or repetitive sports-related impact. The trapped blood causes intense pressure, pain, swelling, and dark discoloration of the nail.
→ Drainage relieves pressure, reduces pain, and prevents further nail damage or deformity.
• In Korea, drainage is performed in emergency rooms, dermatology/podiatry clinics, and sports medicine centers.
• Depending on severity, the nail may be trephined (pierced to release blood) or partially removed for more extensive hematomas.
Why it’s done
Patients in Korea undergo subungual hematoma drainage for:
→ Pain relief → The pressure beneath the nail is immediately reduced.
→ Nail preservation → Prevents nail plate separation and loss.
→ Infection prevention → Prevents buildup from becoming a source of bacterial or fungal growth.
→ Faster recovery → Allows return to sports or walking without discomfort.
→ Aesthetic restoration → Helps reduce risk of nail deformity as it regrows.
Alternatives
Other options for managing a subungual hematoma include:
• Observation → Very small, painless hematomas may resolve without intervention.
• Ice and elevation → Applied immediately after trauma to limit bleeding.
• Total nail removal → Reserved for very large hematomas or associated nail bed injuries.
• Laser trephination → Uses CO₂ laser to create a precise drainage hole (increasingly available in Korean clinics).
→ For most cases, simple drainage is sufficient and preferred.
Preparation
Before undergoing subungual hematoma drainage in Korea, preparation includes:
- Clinical evaluation → Doctor assesses the size of the hematoma, pain level, and nail damage.
- X-ray (if needed) → To check for fractures, especially in toe injuries.
- Cleaning and disinfection → The nail and surrounding skin are sterilized.
- Anesthesia → Small hematomas may not require anesthesia; larger ones may need a digital nerve block.
- Patient education → Explanation of aftercare and expected healing.
→ Korean clinics often use digital nail imaging to document nail changes before treatment.
How it’s done
Subungual hematoma drainage in Korea is performed using one of several methods:
- Needle or blade trephination
- A sterile needle or scalpel tip is used to make a tiny hole in the nail.
- Blood drains out immediately, relieving pressure.
- Electrocautery trephination
- A heated wire or cautery tool melts a small hole in the nail plate.
- Quick, precise, and minimizes risk of splitting the nail.
- Laser trephination
- CO₂ or diode laser makes a fine hole for drainage.
- Offers cosmetic precision and reduced infection risk.
- Partial nail avulsion (for large hematomas or nail bed injury)
- Part of the nail plate is lifted to allow full drainage and repair.
→ The procedure takes 5–20 minutes depending on technique.
Recovery
Recovery after subungual hematoma drainage is typically fast:
• Pain relief → Immediate once the pressure is released.
• Bleeding/oozing → May continue for 24–48 hours; dressing is changed daily.
• Healing time → Soft tissue heals in 1–2 weeks; the discolored nail grows out over several months.
• Activity → Patients can walk or use their hand within 1–2 days.
• Nail regrowth → Toenails may take 6–12 months; fingernails 4–6 months to fully replace.
→ Korean aftercare often includes antibiotic ointment, protective dressings, and optional laser scar refinement.
Complication
While generally safe, possible complications include:
- Infection → Rare, prevented by sterile technique and proper wound care.
- Nail deformity → If the nail matrix was injured in the trauma.
- Recurrence → If underlying cause (tight shoes, repetitive sports trauma) is not corrected.
- Bleeding or clotting issues → Higher risk in patients on anticoagulants.
→ In Korea, complications are minimized through advanced drainage tools and close follow-up.
Treatment option in Korea
Korea offers highly advanced subungual hematoma treatments:
→ Dermatology and podiatry clinics → Provide safe and sterile trephination procedures.
→ Laser-assisted drainage → Increasingly popular for precision and cosmetic outcomes.
• Integration with sports medicine → Many Korean athletes receive immediate drainage for trauma-related hematomas.
• Scar and nail care programs → Fractional laser, nail regrowth serums, and hydration therapies to restore nail appearance.
• Medical tourism → Patients often seek Korean clinics for fast, effective, and cosmetically refined nail trauma care.
→ With its efficient drainage techniques, rapid recovery protocols, and cosmetic focus, subungual hematoma drainage in Korea provides immediate pain relief while preserving long-term nail health.
