If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. The redness, swelling, and tenderness make even simple things—like putting on shoes—miserable. What many people don’t realize is that there’s a permanent, in-office solution that can stop the problem for good.
What Causes Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails happen when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. This can be caused by:
- Tight shoes or socks
- Improper nail trimming
- Genetic nail shape (some nails naturally curve inward)
- Previous injury or chronic infection
Once the nail edge begins to dig in, inflammation and infection can quickly follow.
The Permanent Solution
At our office, we offer a permanent ingrown toenail removal procedure that takes just about 15–20 minutes and provides lasting relief. After numbing the toe, the small offending edge of the nail is removed. Then, we apply a special solution—sodium hydroxide—to the nail root (called the matrix). This gently prevents that portion of the nail from growing back, so the edge can’t become ingrown again.
Unlike older methods that used phenol, sodium hydroxide is cleaner, safer, and results in less tissue irritation and faster healing. Most patients return to normal activities the same or next day with only mild tenderness.
Recovery and Results
After the procedure, you’ll soak the toe for a few days and apply a topical antibiotic or dressing as directed. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy recovery is—and thrilled never to deal with recurring ingrown nails again!
When to Call
If you’re dealing with recurring ingrown toenails, don’t keep suffering or trying temporary fixes. Schedule a consultation to see if a permanent solution is right for you. You’ll walk out of the office pain-free and finally on the path to healthy, comfortable nails.