Nail Removal: When It’s Needed and What to Expect

July 21, 2025•3 min read

If you've ever had a toenail that just wouldn’t heal, kept growing the wrong way, or caused constant pain—you know how frustrating (and painful) it can be.

In some cases, removing the nail might be the best way to finally get relief and prevent more problems. It may sound a little scary, but nail removal is a common and simple procedure podiatrists perform all the time.

Let’s break down when it’s needed, how it works, and what recovery is really like.

When Is Nail Removal Necessary?

Nail removal isn’t something we jump to right away. But when the nail causes more harm than good, taking it off can help your toe heal properly and prevent long-term issues.

Here are the most common reasons we recommend nail removal:

1. Recurring Ingrown Toenails

If you've had the same ingrown toenail return over and over, or it's become infected, removing part (or all) of the nail can stop the cycle.

2. Severe Fungal Infections

Thick, yellow, crumbling nails caused by fungus can be hard to treat with medication alone. If the infection is stubborn or painful, removing the nail gives the toe a fresh start.

3. Injury or Trauma

If a nail has been badly damaged—lifted, split, or crushed—removing it may be necessary to avoid infection or help a new, healthy nail grow in its place.

4. Nail Tumors or Growths

In rare cases, we might remove a nail to check for unusual growths, like tumors, cysts, or warts beneath the nail.

5. Thick or Deformed Nails

Sometimes nails become too thick or curved to trim safely at home. This is common in older adults or those with circulation problems.

What Happens During Nail Removal?

Good news: nail removal is quick, safe, and done right in the office. Here’s what usually happens:

Step 1: Numbing the Toe

We use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you won’t feel pain—just a little pressure.

Step 2: Removing the Nail

Depending on the reason, we may remove:

A portion of the nail (partial removal)
The entire nail (full removal)
The nail root as well if we want to prevent regrowth (called a matrixectomy)

If needed, a special chemical or tool is used to gently stop the nail from growing back.

Step 3: Bandaging

We apply a clean dressing and go over how to care for your toe at home.

What to Expect After Nail Removal

Most people are surprised at how manageable recovery is. Here’s what the healing process looks like:

Mild pain or soreness for the first couple of days (usually controlled with over-the-counter meds)
Keep the toe clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours
Daily bandage changes and applying antibiotic ointment
No tight shoes or pressure on the toe while healing

Most people return to normal activities in just a day or two. If the whole nail is removed, it may take a few months to grow back—unless the root was treated to prevent regrowth.

Can the Nail Grow Back?

It depends on the type of removal:

If the root (matrix) is left alone, the nail usually grows back over time.
If the root is destroyed, the nail won’t grow back. This is often done for people with repeat ingrown toenails or thick, painful nails.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You don’t have to live with toenail pain, constant trimming struggles, or infections that won’t go away.

If your nail:

Keeps growing in wrong
Looks infected or discolored
Is too thick to cut safely
Causes pain when wearing shoes

…it’s time to get it checked out.