Ingrown Toenail Surgery Specialist
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Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle
Martin V Sloan, MS, DPM
Podiatrist located in Rockwall, TX & Abilene, TX
An ingrown toenail not only causes pain but may increase your risk of infection. Though medical management is preferred, in some cases, you need ingrown toenail surgery to correct nail growth and prevent complications. At Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle in Abilene, near Dyess Air Force base, and Rockwall, Texas, Martin Sloan, MS, DPM, FACFAS, performs ingrown toenail surgery. To schedule a consultation, call the office nearest you or book online today.
Ingrown Toenail Surgery Q&A
What is an ingrown toenail?
An ingrown toenail means your toenail is growing into your skin. Though you can develop an ingrown toenail on any toe, it most often affects the big toe.
You may develop an ingrown toenail if you trim your nails too short or cut them at an angle. Wearing shoes that place extra pressure on your toes may also lead to an ingrown toenail.
What are ingrown toenail symptoms?
During the early stages of an ingrown toenail, you may notice some swelling and tenderness at the site where the nail grows into the skin. Your ingrown toenail may also cause bleeding or oozing of pus.
If left untreated, your ingrown toenail may lead to an infection that causes additional swelling and pain in your toe. Your toe may also be warm to the touch.
When do I need ingrown toenail surgery?
You should seek treatment for your ingrown toenail right away. Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce the risk of an infection and prevent the need for surgical intervention.
Dr. Sloan may recommend ingrown toenail surgery if you have an infection or your pain and swelling are severe. You may also benefit if you experience a recurrence of ingrown toenails.
What happens during ingrown toenail surgery?
Ingrown toenail surgery is a minor in-office procedure at Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle. Dr. Sloan first administers a local anesthetic to lessen any discomfort during your surgery.
He then removes the portion of the nail embedded into your skin, a portion of the nail bed, and some of the surrounding tissue. If your ingrown toenails are a recurring problem, he may remove the entire nail at the root to prevent further problems.
Dr. Sloan covers your toe with a bandage and may prescribe an antibiotic to treat an infection.
What happens after ingrown toenail surgery?
Most people experience very little pain following ingrown toenail surgery and can resume most of their usual activities in a day or two. It may take up to four months until your toenail grows back if it must be removed.
If Dr. Sloan removed the entire toenail, your new toenail might not grow in as it used to, and it may look abnormal.
Dr. Sloan provides toenail care instructions to prevent a recurrence of your ingrown toenail, which includes techniques for nail trimming and proper foot care.
To schedule an evaluation for an ingrown toenail and see if you need surgery, call Lake Pointe Foot & Ankle, or book an appointment online today.
