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Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenail surgery offers permanent relief from painful and infected ingrown toenails. This quick, effective, and minimally invasive procedure is performed in our clinic using local anaesthetic, ensuring a pain-free experience.

What is Toenail Surgery

Toenail surgery might seem daunting, but at Ingrown Toenail Solutions, we utilise minimally invasive techniques to deliver permanent solutions for ingrown toenails. We recommend surgery when conservative treatments fail to relieve severe pain or infection.

Our podiatrists typically perform a partial nail avulsion (PNA), removing only the ingrown section of the nail under local anaesthetic.

What Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Involve?

Ingrown toenail surgery is a pain-free procedure performed under local anaesthetic. It usually takes 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity.

Procedure Steps:

  1. Removal of Ingrown Nail: A small sliver of the toenail causing pain is removed. You may only feel some pressure during this step.

  2. Chemical Application: A chemical is applied to destroy the nail matrix (nail-growing cells), preventing regrowth and future pain. Rarely, cells may regenerate.

  3. Antiseptic and Dressing: An antiseptic is applied, and the toe is dressed with medical-grade materials. You will receive a dressing kit with re-dressing instructions.

You can go home immediately after the procedure without needing time off work or school. Moonboots or wound care shoes are not required.

Post-Surgery Follow-Up:

A follow-up appointment is scheduled within 7 days to ensure proper healing. Regular check-ups will monitor progress and address any complications.

Recovery Time:

Recovery from toenail surgery can take between two weeks to two months, influenced by:

  • Severity of the ingrown toenail

  • Quality of blood flow to the toes

  • Post-operative care

  • Presence of infection

Where is Ingrown Toenail Surgery available?

Ingrown Toenail Surgery is available at selected Ingrown Toenail Solutions clinics across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.

Our team can help you find the most convenient clinic for your assessment and treatment plan, whether you are based in Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central, or Bethlehem.

Podiatrist pricing and availability

Pricing for Ingrown Toenail Surgery can vary depending on your consultation, whether one or both sides of the nail need treatment, whether multiple toes are involved, and whether follow-up podiatry care is required.

Your Ingrown Toenail Solutions clinician will assess the severity of the ingrown toenail, explain whether surgery is the most appropriate option, and guide you through the treatment plan, aftercare, and recovery expectations.

To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:

Ingrown Toenail Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions

What is ingrown toenail surgery?

Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor podiatry procedure performed under local anaesthetic to remove the section of nail that is growing into the skin. It is designed to relieve pain, reduce infection risk, and prevent the problem from recurring.

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery is recommended when the ingrown toenail is recurrent or severe, when conservative treatments such as nail bracing, trimming, or padding have not worked, when there is infection or repeated inflammation, or when pain is interfering with walking or daily activities.

What happens during the procedure?

After the toe is numbed with local anaesthetic, the podiatrist removes the ingrown portion of the nail. At Ingrown Toenail Solutions, 10% sodium hydroxide is used to treat the nail root, helping prevent the treated section from growing back and making the procedure a long-term solution.

Is the procedure painful?

No. The toe is fully numbed with a local anaesthetic before the procedure. Most patients only feel pressure during the surgery and mild discomfort afterwards, which can usually be managed with simple pain relief.

How long does it take?

The surgery usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes per toe. You will usually be able to walk out of the clinic the same day in open-toed or loose footwear.

What is the recovery time?

Most patients can return to normal activities within a couple of days, although the toe will need to be kept clean and dressed while it heals. Full recovery usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on healing, aftercare, and whether infection was present beforehand.

Is ingrown toenail surgery permanent?

Yes. The use of sodium hydroxide on the nail root is designed to stop the treated section of nail from growing back. This provides a permanent solution for most patients.

Is it safe for diabetics or high-risk patients?

Yes. Ingrown toenail surgery is safe for most people, including many patients with diabetes, provided circulation and healing capacity are suitable. Your podiatrist will carry out a full assessment before recommending the procedure.

How much does ingrown toenail surgery cost?

The cost depends on whether one or both sides of the nail are treated and whether more than one toe is involved. Pricing is explained before treatment begins, and patients can also view the podiatry price list or contact reception for more information.

Where can I get ingrown toenail surgery?

Ingrown Toenail Surgery is available at selected Foot Foundation clinics across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.

10,000+

Appointments delivered across our clinics, helping patients improve foot health, mobility, and long-term outcomes.

7 Clinics

Conveniently located across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, making it easy to access a podiatrist near you.

30+ Treatments

Comprehensive podiatry services including fungal nail care, ingrown toenail treatment, rehabilitation, and general foot care.

Book Your Ingrown Toenail Surgery Appointment Today

Ingrown Toenail Solutions provides specialist Ingrown Toenail Surgery for painful, infected, or recurring ingrown toenails that have not improved with conservative care. This quick, minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to provide lasting relief and help prevent the problem from returning.

You will receive expert podiatry care, a clear assessment of your toenail condition, and a tailored treatment plan with aftercare guidance to support healing and recovery.