A complete guide to partial and total toenail removal — 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.
When the nail edge repeatedly grows into the skin despite conservative treatment, partial nail removal with matrixectomy provides a permanent cure. This is the most common reason for nail removal.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
After nail avulsion, a chemical (phenol) or surgical technique is used to destroy the nail matrix — the cells responsible for nail growth. This permanently prevents the nail (or nail edge) from regrowing. Cure rate for ingrown toenails exceeds 95%.
Chronic recurring ingrown toenails, permanent solution
3–6 weeks; no nail regrowth
Local anesthetic injected at the base of the toe. You'll feel a brief sting, then complete numbness.
The nail (or portion) is loosened and removed with specialized instruments. Takes 5–10 minutes.
If permanent removal is desired, phenol is applied to the nail matrix for 30–60 seconds.
The toe is cleaned, antibiotic ointment applied, and a sterile dressing placed. You walk out.
Dealing with a recurring ingrown toenail? Learn more about our ingrown toenail treatment options, including permanent solutions. Ingrown Toenail Treatment →
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 well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.
A toenail grows back in approximately 6–12 months after partial or total removal. The big toenail takes the longest — up to 18 months for full regrowth. If a chemical (phenol) was applied to permanently prevent regrowth, the nail will not grow back.
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.
Partial nail avulsion alone has a recurrence rate of about 30–70%. When combined with phenolization (applying a chemical to destroy the nail matrix), the permanent cure rate is over 95%. If you have recurring ingrown toenails, ask your podiatrist about permanent nail matrixectomy.
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.