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Toenail ingrown surgery
I underwent surgery for an ingrown toenail in February 2025. The nail took around a year to grow back, but instead of growing in the correct direction, it has started growing inward again. It’s painful, and I want to avoid another surgery if possible.
I have tried soaking the toe, lifting the nail, and avoiding shoes, but nothing seems to be helping much. Can visiting a doctor help me manage or treat this without surgery?
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Needs clinical examination
Need revision surgery if recurrence is there
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Recurrence after ingrown toenail surgery can happen if a small part of the nail matrix/root remains and the nail starts growing inward again. From your description, it sounds like a recurrent ingrown toenail rather than just temporary irritation.
Since soaking, lifting the nail, and footwear modification are not helping much, a physical examination by a surgeon is advisable. In mild cases, conservative management with proper nail trimming, cotton packing/splinting, antibiotics (if infected), and footwear advice may help temporarily.
However, if the nail is repeatedly growing inward with persistent pain, swelling, or infection, a minor procedure may be needed again — usually partial nail avulsion with destruction of the involved nail root (matricectomy) to reduce recurrence risk. This is generally a small OPD procedure done under local anesthesia.
Meanwhile:
✔️ Wear wide/open footwear
✔️ Avoid cutting nails too short or curved at edges
✔️ Keep the area clean and dry
✔️ Do warm saline soaks
Please consult a general surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment planning.
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Kindly consult online for recurrence information
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Consult a General Surgeon for proper evaluation and to assess
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Dr. Lokesh Venkataramu
General Surgeon
8 yrs exp
Bangalore
All of them are temporary measures, once it’s inspected a better surgical management can be planned .
Next Steps
Visit general surgeon / plastic surgery
Health Tips
Maintain hygiene to prevent further infection
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.