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The Global Insight

What is the vandenbos procedure

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on March 21, 2026

Abstract. Background: The Vandenbos procedure for ingrown toenails consists of excising the surrounding skinfold and allowing the wound to heal by secondary intention. Previous studies have documented low rates of recurrence, but patient-reported outcomes remain uncertain.

How painful is vandenbos procedure?

The Vandenbos Procedure is a minor surgery. Your toe will be frozen and you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. The “overgrown toeskin” around your toenail is removed by your doctor. Your nail is not cut or removed – there is nothing wrong with your nail!

Does nail grow back after Matrixectomy?

When performed with a chemical matrixectomy, the nail will not regrow and you will no longer suffer from the problems your toenail was causing. When performed without, the nail will regrow from scratch, a process that takes approximately 12 months.

How painful is a Matrixectomy?

This in office procedure is painless once the toe is anesthetized. It takes less than a few minutes to complete the procedure. Once the toe is numbed up, the portion or portions of the nail that are causing the pain are removed using special sterilized instruments designed specifically for this procedure.

What is the procedure to remove ingrown toenail?

Surgical removal of an ingrown nail involves removing a small portion of the side of the nail and destroying the nail bed beneath. The toe is injected with a numbing medicine, and the toenail is cut to create a new, straight nail edge.

What is a wedge resection of toenail?

A wedge resection is a minor surgical procedure performed to treat a painful ingrown toenail.

Can toenails be permanently removed?

The most common procedure is a partial nail avulsion with matrixectomy. The toe is “frozen” with local anaesthetic, the nail spicule removed and chemical introduced to the nail matrix to permanently prevent that section of nail from growing back.

Is Matrixectomy permanent?

Matricectomy refers to the complete extirpation of the nail matrix, resulting in permanent nail loss. Usually however, matricectomy is only partial, restricted to one or both lateral horns of the matrix. Nail ablation is the definitive removal of the entire nail organ.

How long does a Matrixectomy take to heal?

The chemical scars the matrix to ensure the nail on this side will not grow again. This typically results in a slightly narrower toenail. When the nail has finished being treated, the surgeon will remove the constricting band and bandage and wrap the toe. Within only a few weeks, the toe will be completely healed.

What does Matrixectomy mean?

This procedure is used to remove the problem portion of an ingrown toenail and to prevent the ingrown toenail from recurring.

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What is chemical Matrixectomy?

Chemical matrixectomy for ingrown toenails is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on the foot. The procedure was first described in 1945 by Otto Boll, who discussed the use of phenol to correct ingrown toenails. In the years that followed, many variations of technique and method have been described.

What chemical is used in a Matrixectomy?

Phenol is the most commonly used agent for chemical matricectomy, but other agents, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), have shown high success rates for the cauterization of the lateral matrix horn (1).

What is phenol Matrixectomy?

Matricectomy with phenol is a simple and inexpensive technique. – Phenol has a potent analgesic and antiseptic action, leading to a very low risk of infection and minimal levels of postoperative pain.

Can you walk after ingrown toenail surgery?

So, can you walk after nail surgery? The short answer is YES! You can walk straight after nail surgery. Nail surgery is a great, curative option for an ingrowing toenail that recurs time and time again.

What do Podiatrists do for ingrown toenails?

A podiatrist will remove the ingrown portion of the nail and may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the infection. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.

How can I permanently fix an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail can be permanently corrected with a procedure called a chemical matrixectomy. This procedure involves removing either a portion of the nail that is ingrown or the entire toenail in certain cases. To perform this procedure, we will first numb the toe with a local anesthetic.

Why do toenails go thick?

Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.

How much does it cost to have toenails removed?

On MDsave, the cost of an Ingrown Toenail Removal (in office) ranges from $233 to $280. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.

Can you live without your toenails?

“Toenails are like our appendix,” Krebsbach says. “They do serve a purpose, but we can live without them.” You can run with toenails, and you can run without them.

Does a wedge resection hurt?

During the Procedure The medical team will also evaluate you to ensure that you are well enough for surgery. After that, you’ll be taken into the operating room and prepped. This will include administration of general anesthesia, which will allow you to sleep through the procedure and feel no pain.

How is a wedge resection performed?

A pulmonary wedge resection can be done in two ways: Thoracotomy – open-chest surgery, where a 15-20cm cut between your ribs to operate and remove the lung tissue. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) – minimally invasive surgery performed through tiny cuts of 3-4cm.

How long does it take a toe to heal after toenail removal?

Everyone is different but on average it takes four to six weeks to heal if part of the nail is removed and 10 to 12 weeks if the whole nail is removed. During this time you will be able to walk and carry on your life as normal although you should avoid sporting activities or dancing.

What to expect after a Matrixectomy?

Complete Permanent Nail Removal (Matrixectomy) Toe is bandaged in much the same manner as in a partial procedure, but pain and healing tend to last several weeks longer. After healing is complete the site of nail removal gets covered with healthy skin that from a distance can resemble a normal nail.

How do you stop nails from growing into your skin?

  1. Trim your toenails straight across and make sure that the edges do not curve in.
  2. Avoid cutting toenails too short.
  3. Wear proper fitting shoes, socks, and tights.
  4. Wear steel-toe boots if you work in hazardous conditions.

What does Epsom salt do for toenail removal?

The Epsom salt soak eases discomfort and draws pus out from the area around the toenail. It can also loosen the skin, so it can be pulled away from your ingrown toenail. When your ingrown toenail is most acute, soak several times per day. Make sure you dry your foot completely after each soak.

Do toenails grow back after avulsion?

The wound should heal within a few weeks. If completely removed, fingernails may take 6 months to grow back. Toenails may take 12 to 18 months to grow back.

Should I remove my fungus toenail?

Toenail fungus In some cases, removing the nail also may be recommended. It takes several months for a fungal nail infection to go away. You can help prevent toenail fungus by: keeping your feet clean and dry.

What happens if your nail doesn't grow back?

In some cases the nail may not grow back at all. There may be damage or a cut to the nail bed. This may need to be repaired. Often this is done with stitches.

Why would you have your toenails removed?

Surgery Overview Surgical nail removal can be done for severe or returning fungal nail infections. The entire nail or only part of the nail can be removed. Surgical nail removal can be done in your doctor’s office. Your doctor will give you an injection in the finger or toe to prevent pain.

How long does it take for a partial nail removal to heal?

Partial nail avulsions take an average of six weeks to heal. Total nail avulsions can take eight weeks or longer to heal.

Does it hurt to have a toenail removed?

The procedure involves removal of either all of, or part of the painful toenail. The nail bed is then destroyed to prevent unwanted painful regrowth. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic so patients do not feel any pain during the surgery.