Concierge podiatry · London
Private ingrown toenail surgery in London, by a consultant podiatric surgeon.
Definitive surgery — with phenolisation to give the lowest recurrence rate — done by a consultant podiatric surgeon, not a spa pedicure.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant podiatric surgeon, not a spa
The person doing your nail surgery is a specialist — trained specifically for this, and doing it every week.
- 02
Phenolisation done properly
Chemical ablation of the nail matrix drops recurrence from around 30% to around 5%. We only use clinics that do it well.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private ingrown toenail surgery costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
Partial nail avulsion with phenolisation in our network: £400–£750, with recurrence around 5%.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative reshaping / packing | £120–£250 | 20 min | Same visit |
| Partial nail avulsion (one side) | £300–£600 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Partial nail avulsion + phenolisation | £400–£750 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Total nail avulsion + phenolisation | £500–£900 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Bilateral surgery (both sides same visit) | £550–£1,100 | 60 min | Same visit |
| Post-operative dressing changes | £60–£120 per visit | 15 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by surgeon, by whether phenolisation is included, and by how much post-op dressing care is bundled in. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Painful toe. Tried everything. It keeps coming back.
A properly done partial nail avulsion with phenolisation ends the cycle. The trick is being seen by a consultant podiatric surgeon — not a spa, not a walk-in clinic — and having phenolisation done every time.
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Frightened of the surgery?
The toe is fully numb before anything happens. Most patients say the worst bit was the first injection.
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Tried a spa pedicure?
Trimming is not treatment. If the nail edge keeps digging in, only phenolisation stops the regrowth.
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Worried it will come back?
With phenolisation, recurrence is around 5%. Without, closer to 30%. We always include it.
The journey
From enquiry to healed toe — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to final dressing check.
Phase 1 · Before your surgery
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~1 hour at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Which toe, how long, whether it is infected, whether you are diabetic or on blood thinners.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which procedure, which surgeon, indicative price. If conservative care is worth trying first, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We review any blood-thinning medication with the team and tell you exactly how to prepare.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival and consent. The toe is cleaned and numbed with a ring block — the only sharp moment is that first injection.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
30–60 minutes. The offending nail edge (or the whole nail) is lifted out, and phenol is applied to the matrix to stop regrowth.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
A soft dressing on the toe, and home within the hour. Keep the foot elevated for the rest of the day.
- 07
After
Dressings and review
Dressing changes over the next 2–4 weeks. We arrange them, and check the toe is healing as it should.
Typical end-to-end: 1 week to procedure, then 2–4 weeks of dressings.
When it helps
When ingrown toenail surgery is the right next step.
Surgery is arranged when conservative care hasn’t worked, or when the nail is repeatedly infected. These are the situations we see most.
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Painful ingrown toenail
A nail edge digging into the skin, tender to touch, sometimes weeping.
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Recurrent ingrown toenail
It has come back after conservative care, or after previous surgery elsewhere.
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Infected toenail
Redness, swelling, pus or proud flesh around the nail edge.
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Nail deformity from injury
A thickened, curled or split nail after a stubbed toe or dropped weight.
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Diabetic foot considerations
Ingrown nails carry more risk with diabetes — treated on a specialist pathway.
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Very thick or fungal nail
A hard, discoloured nail that can be trimmed conservatively or removed.
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Bilateral ingrown nails
Both sides of the same nail, or both big toes — done in one visit.
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Red flag: spreading redness, fever, discharge
Same-day GP or A&E — not something to wait on. Come back to us afterwards.
Procedure types
Not all ingrown-nail treatments are the same.
What each option is actually for.
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Conservative reshaping
Careful cutting and packing of the nail edge. Buys time when surgery is not yet needed.
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Partial nail avulsion
The offending strip of nail is lifted out under local anaesthetic — the rest of the nail is kept.
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Partial + phenolisation
The same, plus phenol applied to the matrix to stop that strip growing back — the lowest recurrence.
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Total nail avulsion + phenolisation
The whole nail is removed and the matrix ablated. For severely damaged or recurrent cases.
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Bilateral surgery
Both sides of the same nail (or both big toes) treated in one visit — one recovery.
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Diabetic-foot pathway
Extra caution on anaesthetic, wound care and follow-up. Multidisciplinary if needed.
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Paediatric ingrown-nail care
Gentle, child-appropriate technique. Parents present, unhurried.
