Lower Limb Clinic
    Specialist Treatment • 600+ Reviews

    Nail Surgery

    Permanent solution for painful ingrown toenails. Minor surgery performed under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime.

    What is Nail Surgery?

    Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. While mild cases can often be managed conservatively, recurring or severe ingrown nails may require a minor surgical procedure for permanent resolution.

    At Lower Limb Clinic, we perform partial nail avulsion (PNA) under local anaesthetic—a straightforward procedure that removes the problematic section of nail and prevents it from growing back. With a 98% success rate, this is the gold-standard treatment for persistent ingrown toenails.

    Common Symptoms

    • Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
    • Redness and swelling around the nail
    • Infection with pus or discharge
    • Overgrown skin (hypergranulation tissue)
    • Difficulty wearing shoes
    • Recurring ingrown nail problems

    Common Causes

    • Incorrect nail cutting technique
    • Tight-fitting footwear
    • Trauma to the toe
    • Naturally curved or thick nails
    • Genetic predisposition
    • Fungal nail infections

    Our Treatment Approach

    Nail surgery is a minor procedure performed in our clinic under local anaesthetic. The toe is completely numbed so you won't feel any pain during the procedure, which typically takes 30-45 minutes.

    Partial Nail Avulsion: We remove only the problematic section of nail (usually 2-3mm from the edge) and apply phenol to the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. This preserves the natural appearance of your nail while permanently solving the ingrown nail problem.

    Total Nail Avulsion: In rare cases where the entire nail is problematic, we may recommend removing the whole nail. This is only suggested when absolutely necessary.

    What to Expect

    1

    Pre-Surgery Assessment

    We'll examine your nail, discuss your medical history, and explain the procedure in detail. This may be done at a separate appointment or on the day.

    2

    Local Anaesthetic

    The toe is numbed using local anaesthetic injections. You may feel a brief sting, but the toe will be completely numb within minutes.

    3

    Nail Removal

    The ingrown section is carefully removed and phenol is applied to prevent regrowth. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes once the area is numb.

    4

    Dressing & Aftercare

    A sterile dressing is applied. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and all the dressings you need for the healing period.

    5

    Follow-Up Appointments

    We'll see you at 2-3 days, then again at 1-2 weeks to monitor healing and change dressings if needed. Full healing typically takes 4-6 weeks.

    "I suffered with ingrown toenails for years, having them cut back repeatedly. The nail surgery was quick and painless, and I've had no problems since. Should have done it years ago!"

    David T.

    Treated for: Recurring Ingrown Toenails

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Nail Surgery at Lower Limb Clinic.

    Find Your Nearest Clinic

    Get Nail Surgery at our clinic, conveniently located in East Belfast

    Lisburn Road Clinic

    385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP

    Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat: 9am-1pm

    Ormeau Road Clinic

    373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP

    Newcastle Clinic

    1 Shimna Road, BT33 0AS

    We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.

    Book Your Assessment

    • 45-60 minute appointments
    • No referral needed
    • 600+ 5-star reviews
    Book Online028 9013 9185

    Treatment Benefits

    • Permanent solution (98% success rate)
    • Quick procedure (30-45 minutes)
    • Performed under local anaesthetic
    • Minimal scarring and natural appearance
    • Same-day treatment available
    • Full aftercare support included