What to Expect After Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Recovery, Care, and Healing
- My Family Podiatry
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
If you have had an ingrown toenail removed, you might be wondering what happens next. Will it hurt once the anaesthetic wears off? How long before you can wear normal shoes? When can you get back to work or sport?
At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we perform permanent ingrown toenail procedures regularly and find most patients are pleasantly surprised at how straightforward recovery really is. While every person heals a little differently, knowing what to expect helps you feel confident, stay comfortable, and heal faster.
This guide explains what to expect during recovery, how to care for your toe, what is normal, and when to check back in with your podiatrist.
Immediately After the Procedure
When your procedure is finished, your toe will remain completely numb for around two to three hours. The dressing we apply is sterile, padded, and protective, allowing you to walk comfortably as you leave the clinic.
You should keep the dressing dry and intact until your follow-up appointment, which is usually in the next day. During this time:
Avoid tight footwear that places pressure on the toe.
Rest where possible, especially for the first 24 hours.
Keep the foot elevated if you notice throbbing or mild swelling.
You can return to most light daily activities straight away, but avoid heavy exercise, long walks, or standing for long periods for the first day or two.
When the Anaesthetic Wears Off
Once the local anaesthetic wears off, you may notice some mild tenderness. Most people describe it as a dull ache rather than sharp pain.
If needed, over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol can be taken, but this is rarely required. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications unless advised, as they can slow the natural healing process in some cases.
It is completely normal to notice:
A small amount of drainage or blood on the dressing.
A mild throbbing sensation for the first evening.
A feeling of tightness under the bandage due to swelling.
These are all part of the normal inflammatory phase of healing and typically settle within 24 to 48 hours.
What Your Toe Will Look Like
Many patients are surprised that their toe looks better than expected after surgery.
The entire nail is not removed, only the problematic edge, so the nail continues to look natural and neat once it grows out. Initially, you may see some mild redness and a small yellow or clear fluid weep from the treated edge. This is part of normal healing.
If you notice increasing redness spreading up the toe, throbbing pain, or pus, you should contact us promptly. These can indicate infection, though it is uncommon when post-care is followed correctly.
Dressing and Cleaning Instructions
We provide a sterile dressing at your appointment and show you how to replace it at home if needed.
General care instructions:
Keep the toe dry for the first 24 hours.
After this, you can gently wash the toe in warm salty water or with an antiseptic wash once a day.
Dry thoroughly with a clean towel or tissue.
Apply antiseptic cream as recommended.
Cover the toe with a light sterile dressing to protect it.
It is best to avoid adhesive bandages that stick directly to the skin, as they can cause irritation when removed.
Returning to Work, School, and Exercise
Most people return to work, school, or normal activity the day after surgery. The key is wearing comfortable shoes that do not press on the toe.
For jobs that involve long periods of standing or safety boots, you may need to modify footwear for a few days.
Exercise such as running, jumping, or contact sport should be avoided until the wound is dry and closed — generally around 10 to 14 days. Swimming should also wait until the area is completely healed to reduce infection risk.
Follow-Up Appointment
A short follow-up appointment is important to check healing progress, redress the toe if needed, and make sure no infection is developing.
At My Family Podiatry, we usually see you the next day, a week later and then three months later. These reviews are quick and allow us to ensure healing is on track.
Long-Term Healing and Nail Appearance
Most patients are fully healed within three to six weeks. The new nail shape is slightly narrower on the treated side but still looks normal and balanced.
Once healed, you can trim your nails as usual, though we will show you the safest technique to prevent future problems. For many patients, this is the first time in years they have been able to trim their nails without pain or fear of infection.
Can the Ingrown Nail Come Back?
A Partial Nail Avulsion with phenolisation has a success rate of about 95 to 98 percent. The phenol solution destroys the nail root on that specific edge, so it should not regrow.
In rare cases, a tiny section of nail may regrow if a small area of the root was unaffected, but this is easily re-treated. Following aftercare instructions closely reduces this likelihood even further.
Signs of Infection to Watch For
Although infection is uncommon, it is important to recognise the signs early. Contact us immediately if you notice:
Redness spreading up the toe
Warmth, throbbing pain, or swelling increasing after two to three days
Pus or strong odour
Fever or feeling unwell
Prompt review allows us to treat infection early, usually with a simple dressing change, removing the scab to allow for drainage or referring to your GP for antibiotics.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Here are a few small things that can make a big difference to healing:
Wear open or wide shoes such as sandals or sneakers with a soft toe box.
Keep it clean and dry until your podiatrist advises otherwise.
Do not pick at the dressing or the healing tissue.
Rest when possible during the first couple of days.
Follow all aftercare advice and attend your review appointment.
When You Can Return to Sport
If you are an active person or play sports regularly, the timeline depends on how quickly your toe heals and how intense your activity is.
Most people return to non-contact exercise (like walking or cycling) within 1 week, and to full sport or running within 2 to 3 weeks.
Always check with your podiatrist before resuming high-impact activity.
Why Choose My Family Podiatry for Your Ingrown Toenail Care
At My Family Podiatry, we have helped hundreds of patients across Brisbane recover from painful ingrown toenails.
Our podiatrists combine surgical expertise with practical advice, ensuring every patient feels supported from start to finish. We provide:
Same-week appointments
Gentle, in-clinic procedures under local anaesthetic
Clean, modern facilities
Step-by-step aftercare guidance
Long-term results
You will never be rushed, and every question will be answered so you feel confident and in control of your recovery
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does ingrown toenail surgery hurt afterwards?
There may be mild tenderness once the anaesthetic wears off, but pain is generally very low and easily managed.
How long should I keep the dressing on?
Keep the original dressing dry and intact until your first follow-up appointment. After that, we will show you how to change it safely at home.
Can I wear normal shoes straight away?
Yes, as long as they are wide enough not to press on the toe. Avoid tight or narrow footwear for the first few days.
How soon can I return to sport?
Light activity can usually resume within a week. Running or contact sport is best left until the area has fully healed.
Can infection occur after surgery?
It is possible, the feet aren't the cleanest place on the body. Following cleaning instructions and attending your follow-up appointment keeps your risk low.
Book a Review or Consultation
If you have had an ingrown toenail removed and are unsure how your recovery is progressing, our team can assess the healing, replace dressings, and make sure you are on track for a full recovery.
Or if you are still struggling with a recurrent ingrown toenail, we can discuss whether a permanent ingrown toenail removal is right for you.