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Post-op dressing pathway
Regular dressing changes and a healing check — not just handed a plaster and sent home.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of surgeons, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant podiatric surgeons or specialist podiatrists
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Phenolisation available (lower recurrence)
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Diabetic foot expertise
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Aftercare dressings included
Safety and eligibility
Safer, and easier, than most people expect.
Nail surgery is safe and usually straightforward. The things worth planning are blood-thinning medication, footwear, and knowing what to watch for afterwards.
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Local anaesthetic used at the toe
A ring block numbs the toe fully. You feel pressure, not pain — the first injection is the only sharp moment.
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Phenolisation lowers recurrence
Around 5% recurrence with phenol, versus around 30% without. Worth doing if surgery is being done at all.
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Avoid tight shoes for 2 weeks
Open-toed or loose shoes for the first fortnight — anything that squeezes the toe delays healing.
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No sports for 1–2 weeks
Running, football, gym — pause them. Walking is fine, and encouraged after the first day.
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Slight nail regrowth deformity
The nail may grow back a little narrower or with a small notch. Usually cosmetic only.
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Diabetic patients need extra caution
Slower healing and higher infection risk. We match you to a surgeon comfortable with diabetic feet.
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Blood-thinners need a plan
Warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel and even aspirin may need pausing. Never stop without advice — we coordinate it.
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Driving after: someone else should drive you home
The toe is numb and dressed. Arrange a lift, a taxi, or public transport.
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Red flags: spreading redness, fever, worsening pain
Uncommon, but call the clinic (or your GP) the same day if any of these appear.
Reading your report
Your surgical note in plain language. Four short sections.
Every op note follows the same four parts — read the last one first.
A quiet reminder
Surgical notes can read coldly — we translate them for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the aftercare instructions, just ask.
- 01 Header
Which toe and how long
Which toe was treated, which side, how long the problem has been present, and any prior surgery.
- 02 Technique
Which procedure and phenolisation
Partial or total avulsion, whether phenolisation was used, anaesthetic and any antibiotics given.
- 03 Findings
Nail shape and infection status
The shape of the nail edge, any granulation tissue, whether the toe was infected, and any wound closure notes.
- 04 Impression
Read this first: recovery, dressings, review
Expected recovery time, dressing schedule, when to shower, when to return to sport, and when the review is booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover ingrown toenail surgery when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about ingrown toenail surgery.
Quick answers on pain, cost, recovery, driving, diabetes and recurrence.
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What causes ingrown toenails?
A mix of nail shape, footwear and technique. Nails cut too short or curved down at the edges, tight shoes, sweaty feet, and stubbing injuries are the usual culprits. Genetics play a part too — if your parents had them, you are more likely to.
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Does the whole nail come off?
Usually not. Most cases are a partial nail avulsion — only the offending strip along one side is removed, and the rest of the nail stays. A total nail removal is reserved for severely damaged or repeatedly recurring nails.
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Does phenol hurt?
No. The toe is completely numb from the ring block before phenol is applied. Phenol is a chemical that destroys the nail matrix so that section of nail cannot grow back — you feel nothing during it.
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How much does private ingrown toenail surgery cost in London?
Conservative reshaping is £120–£250. Partial nail avulsion with phenolisation is £400–£750. Total nail avulsion with phenolisation is £500–£900. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer — most patients do. If you have a GP letter it is helpful but not required.
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Can I drive after the procedure?
Not immediately. The toe is numb and dressed, and pressing a pedal is uncomfortable. Have someone drive you home, or take a taxi. Most people can drive again after 24–48 hours.
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I have diabetes — is this safe?
Yes, when done on a specialist pathway. Diabetic feet heal more slowly and infection is more of a risk, so we match you to a surgeon experienced with diabetic patients and plan aftercare more carefully.
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How much time off work will I need?
Desk-based work: often the next day, with the foot elevated when possible. Standing or manual work: usually 3–7 days. Anything involving safety boots or long shifts on your feet: nearer 2 weeks.
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Will it come back?
With partial nail avulsion plus phenolisation, recurrence is around 5%. Without phenolisation it is around 30%. We always recommend phenolisation if you are having surgery at all.
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When should I see a GP urgently rather than book with you?
If you have spreading redness up the foot, a fever, significant discharge, or severe worsening pain — that is a same-day GP or A&E problem. Once it has settled, come back to us for the definitive procedure.
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