Nail Surgery
Ingrown Toenail Removal & Nail SurgeryExpert permanent and temporary nail surgery in Dungannon
Serving Cookstown, Portadown, Armagh, Omagh, Enniskillen & Monaghan
Ingrown Toenail Removal & Nail Surgery
Expert permanent and temporary nail surgery in Dungannon
Serving Cookstown, Portadown, Armagh, Omagh, Enniskillen & Monaghan
Permanent Relief from Painful Ingrown Toenails
At Happy Feet NI we provide expert nail surgery for ingrown toenails, offering both temporary and permanent nail removal depending on your individual needs.
If you’re suffering from a painful ingrown toenail, repeated infections, swelling, redness or difficulty walking, nail surgery is a safe, effective and long-lasting solution.
Our experienced podiatrists perform partial nail avulsion, total nail avulsion and phenolisation using modern techniques and local anaesthetic so your treatment is as comfortable as possible.
What is Nail Surgery?
Nail surgery is a minor procedure performed to remove part or all of a toenail that is causing pain, infection or recurring problems.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning your toe will be completely numb throughout. Most appointments take less than an hour, and you’ll be able to walk out of the clinic afterwards with a protective dressing and detailed aftercare instructions.
Treatment Options
Partial Nail Avulsion
(Temporary)
Removes only the section of nail causing the problem while leaving the nail matrix intact so the nail can grow back.
Suitable for first-time ingrown toenails or when a permanent solution isn’t required.
Partial Nail Avulsion + Phenolisation
(Permanent)
The gold-standard treatment. After removing the ingrown section, phenol is applied to permanently stop that edge of the nail from growing back.
Excellent long-term success rate with very low recurrence.
Total Nail Removal
Sometimes the entire nail needs to be removed. This is usually reserved for severely thickened, damaged or chronically infected nails.
What Conditions Can Nail Surgery Treat?
- Ingrown toenails
- Recurrent nail infections
- Chronic inflammation around the nail
- Involuted (curved) toenails
- Painful thickened toenails
- Damaged or deformed toenails
- Painful nails following injury
What Happens During Nail Surgery?
Your appointment includes:
- A full podiatry assessment
- Discussion of treatment options
- Local anaesthetic to completely numb the toe
- Removal of the affected section (or entire nail if needed)
- Phenolisation if permanent removal is chosen
- Sterile dressing and comprehensive aftercare advice
Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect you should only feel pressure rather than pain.
Recovery After Nail Surgery
Most patients can:
- Walk immediately after treatment
- Return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours
- Return to work quickly (depending on occupation)
- Resume sport once the toe has healed sufficiently
We provide clear written aftercare instructions and arrange follow-up appointments where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nail surgery painful?
No. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic so your toe is completely numb. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is.
What is phenolisation?
Phenolisation is the application of a medical-grade phenol solution to the nail matrix after the ingrown section has been removed. It permanently prevents that edge of the nail from growing back.
Is phenolisation permanent?
Yes. The treated edge of the nail is permanently prevented from regrowing while the rest of the nail continues to grow normally.
What’s the difference between temporary and permanent nail surgery?
Temporary surgery removes the ingrown section but allows it to grow back. Permanent surgery combines removal with phenol matrix ablation so the problem edge does not return.
Will my toenail look different afterwards?
After permanent partial nail removal the nail is usually slightly narrower, but it still has a natural appearance. Most patients find the cosmetic change is minimal compared with the relief from pain.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with Happy Feet NI.
Can I drive afterwards?
If the procedure is on your left foot and you drive an automatic you can often drive once comfortable. For the right foot or a manual car we recommend waiting until the anaesthetic has worn off.
Ready to get rid of that painful ingrown toenail?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards lasting relief.
Book Nail Surgery Assessment