TREATMENT PROCESS

This is my current treatment process for ingrown toenails. Please watch the video to learn more. 

• 1st Visit - Evaluate toenails and any causes contributing to the condition, such as tight shoes, tight socks, or any bone spur under the toenails. Determine the cause of your condition and help you reduce your pain. This may be with a minor office procedure. 
• 2nd Visit - If you have a recurrence of an ingrown toenail, we will consider a matrixectomy procedure to narrow a portion of the toenail to prevent the recurrence of the painful ingrown toenail. 

SURGERY 

• If you have had in-office surgery, here are the patient education forms on post-operative care for your ingrown toenail or matrixectomy. 
  • Ingrown Toenail Surgery
  • Matrixectomy Surgery

INGROWN TOENAIL SURGERY & MATRIXECTOMY

• Two types of procedures for ingrown toenails are most common.
  • The first type is the removal of an ingrown toenail that is not permanent. This may be the side of the toenail or the entire toenail.  This procedure has few problems besides a granuloma formation (extra tissue at the nail edge) that can appear on the nail edge. This happens at times and can be treated at your follow-up appointment. 
  • The second type is a matrixectomy or permanent removal of the nail edge. This procedure is where acid is applied to the nail growth plate to stop the growth. The acid causes a chemical burn typically confused with an infection. It is normal to have redness, drainage, and skin sloughing at the treated nail edge. Here is a video that gives more explanations. If your redness goes up the toe beyond the knuckle, please get in touch with the office.  

COMPLICATIONS

After having a nail procedure there are a few complications that can occur.

• Infection - This is the biggest concern but not that common. Redness to the base of the toe near the nail is normal and usually NOT infected. This is from the chemical placed under the skin and the redness is from the drainage in that region. This happens after the first two weeks normally and not directly after the procedure. 
• Recurrence - This is where a portion or complete part of the nail regrows and may need to be treated again.
• Distal Tip Ingrown - At times the tip of the toenail can become ingrown. This is common when the entire nail is removed and as it regrows this can cause ingrowing at the tip. Some treatment options include T taping of the skin on the tip of the toenail, Kera nail gel to soften the nail and make it more flexible or Onyfix to help stabilize the nail so that it does not grow into the distal skin. 

ONYFIX

• This procedure avoids surgery and applies a small device to the toenail base to help train the nail to grow straighter. This is usually repeated every 3-6 months or when it falls off the toenail. Here is a video explanation.

PRODUCTS 

Here are some of the best recommendations I have found on Amazon to start treatment before you come in to the office.