Healthy nails play a vital role in keeping your feet comfortable and pain-free. From walking to work, exercising, or simply enjoying daily activities, our toenails protect the tips of our toes and support balance with every step. But when nails become damaged, infected, or ingrown, they can quickly turn into a painful problem that affects your quality of life.
At Sydney Podiatry Foot and Ankle Clinic, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable recurring nail issues can be. That’s why we offer safe and effective nail surgery to provide lasting relief. Whether you’re dealing with painful ingrown toenails, stubborn fungal infections, or nail trauma, our caring team is here to help restore your comfort and get you back to enjoying the activities you love without ongoing pain or worry.
If you’re dealing with painful, recurring ingrown toenails, fungal nails, or nail trauma, nail surgery offers a long-term solution when conservative treatments are no longer effective. This minor, safe procedure is performed under local anaesthetic to remove the problematic section—or in some cases, the entire nail—so that healing can occur without ongoing pain or infection.
At Sydney Podiatry Foot and Ankle Clinic, our nail surgery is designed to provide comfort, prevent recurrence, and help you return to daily activities with confidence.
Ingrown toenails that keep coming back or cause infection
Fungal nails that are painful or unsightly
Damaged or thickened nails due to injury or trauma
Recurring nail pain that affects walking or shoe comfort
The podiatrist removes either the ingrown section (PNA) or the whole nail (TNA).
A mild chemical may be applied to the nail root to prevent regrowth.
Nail surgery is a straightforward procedure that is usually completed within 30–45 minutes. It is performed in our clinic under local anaesthetic, meaning you remain awake but completely comfortable throughout. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your surgery:
Nail surgery is a safe and effective option when ongoing nail problems interfere with your comfort and daily activities. It provides lasting relief by addressing the root cause of the issue, rather than relying on temporary fixes such as repeated cutting or padding.
Nail surgery can help with:
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. If they keep coming back despite conservative care, surgery can permanently remove the problem area and stop the cycle of pain and infection.
Fungal nails
Fungal infections can cause nails to become thickened, brittle, or discoloured. In severe or painful cases, nail surgery can remove the affected nail, allowing a new, healthier nail to grow back. This may also be chosen for cosmetic reasons when the nail appearance is a concern.
Damaged or thickened nails (trauma-related)
Nails that have been injured, cracked, or repeatedly damaged (such as from sport, stubbing, or dropping something on the toe) often grow back thickened or misshapen. Nail surgery can safely remove these nails to reduce pressure, improve comfort in footwear, and allow better regrowth.
Recurring nail pain
Chronic nail pain can make it difficult to wear shoes, walk comfortably, or take part in activities. Nail surgery offers a long-term solution, helping restore mobility and comfort.
While many nail problems can be managed with basic care at home, some situations require urgent podiatry attention. If left untreated, these conditions can quickly worsen, lead to infection, or interfere with your ability to walk comfortably.
Severe pain in the toenail that makes it difficult to walk, sleep, or wear shoes comfortably.
Signs of infection such as pus, spreading redness, throbbing pain, or a foul odour from the toe.
Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or immune disorders – even mild nail issues can become serious if not treated promptly.
Many patients feel nervous before their first nail surgery, but the procedure is quick, safe, and designed to keep you as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
Anaesthetic and Comfort
Before the procedure begins, your podiatrist will administer a small injection of local anaesthetic (usually xylocaine) at the base of the toe. This briefly stings, but once the toe is numb you will not feel pain during surgery. You may still notice some gentle pressure, pushing, or movement – this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Safe Anaesthetic Dosage
The amount of anaesthetic varies depending on the individual. Before injecting, your podiatrist will ask about your weight and medical history to calculate the maximum safe dosage. In most cases, 2–4 ml per toe is sufficient.
How Much Nail Will Be Removed
The amount of nail removed depends on the severity of the problem. Some patients only need a small portion of the nail taken away (Partial Nail Avulsion), while others may require the entire nail to be removed (Total Nail Avulsion). Your podiatrist will discuss this with you before the procedure.
Preventing Regrowth
After the nail is removed, a chemical called phenol may be applied to the nail bed. This prevents the ingrown or damaged section from regrowing, reducing the likelihood of recurring problems.
Finishing the Procedure
Once the treatment is complete, the toe is carefully cleaned and dressed with a sterile bandage. The whole process usually takes 30–45 minutes, and you’ll be able to walk out of the clinic afterwards.
Wear open-toed shoes (sandals/thongs) to fit the protective bandage.
Eat a light meal beforehand and bring water to stay relaxed.
Pack a phone, tablet, or music to keep calm during the procedure.
Arrange a lift home if needed, especially if you’re feeling nervous.
Comprehensive assessment of your child’s feet, ankles, and gait.
Personalised care for your child's needs, explained in simple terms.
Guidance to reduce risk and support healthy, happy feet.
Nail surgery is recommended when a fungal nail infection becomes severe and does not respond to topical treatments or antifungal medications. If the infection is causing significant pain, damage to the nail, or is at risk of spreading, surgery may be needed to remove the infected nail and stop the infection from worsening.
Nail surgery is performed using local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring that the procedure is pain-free. You may feel some pressure during the surgery, but there should be no pain. After the procedure, any mild discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as your nail heals.
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can resume daily activities within a few days. It's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your specialist to ensure proper healing and avoid infection. Full healing typically takes several weeks, depending on your individual circumstances.
No. Gel polish should be removed before surgery. Clear visibility of the natural nail ensures your podiatrist can perform the procedure safely and reduces the risk of infection.
Acrylic nails also need to be removed prior to surgery. They can interfere with sterilisation, make assessment difficult, and increase the risk of infection.
Aside from a brief sting from the anaesthetic injection, the procedure is pain-free. Once numb, you may feel some pressure or movement, but no pain.
Healing generally takes 4–8 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall health.
With phenolisation, the risk of regrowth is very low. In rare cases where the nail does regrow, a repeat procedure may be required.
