Does the injection hurt?

The injection is similar to a dental numbing shot. It stings for about 10-20 seconds, after which you will feel absolutely no pain during the surgery.

Can I eat before the surgery?

Yes. Because it is performed under local anaesthetic and you remain awake, you can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

Will my nail look weird afterwards?

If you have a Partial Nail Avulsion, the nail will simply look slightly narrower. Most people find it looks much better because the redness and swelling are gone.

How long will I be off work?

Most people can return to work the following day, provided they can wear a comfortable, loose shoe or sandal.

No. Your toe will be completely numb and in a bulky dressing, making it unsafe to drive. Please arrange for a lift or a taxi.

What happens if I don't have the surgery?

Ingrown nails rarely fix themselves. Without surgery, the infection can spread to the bone (osteomyelitis) or lead to permanent scarring and deformity.

Is the procedure available for children?

Yes, ingrown nails are common in teenagers. Our surgeons are very experienced in treating younger patients and making them feel at ease.

How long does the anaesthetic last?

Typically 2 to 3 hours. We recommend taking a standard over-the-counter painkiller before the numbness wears off.

Will I need antibiotics after?

Usually not. Removing the nail sliver and using phenol typically clears the source of infection, though your surgeon will advise based on your specific case.

Is nail surgery permanent?

Yes, the use of phenol is designed to permanently stop the growth of the problematic section of the nail.

Home Treatments Orthopaedic SurgeryIngrown Toenail Surgery

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Ingrown Toenail Surgery in Rotherham

CQC Good RatedConsultant-Led CareAll-Inclusive PricingNo GP Referral0% Finance Available

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our specialist podiatric surgeons provide rapid, effective nail surgery to patients from across Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham. The procedure is a simple day-case minor operation designed to stop the pain for good.

Medically Reviewed By

Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17

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0% finance over 12 months, find out more

Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor, permanent procedure to remove the part of the nail piercing the skin. Performed under local anaesthetic, the surgeon uses a chemical called phenol to stop the problematic section of the nail from regrowing, eliminating pain and recurring infections. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive ingrown toenail surgery services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.

Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that foot-and-ankle conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.

Is Surgery Necessary?

Nail surgery is the 'Gold Standard' when conservative treatments fail. You should consider it if:
• You have had more than two infections in the same toe within a year.
• The pain is so severe it prevents you from wearing shoes or playing sports.
• You have 'involution' (pincer nails) where the nail curls deeply into the skin.
• Antibiotics only provide temporary relief before the pain returns.

Fixed-Price Nail Surgery

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing for one or both toes
Covers the surgical procedure and all clinical materials
Includes initial dressings and a comprehensive aftercare pack
No hidden costs for the chemical ablation (phenolisation)
Follow-up appointments included to ensure perfect healing

Permanent Solutions for Nail Pain

Nail surgery at Kinvara is typically performed using a technique called Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA). Unlike 'bathroom surgery' or simple trimming, this is a clinical procedure that addresses the root cause.

During the procedure, only the narrow sliver of nail that is causing the problem is removed. If the entire nail is diseased or deformed, a Total Nail Avulsion (TNA) may be recommended. The key to our high success rate is the application of Phenol, a chemical that cauterizes the nail matrix (the growth cells), preventing that specific section of nail from ever growing back.

At a Glance

Total Appointment

60 Minutes

Anaesthetic

Local Anaesthetic

Hospital Stay

Outpatient / Day Case

Pain Level

Painless (after injection)

Success Rate

95% - 98%

Full Healing

4 - 6 weeks

Benefits of This Procedure

Provides a permanent cure for chronic ingrown toenails
Performed under local anaesthetic, meaning no need to fast
Quick procedure with minimal downtime - return to work in 24-48 hours
Eliminates the need for repeated courses of antibiotics
Improves the cosmetic appearance of a deformed or thickened nail
High patient satisfaction with immediate relief from throbbing pain

The Procedure

The procedure is straightforward and designed for patient comfort.

1
A local anaesthetic is injected into the base of the toe to make it completely numb.
2
The toe is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and a small tourniquet is applied.
3
The offending piece of nail (or the whole nail) is carefully lifted and removed.
4
Phenol is applied to the exposed nail bed to prevent regrowth.
5
The chemical is neutralized, the tourniquet removed, and a large protective dressing is applied.
6
You are monitored for a short time before being allowed to go home (wearing a wide sandal).

Post-Operative Care

Recovery Timeline

First 24 Hours

Keep your foot elevated. Do not remove the original dressing.

Day 2-7

Redressing starts. You may be asked to perform salt-water foot soaks.

Week 2

The wound begins to 'dry out'. Most patients return to normal footwear.

Week 4-6

The site is usually fully healed with a clean, straight nail edge.

Key Recovery Points

Wear open-toed shoes or very wide sandals to your appointment
Avoid strenuous exercise or swimming for at least 2 weeks
Expect some 'weeping' from the wound; this is a normal reaction to the phenol
You cannot drive until the anaesthetic has completely worn off (approx. 4 hours)

Risks & Considerations

Nail surgery is extremely safe, but risks include:

Regrowth

Very Low (2-5%)

In a small number of cases, a tiny piece of nail may still grow back.

Infection

Low

Though rare post-surgery, infection can occur during the healing phase.

Reaction to Phenol

Low

Mild chemical burn or prolonged weeping of the wound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Orthopaedic Consultants

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