Ingrown toenail Surgery

    A nail is ingrown when it curves down at the sides and grows into the skin. With a partial surgical matricectomy, a section of the toenail and the underlying nail matrix (cells that make the nail) are removed. This can be done through surgical excision, chemical or laser destruction.

Surgical Treatments for Nail Disorders

    If the problem is severe or chronic, surgery to remove all or a portion of the nail may be recommended. Most surgeries are performed very comfortably under local anesthesia, and require less than one hour to perform.

Partial Nail Removal. For some cases of ingrown nails, only the portion of nail that is growing into the skin is removed. If both sides of the nail are ingrown, they may be removed during one procedure. After the affected portion of the nail is taken, the nail bed is removed along with any enlarged tissue adjacent to the nail plate. The nail root and matrix are then destroyed by phenol, surgical removal. Finally, the skin may be remodeled around the nail.

Permanent Nail Removal. Complete removal of the nail plate is a common remedy for fungal infections and ingrown nails. During this procedure, the nail plate is removed and the nail matrix is destroyed by one of two methods:

• Phenol - An acidic chemical called phenol is applied only to the nail matrix. This destroys the growth cells of the nail

• Surgical removal - The nail matrix and bed is cut away. Stitches are usually necessary.