Toenail Removal: When It's Needed & What to Expect
A complete guide to partial and total toenail removal, covering indications, the procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes.
Toenail removal sounds intimidating, but it's one of the most common and straightforward procedures performed by podiatrists. At ASG Foot & Ankle Specialists, we perform nail removal procedures regularly for patients suffering from chronic ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, nail trauma, and other conditions. Most patients are back on their feet the same day.
This guide explains when nail removal is necessary, what the procedure involves, and exactly what to expect during recovery.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Timothy Horak and Julia Shauger, board-certified podiatric specialists serving Homewood, South Chicago Heights & Mokena. Last reviewed July 2026.
When Is Toenail Removal Necessary?
Chronic Ingrown Toenails
When the nail edge repeatedly grows into the skin despite conservative treatment, partial nail removal combined with matrixectomy is the usual long-term solution, because it stops that edge of the nail regrowing. This is the most common reason for nail removal.
- • Recurring pain and infection
- • Failed conservative treatment
- • Granulation tissue formation
- • Drainage or abscess
Severe Fungal Nail Infection
When onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) has severely thickened, distorted, or detached the nail, removal may be recommended to allow antifungal treatment to reach the nail bed directly.
- • Nail too thick to treat topically
- • Nail causing pain in footwear
- • Nail partially detached (onycholysis)
- • Failed oral antifungal treatment
Nail Trauma
A severely damaged nail from crushing injury, repetitive trauma, or subungual hematoma (blood under the nail) may need to be removed to allow proper healing and prevent infection.
- • Crushing injuries
- • Large subungual hematoma
- • Nail avulsed but partially attached
- • Underlying fracture with nail involvement
Nail Tumors or Growths
Subungual exostosis (bone growth under the nail), glomus tumors, or other growths beneath or within the nail may require nail removal for diagnosis and treatment.
- • Subungual exostosis
- • Glomus tumors
- • Subungual melanoma (biopsy)
- • Warts under the nail
Types of Toenail Removal
Partial Nail Avulsion
Only the offending edge (or edges) of the nail is removed, typically 3–4mm of the nail border. This is the standard treatment for ingrown toenails. The remaining nail looks nearly normal.
Ingrown toenails, one-sided nail problems
2–4 weeks for full healing
Total Nail Avulsion
The entire nail plate is removed. Used for severely fungal, traumatized, or diseased nails. The nail will regrow over 6–12 months unless matrixectomy is performed.
Severe fungal infection, nail trauma, tumors
4–6 weeks for wound healing
Nail Matrixectomy (Permanent Removal)
After nail avulsion, a chemical (phenol) or surgical technique is used to destroy the nail matrix, which is the layer of cells responsible for nail growth. This is intended to permanently prevent the nail (or nail edge) from regrowing, and in published studies it makes an ingrown toenail far less likely to come back than removing the nail edge alone. A small number of nails still regrow a spicule and need a second visit.
Chronic recurring ingrown toenails, permanent solution
3–6 weeks; no nail regrowth
What Happens During the Procedure?
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic injected at the base of the toe. You'll feel a brief sting, then complete numbness.
Nail Removal
The nail (or portion) is loosened and removed with specialized instruments. Takes 5–10 minutes.
Matrixectomy
If permanent removal is desired, phenol is applied to the nail matrix for 30–60 seconds.
Dressing
The toe is cleaned, antibiotic ointment applied, and a sterile dressing placed. You walk out.
Recovery & Aftercare
First 48 Hours
- Keep the dressing clean and dry
- Elevate foot when resting to reduce swelling
- Take OTC pain relievers as needed (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- Wear open-toed shoes or sandals
- Avoid strenuous activity
Ongoing Care (Weeks 1–6)
- Soak toe in warm water 10–15 min daily (after day 2)
- Apply antibiotic ointment and fresh dressing daily
- Watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, pus, fever)
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
- Gradually return to normal footwear as healing progresses
Want to know what's normal at each stage? See our detailed week-by-week toenail removal recovery timeline , covering what the toe should look like 1, 3, and 6 weeks after the procedure, and the warning signs to watch for.
Know what the next six weeks look like
Our printable recovery checklist walks through the aftercare routine day by day, what is normal at each stage, and when something is actually wrong. Free, and we will email you a copy.
- The daily aftercare routine, in the order you do it
- Week-by-week healing stages, partial and total removal
- The exact signs that mean stop and call a podiatrist
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. General education only, not medical advice, and not a substitute for being seen by a clinician.
After the Procedure: Our Recovery Guides
How long does it hurt? →
A day-by-day pain timeline, from the numbing block wearing off to the toe feeling normal again.
Is my toe infected? →
How to tell a real post-procedure infection apart from the normal drainage and redness of healing.
When does the nail grow back? →
Month-by-month regrowth, and what a matrixectomy changes about the long-term result.
Phenol matrixectomy recovery →
Why the permanent version of this procedure drains for weeks, and when that stops being normal.
Ingrown toenail removal recovery →
When only the nail border was taken, the healing stages, bandage and soaking schedule are different.
When can I wear shoes, swim, or work? →
The activity timetable for getting back to shoes, socks, standing work, the pool and the gym.
What will my toe look like? →
What the exposed nail bed actually looks like, and which colors and textures mean infection.
Partial vs. total nail avulsion →
What the clinical terms on your paperwork mean, and how recovery differs across the four versions.
Wondering what the bill looks like? How Much Does Toenail Removal Cost? →
Dealing with a recurring ingrown toenail? Learn more about our ingrown toenail treatment options, including permanent solutions. Ingrown Toenail Treatment →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does toenail removal hurt?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during nail removal, only pressure. After the anesthesia wears off, mild to moderate soreness is normal for 1–3 days and is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Tell your podiatrist if the pain is worse than that or is not settling, because it can be a sign of infection.
How long does it take for a toenail to grow back after removal?
A toenail grows back in approximately 6–12 months after partial or total removal. The big toenail takes the longest, sometimes up to 18 months for full regrowth. If a chemical (phenol) was applied to permanently prevent regrowth, the nail will not grow back.
What is the recovery time for toenail removal?
Most patients can walk and return to light activity the same day or next day. The wound typically heals in 2–6 weeks depending on the extent of removal. You'll need to keep the area clean and dry, change dressings daily, and avoid tight footwear during healing.
Will my ingrown toenail come back after removal?
It can. Removing the nail edge on its own leaves the nail matrix intact, so the same edge frequently grows back in over time. Published studies consistently show that adding phenolization (applying a chemical to destroy the nail matrix) makes recurrence far less likely, which is why it is the usual choice for a nail that has become ingrown repeatedly. No procedure is guaranteed, so ask your podiatrist which approach suits your nail and what recurrence would look like in your case.
See a Podiatrist Near You
ASG Foot & Ankle has offices in Homewood, South Chicago Heights and Mokena. Our board-certified podiatrists accept most insurance. Find the office closest to you:
Ready to Get Rid of That Problem Nail?
Our board-certified podiatrists perform nail removal procedures at all three of our South Chicago suburbs locations. Same-week appointments often available. Call us or book online today.