Nail surgery specialists based in Upminster, East London / Essex borders.

Toenail Surgery:

So you have a sore, sometimes infected, ingrowing toenail which is causing you ongoing pain, problems and stopping you from carrying out your normal activities. At Fleet of Foot our HCPC registered Podiatrist specialises in toenail surgery, we have additional annotations for the administration of prescritpion only medicine, which means we can not only administer antibiotics for your infected toenail if required, we are also able to administer the local anaesthetic necessary for a painless nail surgery proceedure.

What is nail surgery?

Nail surgery is a minor operation which is routinely carried out to treat painful toenail conditions such as involuted and ingrowing toenails. The procedure involves removal of either all of, or part of the painful toenail. The nail bed is then destroyed to prevent unwanted painful regrowth. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic so patients do not feel any pain during the surgery.

The proceedure, what happens?

The proceedure begins with an injection to either side of the base of the toe.

The troublesome nail section is then removed and a chemical called phenol is applied to this area.

The application of Phenol will prevent regrowth of the nail and therefore preminantly chane the width of the nail. The toe will then be dressed and monitored until it is healed, which can take up to 6-8 weeks.

Before your appointment.

• Eat at your normal mealtimes
• Wear open toe sandals, flip flop, sliders to accomodate post surgery dressings
• Tell the podiatrist if you have has local anaesthetic in the last 24 hours such as at the dentist.
• Report any change of medications
• It is inadvisable to drink alcohol in the 12 hours prior to the procedure.

Transport Home.

Following treatment please arrange transport home - it is inadvisable to drive yourself home as the temporary neuropathy caused by local anaesthetic could invalidate your insurance.

Following the proceedure.

• At home it is advisable to rest with your foot elevated for the remainder of the day. The following day you will be able to resume normal activities.
• Avoid alcohol as the dilation of blood vessels increase the likelyhood of bleeding.
• Keep the initial dressing on even if the toe bleeds.
• If the toe is painful, you may take painkillers preferably paracetomol, avoid aspirin/dispirin or ibuprofen.
• Keep the initial dressing intact and dry until your follow up appointment.
• If you are in need of advice or have any concerns, please contact us on the clinic telephone number.

The Healing Process.

1. Soak your toe in warm (not hot) salty water (adding enough table salt to make the water slightly cloudy) for about 5-10 minutes. Frequency to be advised by your podiatrist.
2. Dry with a clean swab/dressing/towel
3. Only apply antiseptic if advised to, by the podiatrist
4. Make sure the wound is redressed with the sterile dressing and not left uncovered, unless advised otherwise.
5. Return for your checkup appointments
6. It is inadvisable to continue with swimming or contact sports whilst your toe is healing.
7. Always ensure that you are wearing spacious footwear - nothing tight.

Nail Surgery Cost.

The cost of our nail surgery packages start at £375 for one toe one side and includes, the proceedure, 2 follow up appointments and all of the dressings between these appointments. All additional subsequent appointments are charged at the current practice rate.