The Short Answer
The surgery itself is not painful. You will feel the local anaesthetic injections, which are a brief sharp scratch. After the anaesthetic takes effect, you will not feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and lasts 1–3 days.
Most patients who have been living with an ingrown toenail say that the discomfort after surgery is significantly less than the pain they were experiencing before it.
The rest of this article explains each stage in detail, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before Surgery: The Local Anaesthetic
The local anaesthetic is the part of the process that causes most anxiety. Here is exactly what happens:
Two small injections are given at the base of the affected toe — one on each side. A fine needle is used, and each injection takes only a few seconds. Most patients describe the sensation as a sharp scratch or a brief sting, similar to a blood test but in a more sensitive area.
Anna uses a slow, controlled injection technique. Injecting the anaesthetic gradually rather than quickly reduces the stinging sensation and makes the experience more comfortable.
Within 5–10 minutes of the injections, your toe will be completely numb. Anna will test the area before starting the procedure to make sure you cannot feel anything. If there is any remaining sensation, additional anaesthetic can be given.
Once the toe is numb, you will not feel pain during any part of the procedure. Some patients report a sensation of pressure or slight pulling, but this is not painful — just unfamiliar.
If you are particularly anxious about the injections, let Anna know before your appointment. She is experienced with nervous patients and can talk you through each step as it happens.
During the Procedure
With the anaesthetic working, the procedure itself is painless. Here is what you will experience:
You will be lying or seated comfortably with your foot elevated. The toe will be prepared with antiseptic solution — you may feel a cool sensation but no pain.
A small tourniquet (a rubber ring) is placed around the base of the toe. You may feel mild pressure from this, but it should not be uncomfortable.
The nail section is removed using specialised instruments. You will not feel this. Some patients watch the procedure; others prefer to look away. Both are fine.
Phenol is applied to prevent regrowth. Again, you will feel nothing because the area is numb.
The toe is cleaned and dressed. You may feel a slight tugging as the dressing is applied, but no pain.
The entire process typically takes 30–45 minutes. Many patients are surprised by how straightforward and undramatic it is. The most common feedback is that the anticipation was worse than the reality.
After Surgery: What Does Recovery Feel Like?
The local anaesthetic keeps your toe numb for approximately 1–3 hours after the procedure. As it wears off, you will begin to feel some discomfort. Here is a realistic timeline:
Hours 1–3 (still numb). No pain. This is a good window to get home, get comfortable, and elevate your foot. Take paracetamol before the numbness wears off so it is already working when sensation returns.
Hours 3–12 (anaesthetic wearing off). You will feel a throbbing or aching sensation in the toe. This is the most uncomfortable period for most patients. It is typically described as mild to moderate — noticeable but manageable. Keeping the foot elevated helps reduce throbbing.
Days 1–3. The toe will be sore, particularly when standing or walking. Wearing loose-fitting shoes or open-toed sandals helps. Paracetamol taken regularly (following packet instructions) is usually sufficient. Most patients do not need stronger pain relief.
Days 4–7. Discomfort decreases significantly. Many patients describe the toe as "tender" rather than painful. Normal walking becomes more comfortable.
Week 2 onwards. Most discomfort has resolved. The toe may be sensitive to pressure for a few more weeks, but day-to-day activities are not affected.
The First Dressing Change
The initial dressing change — usually 24–48 hours after surgery — is sometimes described as the most uncomfortable part of recovery. The dressing may stick slightly to the wound as it dries.
To make this easier, soak the toe in warm salt water for 10–15 minutes before attempting to remove the dressing. This softens the material and allows it to come away without pulling on the healing tissue. After the first change, subsequent dressing changes are typically much easier.
Anna will give you detailed dressing-change instructions and the supplies you need. If you are uncertain about anything, you can call the clinic for guidance.
Pain Management
For most patients, simple over-the-counter pain relief is all that is needed:
Paracetamol is the first-line recommendation. Take it before the anaesthetic wears off and continue at regular intervals for the first 24–48 hours. Follow the dosage instructions on the packet.
Ibuprofen can be taken alongside paracetamol if needed (assuming you have no medical reason to avoid it, such as asthma or stomach problems). This combination is effective for managing post-operative discomfort.
Elevation makes a noticeable difference. Keeping your foot raised above heart level — propped on cushions while sitting or lying down — reduces blood flow to the area and minimises throbbing.
Loose footwear or open-toed sandals reduce pressure on the healing toe.
Rest on day one. While you can walk immediately after surgery, taking it easy for the first day allows the initial healing to begin without unnecessary irritation.
Stronger pain medication is very rarely needed. If you are experiencing severe or worsening pain 48 hours after surgery, contact the clinic — this could indicate a complication that needs attention.
Compared to the Pain of an Ingrown Toenail
To put post-surgical discomfort into perspective: the vast majority of patients say that the temporary discomfort after surgery was significantly less than the chronic pain they were enduring from the ingrown toenail.
An infected ingrown toenail can cause constant, throbbing pain that disrupts sleep, makes walking agonising, and turns every pair of shoes into an instrument of torture. Compared to weeks or months of that, a few days of mild soreness after a procedure that permanently fixes the problem is a trade most patients are very happy to make.
The most common thing Anna hears from patients at their follow-up appointment is some variation of: "I wish I had done this sooner."