Your podiatrist is trained to perform minor surgeries under local anesthesia. These procedures are done directly in your podiatrist’s office. An ingrown toenail surgery is an example of minor procedure commonly performed. It is a permanent solution to a recurrent problem. After this procedure, pain is minimal and the aesthetic appearance of your nail is easily preserved.
Myth
An ingrown toenail surgery requires to remove the entire nail.
Reality
Only a small portion of the nail is removed during the surgery. This small part is responsible for the recurrent problem and will not grow back afterward. Therefore, your problem is solved and your nail preserves its aesthetic appearance.
What to expect after a minor surgery?
- Returning home: Minor surgeries are done under local anesthesia, this ensures that you are able to walk and return home immediately after the surgery.
- Pain afterward: Pain level is minimal after a minor surgery because the area affected is small. You podiatrist might also prescribe some painkillers to take after the surgery to reduce the pain to a minimum.
- Returning to sport: As mentioned before, the area affected by a minor surgery is small. Therefore, the process of returning to daily activities is quick.
What is the process of a minor surgery?
Minor surgeries are performed inside your podiatrist’s office and you go home the same day.
1. Local anesthesia
In order to ensure that you do not feel anything during the procedure, your podiatrist will inject some anesthesia inside your foot to numb the area.
2. Removing the problem
In case of an ingrown toenail, your podiatrist will remove the slice of your nail that it curved in and causing you recurrent pain. Your podiatrist will then burn the root of the nail to prevent it from growing back again.
3. Prescribing medication
Your podiatrist will provide you with a prescription of antibiotic cream and pain-killer medication if needed after the surgery.
4. At-home care
After the surgery, your podiatrist will also prescribe you daily care at home. This can include soaking of your foot, changing your dressing and applying an antibiotic cream.
5. Follow-up
Depending on your type of minor surgery, your podiatrist will follow up with you one week after your surgery. This is to ensure that your healing process is going according to plan.
You may benefit from a minor surgery for the following conditions:
- Skin or nail biopsy
- Removal of foreign body
- Drainage of cyst