Elevate Your Foot
Keep your foot elevated for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Follow-Up Instructions for Nail Surgery
Important information about caring for your toe after nail surgery, including bandages, cleaning, soaking, and symptoms that should be reported to our office.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
Your First 48 Hours
Follow your individual discharge instructions. The following directions are from Lakeland Foot & Ankle's published nail surgery aftercare policy.
Pain Medication
The practice's published instructions direct patients to take Aleve or Advil, following the package insert. Confirm with your clinician that these medications are appropriate for you before taking them.
Keep Bandages in Place
Leave bandages intact for at least 48 hours after the procedure, unless you have been given different instructions.
Keep Bandages Dry
Avoid getting the wound or bandages wet during the first 48 hours. The practice's instructions state that bandages becoming wet during this period must be removed immediately. Contact the office for guidance on redressing the area.
CONTINUING YOUR RECOVERY
After the First 48 Hours
The original post-operative directions describe the following care routine beginning two days after surgery. Follow any more specific instructions provided by your clinician.
01
Remove the Bandages
Two days (48 hours) after surgery, remove the bandages and cleanse the area with mild soap and water.
02
Begin Epsom Salt Soaks
The published instructions call for Epsom salt soaks twice daily, for 10 minutes each time, in warm water, for 7–10 days or until your follow-up appointment.
03
Dry and Apply the Directed Products
Dry the area thoroughly. The original practice instructions then direct patients to apply alcohol and Betadine. Do not use Betadine if you have a known allergy to it. Confirm the appropriate products with your clinician.
04
Cover the Area
Cover the area with a cloth or fabric Band-Aid. The practice's instructions advise avoiding plastic Band-Aids because they may trap excess moisture.
IMPORTANT WOUND CARE REMINDERS
Caring for the Procedure Site
The following precautions are also included in the practice's existing nail surgery follow-up instructions.
Dry the Area Thoroughly
Following the prescribed cleansing and soaking routine, dry the area well before applying directed wound-care products and a covering.
Avoid Neosporin Unless Directed
The original instructions specifically caution that Neosporin ointment may keep the wound too moist. Use only the products recommended for your recovery.
Use Fabric Coverings
The practice recommends cloth or fabric Band-Aids rather than plastic varieties, which may retain moisture around the area.
Watch for a Betadine Reaction
If you are allergic to Betadine or iodine, or notice an allergic reaction to the medication, stop using it and contact the office.
WHEN TO CONTACT THE OFFICE
Signs That Need Medical Attention
The practice's published instructions advise calling the office immediately if any of the following possible signs of infection occur.
Increased Redness or Swelling
Worsening redness or swelling around the procedure site.
Increased Drainage
Drainage that increases or becomes concerning during recovery.
Excessive Pain
Severe or worsening pain that raises concern following surgery.
Systemic Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, chills or fever following the procedure.
Questions About Your Nail Surgery Recovery?
For questions about your recovery, bandages or wound care, contact Lakeland Foot & Ankle at (863) 686-1081. If you develop signs of infection, contact the office immediately. For a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care.