Overview
Surgery for ingrowing toenail (adult) is a medical procedure to treat a painful toenail that grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition, also called onychocryptosis, is common in adults and can interfere with walking, wearing shoes, and daily activities.
In Korea, this surgery is performed in specialized podiatry, dermatology, or orthopedic centers, using modern minimally invasive and partial nail removal techniques to ensure pain relief, infection control, and fast recovery.
What is Surgery for Ingrowing Toenail (Adult)?
Ingrowing toenail surgery involves removing part or all of the toenail that is growing abnormally into the skin and sometimes destroying the nail matrix to prevent recurrence.
Common surgical approaches include:
- ✦ Partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy: removal of the affected nail portion and application of chemical (phenol) to prevent regrowth.
- ➤ Complete nail avulsion: removal of the entire toenail for severe cases.
- ✦ Wedge resection: small section of nail and nail fold removed to relieve pressure.
- ➤ Minimally invasive techniques: small incisions, local anesthesia, and careful tissue preservation for faster healing.
The goal is to relieve pain, prevent infection, and reduce recurrence risk.
What are the Benefits?
Surgery for ingrowing toenail provides several advantages:
✅ Immediate relief from pain and swelling.
➤ Resolves chronic infection caused by nail penetration into the skin.
✦ Prevents recurrence with matrixectomy techniques.
➤ Minimally invasive options reduce trauma and allow faster healing.
✅ Improves mobility and quality of life by allowing normal footwear use and activity.
✦ High success rate when performed by experienced podiatrists or surgeons.
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for Surgery for Ingrowing Toenail (Adult)?
Preparation steps include:
- ✦ Medical evaluation: review of medical history, medications (especially blood thinners), allergies, and prior toenail problems.
- ➤ Foot hygiene: soak and clean the affected foot to reduce infection risk.
- ✦ Medication adjustments: stop anticoagulants or other medications affecting bleeding if advised.
- ➤ Consent and counseling: discussion of procedure, anesthesia (usually local), risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.
- ✦ Foot protection: wear loose-fitting footwear and avoid trauma before surgery.
- ➤ Optional antibiotics: sometimes prescribed if infection is present.
2) What happens during the procedure Surgery for Ingrowing Toenail (Adult)?
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia:
➤ Step 1: The toe is numbed using a local anesthetic block.
✦ Step 2: The affected portion of the nail is carefully removed.
➤ Step 3: If matrixectomy is performed, chemical (phenol) or other methods are applied to prevent regrowth.
✦ Step 4: The wound is cleaned, minor bleeding controlled, and a sterile dressing applied.
➤ Step 5: The toe may be lightly bandaged and elevated to minimize swelling.
✦ Step 6: Patient is monitored briefly before discharge; procedure is typically outpatient.
Minimally invasive techniques in Korea minimize pain, reduce tissue damage, and shorten healing time.
3) What happens after Surgery for Ingrowing Toenail (Adult)?
Postoperative care includes:
- ✦ Monitoring: check for bleeding, pain, or signs of infection.
- ➤ Pain management: over-the-counter or prescribed analgesics as needed.
- ✦ Wound care: keep toe clean, dry, and change dressing as instructed.
- ➤ Activity guidance: limit strenuous walking or exercise for a few days; elevate foot to reduce swelling.
- ✦ Follow-up: review of healing, removal of sutures if used, and assessment of nail regrowth.
- ➤ Shoewear advice: wear loose, comfortable shoes to prevent pressure on the healing toe.
Full recovery usually occurs within 2–4 weeks, depending on procedure type and patient compliance.
Risks / Benefits
Potential Risks:
- ✦ Infection at the surgical site.
- ➤ Bleeding or delayed wound healing.
- ✦ Mild pain or tenderness for several days.
- ➤ Recurrence if matrixectomy is incomplete.
- ✦ Rare nerve injury causing temporary numbness in the toe.
Benefits:
- ✅ Rapid relief of pain and swelling.
- ✅ Resolves chronic infection and prevents complications.
- ✅ Minimally invasive with short recovery time.
- ✅ Reduces risk of recurrence with matrixectomy.
- ✅ Allows normal footwear use and daily activity.
Recovery and Outlook
Recovery after ingrowing toenail surgery generally includes:
- ➤ Hospital stay: outpatient procedure, discharged the same day.
- ✦ Pain management: mild discomfort controlled with medication.
- ➤ Wound care and hygiene: essential for infection prevention.
- ✦ Activity: light walking immediately; avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks.
- ➤ Long-term outcome: majority of patients experience complete symptom resolution, prevention of recurrence, and improved foot function.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
⚠ Severe pain, swelling, or redness not relieved by medication.
⚠ Pus, foul odor, or other signs of infection.
⚠ Excessive bleeding from the surgical site.
⚠ Difficulty walking beyond expected recovery period.
⚠ Recurrence of ingrowing toenail symptoms.
Best Korea Option / Process
Korea provides world-class surgery for ingrowing toenails with:
- ✦ Expert podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons skilled in partial and complete nail avulsion.
- ➤ Minimally invasive techniques for fast recovery and reduced pain.
- ✦ Outpatient procedures for convenience and quick return to normal life.
- ➤ Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care including wound management, infection prevention, and follow-up.
- ✦ Safe and effective procedures for international and domestic patients.
- ➤ Multidisciplinary support including nursing, physiotherapy, and counseling to optimize recovery.
Korea ensures patients receive safe, precise, and effective treatment for ingrowing toenails with minimal complications and excellent long-term outcomes.
Highlights of Surgery for Ingrowing Toenail (Adult) in Korea
- ✅ Minimally invasive techniques for fast recovery.
- ➤ High success rate with low recurrence.
- ✦ Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge.
- ➤ Pain relief, infection control, and restored mobility.
- ✅ Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care for optimal outcomes.
