Nail Surgery
Painful ingrown nails can steal focus from work, sport and even sleep. Our Tauranga nail surgery service provides a precise, permanent fix in one comfortable visit. Step back into life with total confidence.
Book today!
Freedom from persistent toe pain starts here...
Your feet deserve comfort every day. If redness, swelling or stabbing pain at the nail edge slows you down, our Tauranga nail surgery service provides a lasting solution. Saf, our experienced Podiatrist, performs gentle procedures that remove the problem nail corner and stop it coming back.
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail happens when the nail edge curls or pushes into the soft skin beside it. The area becomes tender, inflamed and sometimes infected. Early signs include pressure when wearing shoes, throbbing after activity and a small flap of skin growing over the nail. Left untreated, the wound can ooze, smell and limit daily movement.
- Ingrown toenails arise when the nail penetrates the surrounding tissue, resulting in inflammation and the potential for infection.
- Involuted toenails are characterised by a nail that curls into the surrounding flesh without penetrating the skin. This condition can result in discomfort and may cause localised redness and inflammation.
- Thickened nails are identified an excessive increase in thickness, which can lead to discomfort. This condition may be the result of prior trauma or injury, or it may associated with a fungal infection.
Have an ingrown toenail?
Precise, targeted and quick
Our nail surgical method
Saf follows an evidence-based protocol called partial nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy.
- Local anaesthetic numbs the toe so you feel pressure only. (We can also provide Needle Free Injections for those who hate needles or have a genuine fear, there is a safe needle free option to numb the toe so you won't feel a thing!)
- A tourniquet is applied to minimise bleeding, then a narrow sliver, usually two to three millimetres wide, is lifted and removed in one piece.
- Chemical matrixectomy performed by applying medical-grade phenol or sodium hydroxide to the exposed root for 30-60 seconds, repeated 2-3 times. Phenol or sodium hydroxide destroys the growth cells that create the offending edge.
- The area is flushed with a neutralising agent, followed by saline and the tourniquet removed. The toe is then dressed with sterile gauze and wrapped to control bleeding.
The central nail plate stays intact. The whole appointment takes about thirty minutes and most clients walk out in roomy sandals.
Common nail surgery questions
Will the procedure hurt?
The toe is completely numbed with a local digital block. You feel firm pressure but no sharp pain during surgery. Mild throbbing is common once the anaesthetic wears off and is usually controlled with standard paracetamol.
Can I walk and drive afterwards?
You may walk out in wide sandals. We recommend not to drive as this can encourage bleeding. If the anaesthetic has fully warn off you could drive but its not the preferred recommendation.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow sixty minutes for one toe but longer for two. The surgical part is about ten minutes; the rest is preparation, dressing and post-operative instructions.
What type of anaesthetic is used?
Saf injects a small volume of local anaesthetic at the base of the affected toe. Sensation returns gradually over two to four hours. After this wears off it is normal to experience minor throbbing and aching in the area.
Is the procedure covered by ACC?
ACC covers ingrown toenail surgery that result directly from an accident. Saf can advise eligibility and lodge a claim where appropriate.
When can I return to work or sport?
Most people resume office work the next day. Tradespeople usually need a few days off, so Saf often book surgery on a Friday to allow weekend healing and avoid pressure from safety boots.
Note: I also now offer nail bracing Onyfix for those who may not be suitable for nail surgery