Toenail Surgery: Risks, Benefits & Why Going Private Might Be the Right Choice

Felicity Burnell
Aug 8
4 min read

If you've been struggling with ongoing toenail pain, recurring infections, or persistent ingrown toenails, toenail surgery could be the best long-term solution. But with many patients stuck in a frustrating NHS waiting game, more and more people are choosing to go private. So, is it worth it?

Let’s explore the benefits and risks of toenail surgery, and why paying privately could mean quicker relief, better outcomes, and peace of mind.

✅ What Are the Benefits of Toenail Surgery?

Toenail surgery is a minor procedure, most commonly performed to remove part (or all) of a problematic nail. It’s often done under local anaesthetic and completed in a clinic setting.

Here’s what you can expect from the procedure: -

1. Long-Term Relief Whether you’re dealing with ingrown nails, thickened fungal nails, or trauma-related issues, surgery will resolve the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms. Typically, an ingrown toenail will need to be treated regularly - somewhere between every 4 to 12 weeks. With a minor procedure such as a partial nail avulsion or total nail avulsion, the problem is solved - for good!

a red, sore, oozing, smelly, unsightly ingrowing toenail.... this can be a thing of the past!

2. Reduced Infections and Inflammation A recurring infected or inflamed toenail can affect your mobility and quality of life. Surgery removes the source of irritation, helping prevent further infections.

3. Quick Procedure with Minimal Downtime

Toenail surgery is typically completed in under an hour, and you will be able to walk out and resume light activity the same day.

4. Cosmetic Improvement

For people with severely thickened or unsightly nails, removing the nail permanently can improve the overall appearance of the toe.

⚠️ What Are the Risks of Toenail Surgery?

Like any procedure, toenail surgery carries some potential risks: -

Infection – Although rare, post-op infections can occur if aftercare instructions aren’t followed.
Pain or Discomfort – There may be some temporary pain once the anaesthetic wears off but otherwise, the majority of people are pain-free after the procedure.
Delayed Healing – Healing time can vary depending on your general health, concordance with aftercare advice, and footwear. Felicity will keep in touch with you after the procedure, to ensure healing is progressing as planned and if you have any post-operative concerns, she can book an appointment for you to be seen within 24 hours.
Nail Regrowth – In some cases, even after partial or total nail removal, the nail may regrow (Less than 5% chance of this).
Altered Cosmetic Appearance - At Oxfordshire Chiropody & Podiatry, Felicity will discuss potential risks with you in depth. Felicity specialises in offering the most cosmetically pleasing result possible, on a case-by-case basis. In the NHS, they do not care about the final cosmetic result.
Allergic Reactions – Incredibly rarely, someone could react to the phenol used to prevent regrowth or to the local anaesthetic. Precautions are taken in advance to negate this risk.

Fortunately, with an experienced clinician, such as Felicity at Oxfordshire Chiropody & Podiatry, these risks are very low.

🕓 Why Waiting for NHS Toenail Surgery Can Be Frustrating

While the NHS provides excellent care, non-urgent foot conditions like ingrown toenails are often placed at the back of the queue. In some areas, podiatry services may not be routinely commissioned unless there's a serious underlying health condition, such as diabetes or vascular disease.

This can mean: -

Long waiting times for referral and treatment
Limited appointment availability
Restrictions on who qualifies for surgery
Minimal follow-up or aftercare support
The clinician may be a new graduate with minimal experience
Round-after-round of antibiotics is incredibly bad for your gut microbiome - and there is growing evidence emerging as to the long-term negative health effects of this

Many patients find themselves enduring pain and repeated infections while they wait, which can interfere with work, sleep, and daily life.

💷 Why Private Nail Surgery Makes Sense

Choosing private toenail surgery gives you: -

1. Speed No GP referral needed. You can be assessed and treated within days rather than months.

2. Choice and Flexibility You can choose a time and date that suits you, with more flexibility around appointment times and follow-up.

3. Continuity of Care You’ll see the same podiatrist from consultation to aftercare, ensuring consistent and personalised treatment.

4. Comfort and Convenience Private clinics offer more comfortable, modern surroundings and dedicate more time to your care and concerns. Aelfric Court is a modern, spacious and hygienic clinic offering a calm and private environment. You can rest assured you will be in very safe hands.

5. Peace of Mind You can feel confident that your condition is being treated quickly and professionally by an experienced practitioner, with clear guidance every step of the way.

👣 Ready to Stop Living with Toenail Pain?

If your toenail is affecting your quality of life and you're tired of waiting, bored of being in pain every day, unable to do the activities you enjoy - toenail surgery could be the solution you've been looking for. And by choosing private treatment, you can get back on your feet—sooner, safer, and with confidence.

Felicity offers a FREE Telephone Assessment to assess your eligibility for the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can book a telephone consultation or in-person appointment here.