What to Expect After Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Recovery Tips

Ingrown toenails are a common foot ailment that can be painful if left untreated. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue. This blog post will explore the recovery process following an ingrown surgery. 

In addition, we’ll discuss symptoms and tips on how to ensure a successful healing process. So, if you’re wondering what comes after an ingrown toenail surgery and how to take care of yourself during recovery, read on!

Surgery Procedures

Ingrown toenail surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure. However, it is still surgery, so there are a few things you should expect and be prepared for during your recovery. 

Recovery Tips

After your surgery, you will likely feel some pain and swelling. The best way to manage this is to keep your foot elevated as much as possible and apply ice to the area for 20 minutes daily. You should also take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

To help with the swelling, you can wear compression socks or wrap your foot with an ACE bandage. However, remember that it’s important not to wrap too tightly, as this could cut off circulation.

You may have some drainage from the surgical site for the first few days after surgery. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure to keep the area clean and dry.

Your doctor will likely tell you when you can start putting weight on your foot again. Depending on the severity of your ingrown toenail, this could be anywhere from immediately after surgery to a few weeks later.

Once the pain and swelling have gone down and you can put weight on your foot again, you can slowly resume your normal activities. But be sure to take it easy at first and listen to your body. Then, if you start feeling pain again, stop what you’re doing and rest.

Following these recovery tips will help you heal properly after surgery and avoid any complications.

Risks and Complications

While ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective, there are always potential risks and complications associated with any surgery. These risks and complications include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, nerve damage, tissue death (necrosis), and recurrence of the ingrown toenail.

Keeping the surgical site clean and dry is essential to help prevent infeFollowction—your surgeon’s instructions. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, or increased pain. If you have an infection, call your surgeon right away.

Bleeding is another potential complication after surgery. If you see any bleeding, applying pressure to the surgical site is essential. If the bleeding does not stop or is heavy, call your surgeon immediately.

Nerve damage is a rare complication of ingrown toenail surgery. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness, tingling, or pain in the toe. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your surgeon right away.

Tissue death (necrosis) can occur if the blood supply to the toe is cut off during surgery. Symptoms of necrosis include blackening or discoloration of the toe. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your toe, call your surgeon immediately.

Prevention

After you’ve had surgery to remove an ingrown toenail, taking care of your foot is essential to prevent the problem from returning. Here are some tips for preventing ingrown toenails:

• Wear shoes that fit correctly and don’t put pressure on your toes.

• Trim your nails straight across rather than rounding them off at the corners.

• Don’t dig or pick at your nails.

• Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes every day.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you have any concerns about your incision or experience increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage. They will likely want to see you for a follow-up appointment a week or so after your surgery.

Conclusion

An ingrown toenail surgery can be a scary prospect, but with good recovery tips and precautions, it can reduce pain or discomfort. Taking care of your foot after surgery, including properly wrapping, elevating, and icing as needed will help with proper healing post-surgery. Continue instructions given by your doctor for optimal results. Finally, speak to a medical professional if you have concerns about your condition or healing process.