The Healing Process: What to Expect After Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common and effective treatment to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by ingrown toenails. If you’re preparing for this procedure or have recently undergone surgery, understanding the healing process can help you manage expectations and promote a smooth recovery. Please keep reading to find out more about the healing process after ingrown toenail surgery.

What to Expect After Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenail surgery typically involves removing part or all of the affected toenail under local anaesthetic, which some people call “freezing.” When performed by a trained podiatrist, the procedure is usually quick, straightforward, and often completed within 10 to 20 minutes.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

Right after surgery, your toe will be bandaged, and you may experience some pain and swelling. It’s important to keep the dressing intact for the first day to protect the wound and reduce the risk of infection. You should keep your foot elevated above heart level as much as possible after your surgery for the remainder of the day. The next day you will remove the dressing and start covering with a standard bandaid for 3 weeks. 

Pain Management and Foot Care

Your podiatrist may recommend over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage discomfort. Soaking your foot in warm water with Epsom salts twice a day can also soothe pain and help reduce infection. it is important to soak twice a day for 3 weeks, then cover with anti biotic ointment and a bandaid. 

Activity and Footwear

You can usually resume most normal activities within a couple of days after ingrown toenail surgery, but strenuous activities such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting should be limited for 2 to 3 weeks to allow full healing. You will not be able to enter a public swimming pool or hot tub for 3 weeks. Wearing loose-fitting or open-toed shoes during this time helps avoid pressure on the toe and promotes comfort.

Monitoring for Complications

Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatrist promptly.

Long-Term Healing and Prevention

If only part of the nail was removed, it may take 3 to 4 months for the nail to regrow fully. In cases of total nail removal, regrowth can take up to a year, and sometimes the nail may not grow back at all. In Calgary, Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic offers a two-year guarantee against ingrown toenail regrowth after any ingrown toenail surgery. With such assurance, why not contact us today? We are situated in Northwest Calgary and offer podiatry appointments, including ingrown toenail surgery, four days a week. Call today for expert podiatric care from Dr. Ian Russell, a Board-Certified podiatric surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS).