Surgical Treatment
For severe or recurrent fungal nail infections, surgical treatment may be recommended to remove infected nail tissue and restore a healthier foundation for regrowth. At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists perform precise, minimally invasive procedures under local anaesthetic to ensure comfort, safety, and improved treatment outcomes.
What do I need to know if I’ve been recommended to undergo Surgical Treatment?
Surgical procedures are deemed minor and are performed in our clinical rooms at Angelsea Clinic. Only the part of nail that is diseased will be removed.
All three procedures are performed under local anaesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure. The clinician undertaking the procedure will loosen the skin surrounding the nail and separate the nail from the nail bed using specialist equipment.
You may wish to prevent the nail from growing back to guarantee the fungal infection is not able to reinfect the area. We can do this by destroying the nail matrix with a chemical called phenol which is applied to the cuticle after the affected nail has been removed.
Alternatively, you can allow the nail to re-grow. In this instance, we recommend a combination of fungal treatment to reduce any re-infection of the new nail. This approach is not guaranteed.
Following your procedure, the treated toe will be heavily bandaged and regular dressing changes will be required for two weeks until the wound site has healed. Your clinician will monitor your wound site closely over the following four weeks.
Who performs this procedure?
At Foot Foundation, our qualified podiatrist will perform nail surgical treatment of the toenails.
If fingernail removal is required (which is much less likely), you will be referred to your GP or a specialist to have this procedure performed.
What are the risks involved?
Your clinician will outline in depth the risks involved with this procedure. However, the three main risks involved with this procedure are:
Pain
Infection – you can reduce the risk of infection by keeping the surgical site clean
Abnormal nail growth – when the nail grows back, it may grow back in an odd or thickened shape
How do I get diagnosed?
Your diagnosis takes place during a consultation with our Foot Foundation clinician. They will take a thorough medical history, consider your risk factors, complete a comprehensive physical examination and use a Diafactory fungal nail test to correctly diagnose your fungal infection.
Diafactory fungal nail tests involve taking a clipping of your toenail, taking photos of your infected nails and measuring the line of fungal growth from the base of the nail so we can monitor your treatment over time.
Once a correct diagnosis has been made, your Foot Foundation clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment protocol with you and answer any questions that you may have.
What is involved in the surgical treatment process?
If surgery is the right option for you, your podiatrist will take a comprehensive medical history to mitigate any potential risks involved with surgical treatment.
The procedure will take place in Anglesea Clinic by a trained podiatrist. The procedure typically takes 60 - 90 minutes, depending on how many surgical sites are involved.
After your procedure, you will be given a surgical dressing pack with comprehensive instructions on how to look after your wound.
You will be required to see your podiatrist for the first two dressing changes. The podiatrist will examine the wound and provide clear instructions on aftercare until the wound is health.
Once your wound is healed, you will commence your recommended combination treatment and receive important information about appropriate hygiene and prevention protocols to reduce your re-infection rates during and after treatment. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Where is Surgical Treatment available?
Foot Foundation provides fungal nail assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing podiatry support for patients considering or using Oral Antifungal Medication across selected clinics in Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Our team can help you find the most convenient clinic for your consultation and treatment plan, whether you are based in Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central, or Bethlehem.
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Surgical Treatment can vary depending on your consultation, fungal nail testing, the type of nail procedure required, dressing changes, follow-up care, and whether your treatment plan includes additional podiatry support after surgery.
Your Foot Foundation podiatrist will assess your nails, confirm whether surgery is appropriate for you, and explain the most suitable treatment plan before you begin.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
Surgical Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions
When is Surgical Treatment recommended for fungal nail infections?
Surgical Treatment is usually considered when a fungal nail infection is severe, persistent, or has not responded well to other treatment options such as topical treatment, laser therapy, or oral antifungal medication. It may also be recommended when the nail is painful, significantly thickened, or badly damaged.
What types of surgical procedures are available?
Depending on the nail and the severity of the infection, treatment may involve total nail avulsion, partial nail avulsion, or removal of the diseased portion of the nail. Your clinician will explain the most appropriate procedure for your situation.
Who performs the surgery?
Fungal nail surgery is performed by qualified Foot Foundation podiatrists at Collingwood street Clinic.
What happens during the procedure?
If surgery is the right option for you, your podiatrist will first review your medical history to reduce any potential risks. The procedure is then carried out by a trained podiatrist, and after surgery you will be given a dressing pack and detailed aftercare instructions.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how many surgical sites are involved.
What should I expect after surgery?
After the procedure, you will need to return for the first two dressing changes so your podiatrist can examine the wound, monitor healing, and give you clear aftercare instructions. Once the wound has healed, you may begin any recommended combination treatment and prevention plan.
What are the risks involved?
The main risks involved with Surgical Treatment are pain, infection, and abnormal nail growth if the nail grows back in an unusual or thickened shape. Your clinician will explain these risks in more detail and provide guidance on reducing them.
Can surgery be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Once healing has progressed, your podiatrist may recommend combining surgery with other fungal nail treatments such as topical treatment, oral antifungal medication, or laser therapy to help reduce the risk of re-infection.
How do I get diagnosed before surgery?
Diagnosis begins with a consultation at Foot Foundation. Your clinician will review your medical history, assess risk factors, examine your nails, and use a Diafactory fungal nail test to confirm whether a fungal infection is present.
Book Your Surgical Treatment Assessment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist assessment and podiatry care for patients with severe or persistent fungal nail infections who may require Surgical Treatment. Where appropriate, surgery can help remove the diseased nail and support a more effective long-term treatment plan.
You will receive expert podiatry care, clear wound care guidance, follow-up support, and a tailored treatment plan that may include topical treatment, oral antifungal medication, or laser therapy once healing allows.
Assessment and referral support are available across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
