Ingrown Toenail Removal in Marietta, GA

An ingrown toenail occurs when a nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, most often on a big toe. Common causes include cutting the nail too short or rounding its corners, tight shoes that crowd the toes, an injury, or a naturally curved nail.

Increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus, drainage, odor, overgrowing tissue, or difficulty walking are reasons to see a podiatrist. A nail salon is not the place to treat an infected or embedded nail. Dr. Iwu can assess the nail, surrounding skin, circulation, and severity before recommending care.

Prompt evaluation is especially important if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a history of foot wounds. Even a small break in the skin can become a more serious problem in a high-risk foot.

What happens at your visit

Dr. Iwu examines how deeply the nail is pressing into the skin and checks for infection. A mild case may be treated by gently lifting the edge and placing a small splint or material beneath it so the nail can grow above the skin.

For a painful or more advanced ingrown nail, a partial nail avulsion removes only the edge that is digging in. The toe is numbed with local anesthetic first. Once numb, Dr. Iwu separates and removes the problem section while preserving the rest of the nail.

The time needed depends on the condition of the toe and the treatment chosen. Dr. Iwu will estimate this at your visit. Before you leave, the toe is dressed and the team explains how to care for it at home.

Recovery and aftercare

Most patients can walk out after an in-office procedure, although the toe may be sore as the anesthetic wears off. Whether you should return to work or other activities the same day depends on your job, footwear, procedure, and comfort.

Keep the dressing and toe clean as instructed, follow any soaking or bandage directions you receive, and wear footwear that does not press on the area. Do not force a tight shoe over a tender toe. Contact the office if pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage worsens instead of improving.

Future prevention includes trimming nails straight across, leaving the corners visible, choosing shoes with a roomy toe box, and avoiding repeated digging at the nail edge.

A permanent fix for recurring ingrown toenails (chemical matrixectomy)

If the same nail edge repeatedly becomes ingrown, Dr. Iwu may recommend a chemical matrixectomy. After numbing the toe and removing the problem edge, a chemical is applied to the corresponding part of the nail matrix—the tissue that produces the nail.

The goal is to prevent that narrow section from growing back while leaving the remaining nail in place. This can provide a long-term correction for chronic ingrown nails, but no procedure is chosen automatically. Dr. Iwu will explain whether matrixectomy fits your nail, health, and history.

OnyFix: a no-cutting option for some patients

OnyFix nail correction uses a small composite brace placed on the nail surface to guide a curved nail toward a flatter growth pattern. It does not involve cutting or needles and may suit some patients with recurring curvature who want a non-surgical approach.

OnyFix is not appropriate for every toe. An advanced or infected ingrown nail may need other care first. Because correction follows the nail as it grows, follow-up and maintenance may be needed. Dr. Iwu will estimate the course at your visit.

Ingrown toenails in children

Children can develop ingrown nails from curved nail shape, trimming, injury, or shoes that crowd growing toes. A child may avoid shoes, limp, or pull away when the toe is touched. Redness, swelling, drainage, or ongoing pain should be evaluated.

Treatment is matched to the child's age, comfort, and severity of the nail. Parents can help prevent recurrence by trimming straight across and checking that socks and shoes leave enough room around the toes.

Insurance and booking

Choice Podiatry Center accepts UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Anthem, Aetna, and CareSource. Coverage varies by plan and by the treatment recommended, so confirm benefits with your insurer and the office.

For ingrown toenail care in Cobb County, request an appointment online or call (770) 702-8723. The office is at 540 Powder Springs St SW, Suite B6, Marietta, GA 30064.