Nail Surgery in London
Safe, effective treatment for painful and recurring ingrown toenails performed by experienced podiatrists.
If you suffer from recurring ingrown toenails, persistent infection or ongoing pain, nail surgery can provide a long term solution.
At Finchley Foot Clinic, our experienced podiatrists perform nail surgery under local anaesthetic in a comfortable clinical environment. The procedure is quick, safe and designed to permanently prevent the affected section of the nail from growing back, helping you return to normal activities with confidence.
Before recommending surgery, we carry out a thorough assessment to ensure it is the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Causes of ingrown nails
Why choose Finchley Foot Clinic?
Experienced HCPC registered podiatrists
Modern clinical facilities
Local anaesthetic for patient comfort
Comprehensive aftercare and follow-up
Hundreds of five-star patient reviews
What to Expect
Whilst healing time is around the 6-week mark you will be easily able to walk around and live out your daily routines 1 day after your procedure. Your initial dressing will be chunky and may require you to wear alternative footwear, however once this has been changed, your dressing will be much smaller and you can fit into your usual footwear in most cases.
The procedure is very quick approximately 1 hour and will result in the nail to look healthy once recovered.
For more information or if you are concerned that you may require nail surgery, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nail surgery right for you?
You may benefit from nail surgery if you experience:
- Recurring ingrown toenails
- Persistent infection around the nail
- Ongoing pain when walking or exercising
- Thickened or damaged nails causing discomfort
- Repeated problems despite previous treatment
Our podiatrists will assess your condition and explain all available treatment options before recommending surgery.
What Happens During Nail Surgery?
- Initial assessment and discussion.
- Local anaesthetic to numb the toe.
- Removal of the affected section (or whole nail if appropriate).
- Application of a chemical to reduce the chance of regrowth (when indicated).
- Dressing applied with clear aftercare instructions.
- Follow up appointment to monitor healing.
Recovery After Nail Surgery
Most patients can walk out of the clinic immediately after treatment, although strenuous activity should be avoided for a short period while the toe heals.
We provide comprehensive aftercare advice and arrange follow up appointments where necessary to ensure your recovery progresses as expected.
Recovery times vary, but most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, with complete healing taking several weeks.
Is nail surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful because the toe is numbed using a local anaesthetic. You may experience some discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, which is usually manageable with simple pain relief if needed.
How long does nail surgery take?
The procedure typically takes around 60 minutes, including preparation and dressing.
Will the ingrown toenail come back?
Where a permanent procedure is carried out, the success rate is very high. Your podiatrist will explain the most appropriate option for your condition.
Can I drive home afterwards?
In most cases, no, you may prefer someone else to drive, especially if the procedure is on your driving foot.
How long does healing take?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, although complete healing may take several weeks.