Surgical nail removal can be done for severe or returning fungal nail infections. The entire nail or only part of the nail can be removed.
Why It Is Done?
Surgical nail removal is usually performed only when a large portion of the nail is diseased and damaged or if your nails are very painful. In some cases, only the diseased portion is removed, not the entire nail. This procedure is rarely necessary.
How is it done?
Your doctor will give you an injection in the finger or toe to prevent pain. He or she will then loosen the skin around the nail (nail folds) from the nail and separate the nail from the skin by using a tool under the nail. If only part of the nail is diseased, only the diseased part is removed.
An antibiotic ointment is applied to the wound, which is then covered with gauze and tape.
How long is the procedure?
Surgical nail removal can be done in a clinic as a Outpatients procedure.
What To Expect After Surgery?
For the first few weeks after surgery, clean and dry the wound. Then apply a layer of antibiotic ointment. The wound should heal within a few weeks. Fingernails may take 6 months to grow back, and toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.
How Well It Works
After the diseased nail has been removed, the infection can be further treated by applying an antifungal cream to the remaining infected area or by taking oral antifungal medication as suggested by your doctor.