Nail Surgery Aftercare

Thank you for attending for nail surgery. Please follow the advice below to help ensure a smooth recovery.

Immediately After Surgery

Your dressing

Keep the toe dry until your next appointment with the podiatrist.
Keep your foot elevated for the remainder of the day on which the operation was performed.
Do not drive for 24 hours after surgery.
If blood comes through the dressing, do not remove it. Apply additional gauze or a plaster over the existing dressing.
If you experience discomfort, take the pain relief you would normally use for a headache, provided it is suitable for you.
If you are concerned about your recovery, please contact the clinic.

What should I expect?

It is normal to experience:

Mild discomfort once the local anaesthetic wears off.
Some bleeding or discharge from the toe.
Redness around the nail area.
A yellowish fluid on the dressing during the healing process.

Healing times vary from person to person. Most toes take between 3 and 12 weeks to heal fully.

Changing Your Dressing

Your podiatrist will advise how often dressings should be changed. When changing your dressing, please follow these instructions:

Do not get the foot wet whilst taking a bath or shower.
Gently remove the old dressing.
If the dressing is stuck, place the toe in a bowl of warm water and allow it to soak off gently.
Soak the foot for 5 minutes in a bowl of clean warm salt water.
Allow the foot to air dry. Do not rub the area with a towel.
Apply a clean dressing.
Do not use waterproof plasters, as these can delay healing.

Activity and Footwear

Rest as much as possible during the first 2–3 days.
Keep your foot elevated whenever practical.
Wear comfortable, roomy footwear that does not place pressure on the toe.
Avoid strenuous exercise until advised by your podiatrist.
Return to normal activities gradually as comfort allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for the toe to weep?

Yes. A small amount of discharge is a normal part of the healing process and may continue for several weeks.

When can I shower?

You should keep the toe dry. Follow your podiatrist's advice regarding bathing and showering, and avoid soaking the dressing.

How long will it take to heal?

Healing commonly takes between 3 and 12 weeks, depending on the procedure performed, the severity of the original problem and individual healing rates.

Will the nail grow back?

If a chemical was applied to the nail bed, the intention is to prevent regrowth of the section of nail that was removed. In most cases this is successful, although regrowth can occasionally occur.

When Should I Contact the Clinic?

Please contact the clinic if you experience:

Increasing pain that is not improving.
Increasing redness or swelling.
Excessive bleeding.
Pus or an unpleasant-smelling discharge.
Fever or feeling generally unwell.
Any concerns about the healing process.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are normal, please contact the clinic for advice.

Follow-Up Appointments

It is important that you attend all scheduled dressing and review appointments so that healing can be monitored and any concerns addressed promptly.

Mary Rigal & Associates