The Healing Stages of Toenail Removal: A Complete Guide with Pictures

Are you about to undergo a toenail removal procedure? Whether it’s due to an injury, infection, or ingrown toenail, it’s important to know what to expect during the healing process. In this article, we will take you through the different stages of toenail removal healing with pictures to help you visualize the process.

Understanding Toenail Removal

Toenail removal is a common surgical procedure involving removing a part or the entire toenail. The process can be done under local anesthesia in a doctor’s office or at a hospital as an outpatient procedure. The reasons for toenail removal include the following:

• Ingrown toenail
• Fungal infection
• Trauma
• Tumor

The Healing Stages of Toenail Removal

After the toenail removal procedure, you will experience different healing stages, which can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure and how well you take care of the affected area.

Stage 1: Immediately After Toenail Removal

After the toenail removal procedure, you will experience some pain and bleeding. Your doctor will apply a sterile dressing and may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. You should keep the affected foot elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling and pain.

Stage 2: First Week of Healing

You should keep the affected foot clean and dry during the first week of healing. You may experience some oozing or drainage from the wound, which is normal. Your doctor may ask you to apply a clean, dry dressing and change it daily. Avoid soaking your foot in the water or exposing it to moisture.

Stage 3: Second Week of Healing

During the second week of healing, the wound should start to scab over. The scab will protect from the damage and allow new skin to grow underneath. You should keep the affected foot clean and dry and change the dressing daily. You can also switch to a less bulky dressing at this stage.

Stage 4: Third Week of Healing

During the third week of healing, the scab will start to fall off, revealing the new skin underneath. You may experience some itching or mild pain at this stage, which is normal. You should keep the affected foot clean and dry and apply a light dressing if necessary.

Stage 5: Fourth Week of Healing

During the fourth week of healing, the new skin will start to toughen up, and you may be able to resume your normal activities. However, avoid soaking your foot in the water or exposing it to moisture. You may also need to wear a protective shoe or bandage for a few more weeks to prevent further injury.

Stage 6: Fifth Week and Beyond

After the fifth week of healing, you should fully recover from the toenail removal procedure. However, it’s important to continue caring for your feet and nails to prevent future problems. You should keep your feet clean and dry, trim your nails straight, and wear well-fitting shoes.

Lol with Ginger tea, I’d be feeling the same way. 😂 I once did my own ingrown toenail removal surgery at like 5am before I went to school. I tell myself “I got this shit” too much! 😂😂😂

— KLE93 (@KristenElduen) April 12, 2023

How can I make my toenail removal heal faster?

Following these steps and your doctor’s instructions can help promote faster healing and minimize discomfort after toenail removal.

1. Keep the affected area clean and dry: Keeping the affected toe clean and dry is essential to prevent infection and promote proper wound healing. Your doctor may recommend using a sterile dressing or bandage to cover the wound and keep it clean.
2. Elevate the affected foot: Elevating your foot can help reduce swelling and promote proper blood flow to the affected area, which can help speed up the healing process.
3. Take pain medication as prescribed: You may experience pain and discomfort after toenail removal. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help manage your symptoms. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed to ensure proper pain relief.
4. Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care: Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to care for the wound after toenail removal, including how often to change the dressing and when to come back for a follow-up appointment.
5. Avoid strenuous activity: To promote proper healing, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activity, such as running or jumping, for the first few days after the procedure.
6. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help support the healing process and boost your immune system, which can help prevent infection.

Pictures of Toenail Removal Healing Stages

To help you visualize the healing process, here are some pictures of toenail removal healing stages:

FAQs

Is toenail removal painful?

You may experience pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. Still, your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain.

How long does it take for a toenail to grow back after removal?

It can take several months for a toenail to grow back after removal, depending on the extent of the procedure and how well you take care of the affected area.

How long should I keep my toe covered after nail removal?

After toenail removal, your doctor will likely recommend covering the affected toe with a sterile dressing for at least a few days to promote proper wound healing and prevent infection. Depending on the extent of the procedure and how well the wound is healing, your doctor may recommend keeping the toe covered for several weeks.

Can I walk after toenail removal?

You may be able to walk after the procedure. Still, your doctor may advise you to avoid putting weight on the affected foot for the first few days to reduce swelling and pain.

Will I need to have the toenail removed again in the future?

Suppose the toenail was removed due to an ingrown toenail or fungal infection. In that case, you should have the toenail removed again in the future if the problem reoccurs.

How can I prevent toenail problems in the future?

To prevent toenail problems in the future, you should keep your feet clean and dry, trim your nails straight across, wear well-fitting shoes, and avoid injuring your toenails.

Conclusion

Toenail removal is a standard surgical procedure that can help alleviate pain and prevent further toenail problems. The healing process can take several weeks to months, and it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure proper healing. We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of the different stages of healing toenail removal.