Ingrown Toenail Removal in Dublin
Ingrown toenail removal in Dublin: permanent nail surgery at our clinics in Finglas (D11) and Mount Merrion (Co. Dublin).
Foot Focus offers ingrown toenail removal in Dublin at our Finglas and Mount Merrion clinics. It starts with a pre-op assessment to make sure nail surgery is right for you, which includes conservative treatment. Our CORU-registered podiatrists then numb the toe with local anaesthetic, remove the ingrowing edge of the nail and treat the root with phenol so it doesn't grow back. The procedure takes 30 to 50 minutes, and all your follow-up appointments and dressings are included. Our team carry out 8 to 10 nail surgeries every month. If the first procedure is unsuccessful, we'll do it a second time for free (T&Cs apply).
Do you need nail surgery?
Not every ingrown toenail needs surgery. It's usually the right option if:
- The same toe keeps getting ingrown, again and again
- It keeps getting infected, or you've needed antibiotics for it
- It's painful to wear shoes, walk or play sport
- You've tried home treatment and it hasn't worked
- Your nails are naturally very curved and dig in at the sides
If any of these sound familiar, a quick assessment will tell you whether surgery is the answer.
Talk to us about your toe.
Call us on (01) 556 3662Rated 4.9 on Google · 397 reviews
What causes ingrown toenails?
An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail grows into the skin beside it. The most common causes:
- Nail shape. Some people have naturally curved or wide nails, and it often runs in families. This is the main reason ingrown toenails keep coming back.
- Cutting the nails wrong. Cutting too short or digging down into the corners. Always follow the natural curve of the nail.
- Tight or narrow shoes that press the skin against the nail.
- Injury, like stubbing the toe or having it stood on.
- Sport and sweaty feet, which soften the skin and make it easier for the nail to dig in.
When the cause is the shape of the nail, trimming it back only gives short-term relief. Nail surgery fixes it permanently.
Why Dublin patients choose Foot Focus
- All our podiatrists are CORU-registered and members of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland
- Founded by brothers Stephen and Mark Ryan, first-class honours podiatry graduates practising since 2011, and open as Foot Focus since 2016
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 397 Google reviews
- More than 100,000 appointments in our Dublin clinics, and over 1,500 most months
- Dublin's largest podiatry team in private practice
- Two clinics: Finglas (Dublin 11), for Glasnevin, Santry, Cabra and Blanchardstown, and Mount Merrion, close to Stillorgan, Blackrock and Sandyford
- No GP referral needed: book directly online or by phone
- Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, at both clinics
The Foot Focus method for ingrown toenails
Step 1: Pre-op assessment
We look at the toe, the shape of the nail and your history, to make sure you're a good candidate for nail surgery. The assessment includes conservative treatment, and if it can be treated without surgery, we'll tell you. If surgery is the best option, we explain exactly what's involved and what it costs.
Step 2: The procedure
We numb the toe with local anaesthetic, so you won't feel the surgery itself. We remove the ingrowing edge of the nail (or the whole nail if needed) and apply phenol to the root, which stops that part of the nail growing back. You're in for about an hour, and the procedure itself takes 30 to 50 minutes. You walk out with a dressing on the toe.
Step 3: Aftercare
We see you the next day to check the toe and change the dressing. Then we keep reviewing it until it has fully healed. You won't be left to manage the wound on your own.
Step 4: Make sure it stays fixed
We show you how to look after your nails so the problem doesn't move to another toe. If the first procedure is unsuccessful, we'll do it a second time for free (T&Cs apply).
Start with an assessment
Book online or call (01) 556 3662. No GP referral needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ingrown toenail surgery cost?
Nail surgery at Foot Focus starts from €650 for one of the nails. The price includes all your aftercare appointments plus dressings until the area is completely healed. Before surgery you'll have a pre-op assessment to make sure nail surgery is right for you, which includes conservative treatment. If your health insurance covers podiatry, you can usually claim it back.
Does ingrown toenail removal hurt?
The local anaesthetic stings for a few seconds as it goes in. After that the toe is numb and you won't feel the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off, most people have a mild ache that settles with normal painkillers.
How long does it take to heal?
Most toes heal fully in 3 to 5 weeks. Most people are back at work within 5 days, but should avoid sport and swimming for about 3 weeks. We'll give you a clear plan at your appointment.
Will my toenail grow back?
The part we treat with phenol shouldn't grow back, and the rest of the nail grows normally. If the first procedure is unsuccessful, we'll do it a second time for free (T&Cs apply).
Can you remove an infected ingrown toenail?
We would need to assess the infection first, on occasion if the nail is too infected you may need an antibiotic first before the nail surgery is performed but we can help you with that.
Can I drive home after nail surgery?
No you will not be able to drive home after the procedure. Bring an open-toed shoe or sandal so there's room for the dressing.
Do you do nail surgery on children?
We assess every case individually. Nail surgery is unlikely to be recommended for anyone under 16, but we'll always look at the toe and talk through the options.
Where do you do nail surgery?
At both our clinics: Finglas (D11) and Mount Merrion (south county Dublin).
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a pre Nail Surgery Assessment directly with us online or by phone.
References
- Ingrown toenail - HSE (Health Service Executive, Ireland)
This page is for general information and does not replace individual clinical assessment. If symptoms persist, book an appointment with a CORU-registered podiatrist.
Read our free nail surgery guide
What happens on the day, how to look after your toe afterwards and how long healing takes, all in one guide. One of our team will give you a quick call or text.
Watch: nail surgery explained by our podiatrists
Short videos from our own clinicians.
When Do I Need Nail Surgery?
Indications for minor surgery when conservative treatments fail to prevent infection.
Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Hurt?
Molly explains local anaesthesia, pain-free procedure steps, and post-op comfort.
Nail Surgery Recovery Time
Molly explains dressing changes, healing progress, and returning to normal shoes.
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