Nail Surgery in Canary Wharf, London
Nail surgery is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic that removes part or all of a problem toenail and treats the nail bed with phenol to stop the troublesome edge regrowing in that section.
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The short answer
What this treatment is
Areas treated
What's included
- Carried out by HCPC-registered podiatrists who are members of the Royal College of Podiatry
- A long-term solution for recurrent ingrown toenails, with phenolisation markedly reducing the chance of regrowth in the treated section
- Performed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful once the toe is numb
- Sterile, single-use instrumentation and a structured aftercare and redressing plan
- Available at two London clinics — our flagship Canary Wharf site and City Dock in Wapping
- Self-referral — you can book directly online, with no GP referral required
Boundaries of practice
What's not treated
Good practice means saying no when indicated:
- Peripheral arterial disease or poor circulation in the feet — impairs healing and requires vascular assessment before any surgery
- Poorly-controlled diabetes — needs medical and circulatory assessment first; surgery may be unsuitable until control improves
- Known allergy to local anaesthetic or to phenol
- Active foot or toe infection at the site — usually treated first before surgery is scheduled
- Certain medications (e.g. anticoagulants) and pregnancy — flag these at assessment so the timing and approach can be reviewed
Patient journey
What to expect
Consultation & preparation
Eat normally and take your usual medications unless told otherwise. Tell us in advance about diabetes, circulation problems, anaesthetic allergies, or blood-thinning medication. Bring open-toed or roomy footwear to wear home, and arrange someone to accompany you if you would prefer not to travel alone.
During treatment
Aftercare
Keep the dressing clean and dry and rest the foot for the first day or two. We arrange a redressing appointment within a few days and review healing over the following weeks. Take simple pain relief as needed once the anaesthetic wears off. Contact us promptly, or seek urgent medical care, if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, throbbing, fever, or discharge, as these can signal infection.
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Written and medically reviewed by Christine Yau , Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director · HCPC-registered · MSc (Oxon) · Royal College of Podiatry and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); general clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
FAQ
Common
questions
Is nail surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful because the toe is fully numbed with local anaesthetic first. You may feel the initial injection and some pressure during the procedure, but no sharp pain. Once the anaesthetic wears off later that day, mild soreness is normal and is usually managed with simple over-the-counter pain relief.
Will the ingrown toenail come back after surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon when phenol is applied to the nail matrix, which is why we use this technique. Studies report lower recurrence with phenolisation than with nail removal alone, though no procedure can guarantee zero recurrence. We review healing at your follow-up appointment and act early if any edge starts to return.
How long does it take to heal after nail surgery?
Healing typically takes a few weeks, varying with the individual and whether a partial or total avulsion was performed. You will need regular redressings during this time. Most people return to normal activity within a day or two, but should avoid sport, swimming, and tight shoes until the toe has healed and we have confirmed it is settling well.
Can I have nail surgery if I have diabetes?
Possibly, but not without a careful assessment first. Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and neuropathy all affect healing and infection risk, so we check your circulation and diabetic control before deciding. Well-controlled diabetes is not an automatic barrier, but poorly-controlled diabetes or poor circulation may make surgery unsuitable. Our podiatrists will advise you honestly.
Do I need a GP referral, and can I drive afterwards?
No referral is needed — you can self-refer and book directly online with our HCPC-registered podiatrists. Because only a local anaesthetic is used, most people can drive afterwards, but the toe is dressed and a little numb, so arrange alternative transport if you feel at all unsafe to drive.
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Canary Wharf Podiatry • 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD
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