The Penicuik & Peebles Podiatrist Clinics
Ying Peng Podiatrist
01968 705097

Podiatry Nail Surgery

Podiatry nail surgery is a minor procedure used to treat painful or recurring nail problems—most commonly ingrown toenails. The aim is to relieve pain, reduce infection risk, and help prevent the problem returning.

Booking and appointment types

The first step is always an assessment. This assessment can be booked as either:

• Initial appointment – if this is your first visit to us, or the first time you are attending for this nail problem.

• Recurring/return appointment – if you have been seen by us before and the same nail issue has returned or flared up again.

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Our two-step process

1) Assessment appointment (Initial or Recurring)At this visit your podiatrist will:

• assess the nail and surrounding skin

• review symptoms, triggers, and relevant medical history

• discuss options (including non-surgical treatment where appropriate)

• explain the procedure, benefits, risks, and expected healing

• agree the plan with you

2) Nail surgery appointment (separate visit)If nail surgery is recommended and you decide to proceed, it is carried out at a separate appointment.

Nail surgery takes place at our Penicuik Clinic.

When nail surgery may be recommended

Nail surgery is commonly recommended for:

• recurrent ingrown toenails

• repeated infection, swelling, redness, discharge, or overgrown surrounding tissue

• persistent pain affecting footwear, work, or activity

• nail problems that have not settled with conservative care

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What the procedure involves

The toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure should be pain-free (you may feel pressure). Depending on the problem, a small section of nail (or less commonly the whole nail) is removed. In many cases, a technique is used to reduce the chance of the problem section regrowing.

A sterile dressing is applied and aftercare instructions are provided.

Aftercare and recovery

Most patients can walk out immediately. You’ll be advised on:

• dressing care and keeping the area clean

• footwear during healing

• return to work, exercise, and sport

• follow-up, if required

Healing time varies depending on the procedure and individual factors.

Risks and considerations

Possible risks include infection, delayed healing, tenderness, recurrence, or nail shape changes. If you have diabetes, circulation issues, immune conditions, or take certain medications, additional precautions may be needed—this will be discussed during the assessment.

To book an appointment (to assess for Nail Surgery book a podiatrist appointment):