Toe nail removal

[BirdsWithBeaks]

My dd is scheduled to have her ingrown toe nail removed by a Podiatrist on Friday.
Has anyone had this done? How painful is it once the pain relief wears off? Will she be able to drive soon after? She's a bit worried about recovery time as she is planning a holiday in Spain in early June.

Is she having the nail bed phenolised? The healing for that takes about a month, if phenol isn't used, healing is faster. It's not unbearably painful afterwards, just paracetamol level. The area will be very tender and I had to change my dressing daily. It's definitely worth it to get rid of ingrown toenail though.

It was grand. I thought it was about the same as the pain of the nail bring there. I did not take anything after the first day. It looked kind of gross regrowing, but it was not sore.

I don't know if it will be phenolised. She just said that they are going to remove the nail, are there different ways to do this?

4 weeks recovery should be fine, she is worried about it being very painful. Is this dealt with OTC pain killers?

Over the counter pain killers are fine for this. Use paracetamol only for the first 24 hours. Aspirin will increase bleeding and you want some of the inflammation for that period so no ibuprofen.

She won't be able to drive for the first 24 hours, as her insurance will be invalid due to LA in toe.

If it is being done by a podiatrist it is likely that it will be with phenol. Penol use will depend on why she is getting it done. If the whole nail is being removed due to fungal infection then possibly no phenol.

Or she may just be having the sides done? If ingrown toenail.

Phenol will increase the healing time as it is a chemical burn. But to stop the problem reoccurring nails will grow the same way as they did before. If it is ingrown toenail due to shape of the nail. it is the best bet really (5% if people get regrowth after phenol)

I can't say as to whether she would be ready for a holiday very soon after the procedure it depends on how she heals, other medical conditions etc. But overall it is an easy procedure with about one day off her feet really

Thank you @quiteathome that's very helpful to know!

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but @BirdsWithBeaks, did your daughter's toe heal ok? I'm having one of my toenails removed without phenol tomorrow. I have an overseas trip booked for January with a LOT of walking involved and I'm starting to worry now!