Ingrown toenail treatment in Narre Warren
Ingrown toenail treatment at The Fresh Foot Centre ranges from nail care and spike removal in a consultation, to Brace N Fix nail bracing from $160, to surgery that removes the ingrown edge with phenol from $450 for one toe, follow-up included. Book online for $10 off the initial consultation.
- Surgery
- from $450 for one toe
- Extra toe
- +$50
- Nail bracing
- from $160
- Follow-up
- Included
- Referral
- Not needed
What an ingrown toenail is
An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, is when the side edge of the nail plate pierces the skin beside it. The toe becomes painful, red and swollen, and the broken skin can become infected. Poor nail cutting technique, sweaty feet, ill-fitting footwear, the natural curve of the nail and a knock to the toe all contribute (Exley et al., Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2023).
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when the toe is painful, red or swollen, because broken skin beside the nail can become infected. People with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in the feet should come early for any nail or skin problem. You do not need a referral to book privately.
Ingrown toenail treatment options compared
| Option | Nail care | Brace N Fix | Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| What happens | Nail cut correctly, spike removed | Brace bonded to the nail reshapes its curve | Side strip removed, phenol on its root |
| Injection | No | No | Local anaesthetic |
| Usually for | Mild to moderate ingrown nails | Mild to moderate ingrown nails | When conservative care fails, or severe cases |
| Price | Consultation fee | from $160 | from $450, +$50 per extra toe |
Nail care and spike removal
Mild to moderate ingrown toenails can be treated conservatively in a consultation. Fiona cuts the nail correctly and removes the nail spike digging into the skin, a conservative approach described in Exley et al. (Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2023). This is done in a consultation, which is from $100 for an initial visit and from $90 after that.
Brace N Fix nail bracing
Brace N Fix is a nail brace that Fiona bonds to the surface of the nail, and it changes the nail's curve as the nail grows. There is no injection and no cutting. Nail bracing is one of the conservative options for mild to moderate ingrown toenails (Exley et al., 2023). Brace N Fix is from $160.
Ingrown toenail surgery
Ingrown toenail surgery here is a partial nail avulsion. With the toe numbed by local anaesthetic, Fiona removes the ingrown side strip of the nail and applies phenol to the nail root (matrix) of that strip. Adding phenol to nail avulsion greatly reduces the chance of the ingrown edge returning (Cochrane review, Eekhof et al. 2012; Exley et al., Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2023). The Cochrane review also found a small increase in the risk of post-operative infection when phenol is used. The rest of the nail stays in place.
Local anaesthetic
Fiona numbs the toe with local anaesthetic.
The ingrown strip comes out
Once the toe is numb, Fiona removes the ingrown side strip only, not the whole nail.
Phenol on the nail root
Phenol goes onto the nail root of that strip so it does not grow back.
Dressing and care sheet
You go home with a dressing on the toe and a written home care sheet.
Follow-up
Fiona phones you to check on your recovery, and the post-operative follow-up visit is included in the price.
Recovery after surgery
Follow the written home care sheet you take home after the procedure. Contact the clinic when you are worried about how it is healing, especially when you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet.
Questions about ingrown toenails
How much does ingrown toenail surgery cost?
Ingrown toenail surgery is from $450 for one toe, and the post-operative follow-up visit is included. Each extra toe adds $50. Your first visit is an initial consultation from $100, with $10 off when you book online.
Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt?
Fiona numbs the toe with local anaesthetic before the ingrown edge is removed. You go home with a dressing on the toe and a written home care sheet.
Will the ingrown toenail come back?
Phenol on the nail root greatly lowers the chance of the edge growing back ingrown (Cochrane review, Eekhof et al. 2012; Exley et al. 2023). No procedure can guarantee it never returns. Poor nail cutting and ill-fitting footwear are among the causes.
Does the clinic treat children?
The clinic sees children from 4 years old.
Prevention at home: how to prevent ingrown toenails. Children: podiatry for children.