Surgery:

In-Growing Toenail - Partial Nail Ablation

The foot surgery that has been performed (under a local anaesthetic) is called a partial (or total) nail ablation. The operation has carefully removed either one or more small pieces of nail, or the whole nail, from your toe(s) for the treatment of in-grown toenail. The nail bed has been carefully destroyed (ablated) with the chemical phenol.

To heal well your toe(s) will need rest and elevation, particularly in the first 24 hours. Keep the first dressing in place overnight. Then each day soak the foot in warm, salty water and apply a light dressing after drying. You will need to do this for usually 3 weeks (partial) and 5 to 7 weeks (total).

PLEASE DO NOT:

Use too hot water - if the toe(s) hurt the water is too hot
Soak for more than 2-3 minutes
Drive for 24 hours

PARTIAL NAIL ABLATION	TOTAL NAIL ABLATION
Most activity and sports can be resumed as normal within 48 hours.	Most activity and sports can be resumed as normal within 2-3 days. However vigorous activity should be avoided for longer until the toe feels comfortable.
Activity where the foot is likely to get wet for long periods, such as swimming, should be avoided for about 10 days.	Activity where the foot is likely to get wet for long periods, such as swimming, should be avoided until the site is completely dry.
When your foot settles be as active as the foot will allow.
Use your normal painkillers if necessary.

During the healing process some discharge is expected from the procedure site as essentially the area is recovering from a chemical burn (phenol). However if this discharge becomes thick and very sore then it is advisable to seek advice from Mr Jones/your GP. If antibiotics are required a prescription will be needed from your GP or a clinical visit to Mr Jones.

The procedure site will dry out gradually. Once it has dried completely then the toe no longer needs to be covered by a dressing.

Healing of a total nail ablation will take longer than a partial nail ablation. Therefore you can expect the site to leak and require dressing for at least 6 weeks.

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS

When a fuller understanding of the foot mechanics is necessary a full biomechanical examination or a gait analysis may be recommended.

Both of these procedures can now be carried out in our practice.