Did you know that your nails can become affected by almost any condition that can also affect the skin? This includes cancer, warts, cysts and infections. When such conditions present themselves in the nails surgery may be required to either biopsy or treat the illness.
In more rare cases, nail removal is required to completely remove a nail that has become infected or damaged. Ingrown toenails may also require removal, which is a more common procedure. In those cases, only part of the nail is typically removed.
Surgical nail removal is performed easily and safely in our office. You will receive a dose of localized anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. From here your doctor will loosen the skin around the nail and remove the nail with a surgical tool. In cases of extreme disease, the finger or toe may be treated so that the nail will not grow back.
While your surgical wound should heal within a few weeks, nails may take between 6 and 18 months to grow back. If you are concerned about the health of your nails, know that removal is not the only option for treatment. We will be happy to evaluate your condition and discuss your options before sandal weather arrives.
