Recurrence after wedge resection is about 5% — usually a small spike of nail regrows from incomplete matrix destruction. This can be retreated easily under local anaesthesia. Total nail removal is reserved for repeated failures.

✦ Wedge Resection

Wedge Resection

Q: Will the toenail look different afterwards?

Yes — the nail will be slightly narrower (about 3–5 mm narrower) but will look normal. Most patients are unaware of the difference once healed. Cosmetic outcome is generally excellent.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

No — digital block anaesthesia provides complete numbness during the procedure. Mild ache for 1–2 days afterwards is common and managed with simple painkillers. Most patients are surprised how easy it is.

Q: What is the recovery like?

Normal footwear is usually fine within 2–3 days; comfortable walking immediately. Daily salt water soaks for 1–2 weeks support healing. Full healing of the nail bed takes 2–4 weeks. No sports until fully healed.

The ingrown portion of the toenail, with its growth matrix, is permanently removed — curing painful ingrown toenails in 95% of cases under local anaesthesia.

20–40 min PROCEDURE

Outpatient HOSPITAL STAY

95% SUCCESS RATE

1–2 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Wedge Resection?

Wedge resection (partial nail avulsion with matricectomy) is the definitive surgical treatment for ingrown toenails. Under digital block anaesthesia, the ingrown side of the toenail is removed along with the corresponding nail matrix — the growth zone that produces the nail. Phenol or surgical excision destroys the matrix, ensuring that this portion of nail never regrows. Dr. Abhishek performs wedge resection at Lux Hospitals as a quick outpatient procedure with cure rates of 95% and excellent cosmetic outcomes.

How the Procedure Works

Digital Block Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic is injected at the base of the toe to provide complete numbness.

Nail Edge Removal

A 3–5 mm strip of the ingrown nail is freed and removed entirely from base to tip.

Matrix Destruction

The corresponding nail matrix is destroyed using phenol cautery or surgical excision.

Cleaning & Drainage

The wound is cleaned thoroughly; granulation tissue is removed if present.

Dressing

A non-stick dressing is applied; patient walks out in normal or surgical footwear.

Outcomes

20–40 minDURATION

OutpatientHOSPITAL STAY

95%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Definitive cure for ingrown toenails — 95% success rate
→Quick procedure under local anaesthesia
→Walk out same day in normal or comfortable footwear
→Excellent cosmetic outcome — narrower but normal-looking nail
→Permanent solution for recurrent ingrown nails
→Avoids repeated minor procedures and antibiotics

Wedge resection cures ingrown toenails permanently for the vast majority of patients — quick procedure, walks out the same day, and never needs another antibiotic for that toe again. It's an underused but excellent operation.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the toenail look different afterwards?+

Is the procedure painful?+

What is the recovery like?+

What if it recurs?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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