Matricectomy with phenol is a simple and inexpensive technique. – Phenol has a potent analgesic and antiseptic action, leading to a very low risk of infection and minimal levels of postoperative pain.

Is a Matrixectomy a surgery?

Partial Nail Removal (Matrixectomy) is used to remove a portion of an ingrown toenail which causes pain or discomfort with a patient. The procedure also helps to prevent the ingrown toenail from returning. Using local anesthetic, Matrixectomy is a simple operation that only requires a few minutes to perform.

What chemical is used in a Matrixectomy?

Phenol is the most commonly used agent for chemical matricectomy, but other agents, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), have shown high success rates for the cauterization of the lateral matrix horn (1).

How painful is a Matrixectomy?

This in office procedure is painless once the toe is anesthetized. It takes less than a few minutes to complete the procedure. Once the toe is numbed up, the portion or portions of the nail that are causing the pain are removed using special sterilized instruments designed specifically for this procedure.

What to expect after a Matrixectomy?

Complete Permanent Nail Removal (Matrixectomy) Toe is bandaged in much the same manner as in a partial procedure, but pain and healing tend to last several weeks longer. After healing is complete the site of nail removal gets covered with healthy skin that from a distance can resemble a normal nail.

Does nail grow back after Matrixectomy?

When performed with a chemical matrixectomy, the nail will not regrow and you will no longer suffer from the problems your toenail was causing. When performed without, the nail will regrow from scratch, a process that takes approximately 12 months.

Is Matrixectomy permanent?

Matricectomy refers to the complete extirpation of the nail matrix, resulting in permanent nail loss. Usually however, matricectomy is only partial, restricted to one or both lateral horns of the matrix. Nail ablation is the definitive removal of the entire nail organ.

Will toenail grow back after ingrown removal?

Ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and effective. If you have a partial toenail removal, your nail may grow back in approximately three to four months. If you had your toenail totally removed, regrowth can take up to a year.

Do toenails grow back after removal?

Detached toenails are usually safe to remove, and they will typically grow back within a year and a half. A detached toenail can result from an injury or infection. Fungal infections or injuries may require additional medical attention to help ensure the toenail grows back properly.

Why would you have your toenails removed?

Surgery Overview Surgical nail removal can be done for severe or returning fungal nail infections. The entire nail or only part of the nail can be removed. Surgical nail removal can be done in your doctor’s office. Your doctor will give you an injection in the finger or toe to prevent pain.

Article first time published on

How do you use phenol?

Using narrow cotton swabs, proceed to apply three applications of 89% phenol to the nail matrix for approximately 30 seconds each. Take care to hold the swabs at a 45-degree angle to the skin in order to avoid exposure of the nail bed to the phenol. Release the tourniquet.

What neutralizes phenol?

Many reports describe an intra-operative irrigation, or lavage, of the wound with alcohol to neutralize any residual phenol.

What is phenol flare?

phenol flare. This is a reaction to the chemical which is applied to your nail. bed to stop the toenail growing back. It is rare but if it happens the skin at the base of your toe will be red, hot and may blister. This should settle down during the healing process.

How much pain is normal after toenail removal?

Your toe will not be painful for about 2-3 hours after the surgery. After that the anesthesia will slowly wear out and there will be minimal discomfort to the toe. It is recommended that you take over the counter Aleve or Ibuprofen if any pain.

Can toenails be permanently removed?

The most common procedure is a partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy. The toe is “frozen” with local anaesthetic, the nail spicule removed and chemical introduced to the nail matrix to permanently prevent that section of nail from growing back.

Can you live without your toenails?

“Toenails are like our appendix,” Krebsbach says. “They do serve a purpose, but we can live without them.” You can run with toenails, and you can run without them.

Why do toenails go thick?

Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.

Should I remove my fungus toenail?

Toenail fungus In some cases, removing the nail also may be recommended. It takes several months for a fungal nail infection to go away. You can help prevent toenail fungus by: keeping your feet clean and dry.

How do you stop nails from growing into your skin?

1. Trim your toenails straight across and make sure that the edges do not curve in.
2. Avoid cutting toenails too short.
3. Wear proper fitting shoes, socks, and tights.
4. Wear steel-toe boots if you work in hazardous conditions.

What happens if your nail doesn't grow back?

In some cases the nail may not grow back at all. There may be damage or a cut to the nail bed. This may need to be repaired. Often this is done with stitches.

What are pincer nails?

Pincer nail is a condition characterized by excessive transverse nail curvature, progressively pinching the nail bed distally. It is quite common in the toenails of adults, while they are rare in the fingernails, where they are related to abnormalities of the distal phalanx (exostosis or arthritis).

How do you treat thick dead toenails?

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
2. Groom your nails regularly. …
3. Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
4. Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.

How can I stimulate my toenail growth?

1. Take biotin. Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. …
2. Use nail hardeners (sparingly) Nail softness makes nails more prone to breaking, which increases the need for nail regrowth. …
3. Avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes. …
4. Practice good grooming.

How do you take care of your toe without a nail?

Coat the area with antibiotic ointment and top with a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage every day and whenever it gets wet. (If any part gets stuck, soak it under warm running water until it slips off.) For the first couple of days, ease any pain and swelling by propping up your foot.

How do I dig out an ingrown toenail?

Use a pair of tweezers to gently push a tiny piece of cotton or gauze into the corner of your toenail where it’s ingrown. This helps to make a space between the nail and the skin. Cut the visible nail corner or the ingrown spur away to help relieve the pressure and pain.

How can I permanently fix an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail can be permanently corrected with a procedure called a chemical matrixectomy. This procedure involves removing either a portion of the nail that is ingrown or the entire toenail in certain cases. To perform this procedure, we will first numb the toe with a local anesthetic.

What does a podiatrist do for an ingrown toenail?

A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.

What kind of doctor removes toenails?

Although many types of doctors, including family physicians, pediatricians, urgent-care walk-in physicians, and dermatologists, can treat ingrown toenails, podiatrists (foot and ankle specialty doctors) are uniquely qualified among the medical professionals to treat this condition.

How long does a removed toenail take to heal?

Everyone is different but on average it takes four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed. During this time you will be able to walk and carry on your life as normal although you should avoid sporting activities or dancing.

When will a podiatrist remove my toenail?

If you have a difficult to treat fungal nail infection, or if you have a suppressed immune system or diabetes, your podiatrist may recommend removal of the affected toenail to prevent the infection from spreading to other toenails or beyond your feet.

Can you buy phenol over the counter?

You can buy over-the-counter phenol spray almost anywhere. The most common brand is Chloraseptic. It contains about 1.4 percent phenol. Phenol spray is safe to use at the recommend dose for a short time.