Ingrown nails, also known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of the nail grows into the skin surrounding the nail, causing pain, inflammation, and even infection. If left untreated, ingrown nails can become a chronic problem and may require nail surgery to correct.
Here is an article by Dr. Shewta Panneerselvam, a dermatologist in Indiranagar gives full guide on how to treat ingrown nails with nail surgery.
What is nail surgery?
Nail surgery is a type of procedure that is used to treat various problems with the nails, including ingrown nails. There are several different types of nail surgery, including avulsion, partial nail avulsion, and matrixectomy.
There are several different types of nail surgery that can be used to treat ingrown nails:
- Avulsion: This procedure involves removing the entire nail and the tissue under it. It is usually performed if the ingrown nail is severe or if it has caused an infection. Avulsion is a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire nail and the tissue under it. It is usually performed if the ingrown nail is severe or if it has caused an infection.
The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic using local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the nail. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin around the ingrown nail. They will then carefully remove the nail and the tissue under it. The incision will be closed with stitches, and a bandage will be applied to the wound.
After the procedure, the affected area may be wrapped in a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean. The bandage will need to be changed regularly according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Partial nail avulsion: Partial nail avulsion is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the nail and the tissue under it. It is usually performed if the ingrown nail is not severe and if it has not caused an infection.
The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic using local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the nail. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin around the ingrown nail. They will then carefully remove part of the nail and the tissue under it. The incision will be closed with stitches, and a bandage will be applied to the wound.
After the procedure, the affected area may be wrapped in a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean. The bandage will need to be changed regularly according to your doctor’s instructions.
- Matrixectomy: This procedure involves removing the matrix, or the part of the nail that produces new nail cells. It is usually performed if the ingrown nail is chronic and if it has not responded to other treatments.
Matrixectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the matrix, or the part of the nail that produces new nail cells. It is usually performed if the ingrown nail is chronic and if it has not responded to other treatments.
The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic using local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the nail. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin around the ingrown nail. They will then carefully remove the matrix, which is located under the cuticle at the base of the nail. The incision will be closed with stitches, and a bandage will be applied to the wound.
After the procedure, the affected area may be wrapped in a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean. The bandage will need to be changed regularly according to your doctor’s instructions.
How is nail surgery performed?
Nail surgery is usually performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. Here are the steps involved in nail surgery:
- The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area around the nail.
- The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin around the ingrown nail.
- The nail and tissue under it are removed, if necessary.
- The incision is closed with stitches.
- A bandage is applied to the wound.
- The affected area may be wrapped in a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean.
- The patient is given instructions for post-surgery care, including taking any prescribed medications and keeping the wound clean and dry.
- The bandage will need to be changed regularly according to the doctor’s instructions.
- The patient should avoid activities that could put pressure on the affected nail.
- The recovery process after nail surgery varies depending on the type of procedure that was performed, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.
What is the recovery process like?
The recovery process after nail surgery varies depending on the type of procedure that was performed. In general, you can expect to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising around the affected area. You may also experience some redness and drainage from the wound.
To help manage pain and swelling, your doctor may prescribe pain medication and recommend that you elevate your foot. You should also avoid activities that put pressure on the affected nail, such as walking or standing for long periods of time.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the wound, including how to keep it clean and how to change the bandage. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection.
Dr. Shewta P states that, “Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days after nail surgery. However, it may take several weeks for the nail to fully grow back, depending on the type of procedure that was performed”.
Conclusion
Ingrown nails can be a painful and annoying problem, but they can often be treated with conservative measures such as soaking the affected area in warm water and wearing properly fitting shoes. However, if these measures are not effective or if the ingrown nail is severe or chronic, nail surgery may be necessary.
Nail surgery can be performed to remove the entire nail, part of the nail, or the matrix, depending on the severity of the ingrown nail. The recovery process after nail surgery varies depending on the type of procedure that was performed, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days.