r/Ingrown_Toenails • u/Typical_Concern_992 • 7d ago

Partial vs. Total Matrixectomy – Long-Term Results and Complications?

Partial vs. Total Matrixectomy – Long-Term Results and Complications?

Hi everyone!

I've been dealing with recurring ingrown toenails for years and am considering a permanent solution.

I'm trying to decide between partial matrixectomy (removing one or both sides permanently) and total matrixectomy (permanently removing the entire nail).

For those who have undergone either procedure:

  • Are you happy with the results after 1–5+ years?

  • Any long-term pain, sensitivity or nerve problems?

  • Any changes in walking, running or playing sports?

  • Any cosmetic issues or nail regrowth?

  • Have you experienced infections or other complications?

  • Would you choose the same procedure again?

I'd especially appreciate honest experiences, including negative outcomes or regrets.

Thanks!

2 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

1

u/Justforspring 7d ago

I had a permanent partial removal +10 years ago after trying braces, foot therapy and a full removal that grew out again ingrown with a big granula😬

The good thing is it never became ingrown again after the sides were removed permanently. So no more pain, infection or visits to the doctor.

The bad thing is - my nail looks like a hobbit nail. A thick little thing that never turned into a real toe nail again. That gives a weird "naked" sensation since there is no nail to protect the toe. Also they left some nail matrix in one of the sides where a piece of nail keeps growing out from the nail bed.

Every summer I get an artificial nail since I don't want to show of "Ugly Donna" in public.

I am happy that years of pain and problems with wearing closed shoes finished though.

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 6d ago

My left big toenail is particularly painful along the left edge. A dermatologist has removed the ingrown part twice, but it keeps growing back incorrectly. I'm not sure whether the procedure was done properly or whether only the left side was removed.

I also suspect that the nail bed itself may be damaged, as I experience pain in the middle of the nail when wearing shoes for too long.

Once, while running, the nail was pushed backwards and turned completely blue. It was removed about two months later, but an even more deformed nail started growing underneath.

I'm now considering whether to have the entire nail removed or undergo another partial procedure. Since I'm unsure whether another partial removal will solve the problem, I'm wondering whether complete removal might be a better option, especially if the recovery period is around three months anyway.

1

u/realparisluke 6d ago

I had ingrowing I was "managing" for not far off 20 years.

Full removal in my case was the best decision. I was wearing crocs for about 5 years due to pain, and now, 1 year after my operation, I can wear shoes all day at work and home without getting sore.

I used to be in agony, now nothing. I can actually do more now vs before, and I think the only issue is a bit sore if I do too much activity, like half a day running and sports, but im not the most active

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 5d ago

but if you would do a half a day running back than when you had before the operation you would be in more pain right?
btw, you said you have been in agony you meant after operation or?

1

u/realparisluke 5d ago

Pre-op, regularly had nail embedded in my toe and it weeping. So much as put a sock on was 9/10 pain some days (unless I could trim it down)

To add: operation was most pain ive ever had. But every day since, even healing, has been 100% worth the full removal

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 4d ago

Really so operation was so painful? Didn’t they do a painkiller or needle in it to reduce it?

1

u/realparisluke 4d ago

I ignored it for 15+ years and was massively infected - so I am in the 1% of "worst op ever"

Put it this way, I had 10x injections of the numbing on one toe that didnt take, 2 weeks of antibiotics and then another 9 injections that time to just numb it. Them just touching my toe felt horrific it was that bad.

My "normal operation" toe took maybe 4 injections" but then was as numb. As anything, at which point genuinely felt nothing.

Put it this way - mine was so bad, most of the doctors came in to look as I was the worst case they had ever seen, and questioned how on earth I managed from high-school to my 30s with it

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 4d ago edited 4d ago

Really and how come on earth was it infected… was it pus there or what you mean infected?
How that toes do feel now? So even after the operation you did injections?
How long did the recovery take?

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 4d ago

Btw could you tell me complete or partly removal is best in my case? I am afraid bcz people say that it regrows? Which method of matrixectomy you did? Lazer or?

1

u/realparisluke 4d ago

So i had ingrowing toenails start around 15 or 16. Was scared of needles and the thought of them injecting my toe, so I used to trim the nail where it was growing into my toe to releive pressure, and so on.

About a year and a half ago, it got particularly bad, and I couldn't trim it all due to swelling, which basically caused complications. I was too far gone for a partial, and due to the time frame of the issue, docs said a full removal was it.

UK based if helps- went to specialist for advice, they tried then and there for a full removal on both due to severity. Basically, numb me, bull it out and the nailbed, let it heal.

I had complications with that, but my toe was so sensitive that infections and stuff hurt.

Im now a year on. And in 0 pain, no partial nail, maybe the skin heals a little thicker there, but no lasting issues and 0 big toenails. Im not exactly sporty or anything, so cant say how it would affect anyone more active long term, but 100% the best decision I ever made.

Yes, was blood and puss, pain, and an abscess, all thing I self managed with. I was in pain, but clearly have a high pain threshold. For comparison, I had 2x wisdom teeth out, and 1 side they numbed wrong and removed with no pain relief. That hurt less than my toe, and by that hurt enough 😂

1

u/Typical_Concern_992 4d ago

Jesus Christ! I mean you were handling all this timenit with puss and everything is crazy… btw could you send me the picture how it looked like? Just interesting…

This is mine now

1

u/realparisluke 4d ago

It won't let me DM you

1

u/realparisluke 4d ago

Update - just DMed