What Is Toenail Removal (Matricectomy)?
Toenail removal is often necessary when a patient is suffering from an ingrown toenail or the toenail has become thick, curved, and is painful. A toenail removal operation takes approximately 1 hour to complete. First, the surgeon numbs the area with local anesthesia. In the case of an ingrown toenail, the surgeon cuts away a sliver of the nail and nail bed on the swollen side of the toe. The toenail becomes permanently narrower. Any excess folds of skin usually settle down after toenail removal. If the toenail has grown thick and curved, the surgeon cuts away the entire nail and nail bed, exposing the underlying skin. Painkillers may be necessary after the local anesthesia wears off an hour later; however, the pain typically subsides after approximately 1 day. Some bleeding may be apparent during the first 12 hours after the procedure. The dressing on the wound must be left in place for 1 week and should be kept clean and dry at all times. Most patients require a checkup approximately
