Nail fold plastic surgery

Removal of inflamed soft tissue around the nail. This procedure allows the nail plate to grow along a new, proper path within newly formed nail folds, eliminating pain and inflammation. It provides a permanent solution to the problem of ingrown toenails.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Aside from the initial pinch from the anesthetic injection, the patient does not feel any pain during the treatment.

After the nail fold is surgically removed, stitches are placed and typically removed after about 2 weeks—usually between 10 to 20 days, depending on the individual case. Some pain or discomfort may be experienced for 2 to 5 days following the procedure.

Uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer, history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy within the last 6 months, thromboembolic disease (especially episodes of deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs), blood clotting disorders, a tendency to form keloids or experience abnormal tissue healing, lack of patient motivation or willingness to follow post-op care, as well as pregnancy and breastfeeding, are all contraindications for the procedure.

Three days before the procedure, after the evening bath, the patient should disinfect the toe with the ingrown nail using a designated antiseptic solution. The toe should then be gently covered with a bandage. Depending on the condition of the treatment area, the specialist may also prescribe an antibiotic.

The patient should prepare the necessary products and dressings for post-procedure care until the stitches are removed, including:

• sterile gauze pads (5×5 cm),
• 5 cm wide bandages,
• wound cleansing solution,
• a specialist ointment or cream to support healing.

Hematoma, infection at the surgical site, localized skin necrosis, slow-healing wounds, or lack of the desired outcome are potential complications.

During the healing process, patients may experience hematomas, mild swelling, redness around the stitches, discharge, wound dehiscence, or pain—depending on individual predispositions and sensitivity.

The most important aspects of recovery include changing dressings according to the specialist’s instructions, limiting walking to a minimum, attending a follow-up visit for stitch removal around 14 days after the procedure, strictly following post-operative care guidelines, and undergoing nail growth and nail bed regeneration therapy at a podiatry clinic.

Above all, the dressing applied in the clinic after nail fold plastic surgery should not be removed or exposed to moisture for the first 48 hours. If there is any bleeding through the dressing, an additional layer can be gently added on top. After 48 hours, the dressing may be changed—but only after softening it with a specialist solution. It is essential not to use any products not recommended by the doctor, including hydrogen peroxide or traditional soap, as they can cause pain and irritation around the stitches.

For the first 4–6 days, walking should be significantly limited. In the following days, light movement around the house is allowed, but it is important to avoid wearing full, tight-fitting shoes until the stitches are removed.