At Happy Feet Podiatry, we specialise in permanently resolving painful ingrown toenails with a procedure known as a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA). This minor surgical technique not only relieves the immediate discomfort but also aims to prevent the troublesome nail edge from growing back and causing future problems.
What is a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA)?
A Partial Nail Avulsion is a common podiatric procedure that involves the surgical removal of a portion of an ingrown toenail. When coupled with phenol ablation, it is designed to permanently remove the ingrown section of the nail.
The PNA Procedure Explained
The process of a PNA with phenol ablation at Happy Feet Podiatry involves several steps to ensure safety, comfort, and the best possible outcomes:
Initial Consultation:
We always aim to treat ingrown toe nails conservatively first if we think we can avoid surgery. If surgery is deemed necessary our podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination of your affected toenail, discuss your medical history, and explain the procedure to you in detail. We will rebook you for surgery usually the surgery appointment is for 1 hour.
Preparation:
Before the procedure, the affected toe will be cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic solution to minimise the risk of infection.
Local Anesthesia:
A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the toe. You will be awake during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain.
Nail Removal:
Once the toe is numb, the podiatrist will carefully separate and remove the offending piece of the toenail. The amount of nail removed depends on the severity and extent of the ingrown toenail.
Phenol Ablation:
To prevent regrowth of the problematic nail portion, a chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed. This selectively destroys the nail-growing cells on that side, reducing the chance of recurrence.
Dressing:
After the procedure, the area is dressed with sterile materials. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the toe at home.
Recovery and Aftercare:
Post-operative care is crucial. You’ll need to keep the toe clean and dry and change the dressing as instructed. Most patients can walk out of the clinic and resume normal activities within a day or two, avoiding strenuous activities for a short period.
Follow-Up:
Two follow-up visits are typically scheduled to assess the healing process, ensure that the nail is growing correctly, and address any concerns you might have.
Expertise: Our podiatrists have years of experience performing PNAs with high success rates.
Patient Comfort: We prioritise your comfort and work to ensure a pain-free experience during and after the procedure.
Comprehensive Care: We offer detailed aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery.
Lasting Results: With phenol ablation, we aim for a permanent solution to your ingrown toenail problem. We guarantee our PNAs should it not work for any reason we will re-do the surgery free of charge. We offer this as our success rate is so high.
Don’t let an ingrown toenail disrupt your life any longer. Trust the expert team at Happy Feet Podiatry to provide you with a permanent solution. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards long-term relief from ingrown toenail pain.