Recovery from ingrown toenail removal To eliminate reoccurring ingrown toenails, partial or full toenail removal is an effective option. Toenail removal recovery time is short, especially if therapy is initiated early rather than later when the infection has already formed. Knowing what to expect during ingrown toenail removal recovery may help you plan and alleviate any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Your podiatrist may recommend partial or total toenail removal. Toenail removal recovery time is minimal for either therapy.
Recovery from Partial Toenail Removal
Your podiatrist will numb your toe throughout the partial toenail removal procedure, so you experience no pain. The toenail’s precise perimeter is sliced free of the nail bed. Only the nail plate is cut, not the nail bed. The nail bed is then treated with phenol to prevent the nail from growing back.
The recovery period is 2-6 days.
- Your podiatrist will instruct you on how to replace your dressing bandage daily. This will last 2-6 days, depending on how long your discharge lasts. You can shower while wearing your bandage and then change it.
- The pain from ingrown toenail surgery should be less than the agony from the ingrown toenail itself. Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories can be administered to alleviate any superficial pain. In the instance of an infected ingrown toenail removal, antibiotics may be administered.
- Wear sandals, open shoes, or soft shoes with plenty of wiggle room for 2-6 days while your toe heals.
- Normal activities can be resumed after two days of recovery, but keep bandaging in mind if you still need it. During the first week after toenail removal, some discomfort may occur during activities.
- Avoid using hot tubs, swimming pools, or lakes during this healing period.
Recovery from Complete Toenail Removal
Your podiatrist will numb your toe and administer a local pain injection to ensure that you feel no discomfort during the procedure. After the toe has been prepped, the nail plate is separated from the nail bed. As with partial toenail removal, only the nail plate and not the nail bed are removed. The chemical phenol is administered to the entire nail bed to prevent any part of the nail from growing back.
The recovery period is 1-2 weeks.
- Your podiatrist will instruct you on how to replace your dressing bandage daily. Depending on how long your drainage lasts, this will last for 1-2 weeks. You can shower while wearing your bandage and then change it.
- The pain from ingrown toenail surgery should be less than the agony from the ingrown toenail itself. Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories can be administered to alleviate any superficial pain. In the instance of an infected ingrown toenail removal, antibiotics may be administered.
- Wear sandals, open shoes, or soft shoes with plenty of wiggle room for 1-2 weeks while your toe heals.
- Normal activities can be resumed after a few days of recovery, but keep bandaging. During the first week after toenail removal, some discomfort may occur during activities.
- During this 1-2 week healing period, avoid using hot tubs, swimming pools, or lakes.
Your podiatrist will review what to bring for ingrown toenail removal and what to expect after treatment.
Ingrown toenail surgery is quite efficient at preventing the recurrence of ingrown toenails. Seek advice from a podiatrist to choose the best approach for you!