If you have decided to have nail surgery and wonder what happens next, this blog is exactly where you need to be! Here, we will be looking at the most commonly asked questions and what to expect before your surgery.
By now, you’re bound to have done the following:
- Seen your podiatrist.
- You discussed your treatment options most suitable for you and your nails.
- Discussed the process and treatment implications of nail surgery.
- Pondered nail surgery for you and your nails.
- Booked in for surgery!
How long will my surgery last?
Your nail surgery appointment will take approximately one hour; this allows time to get you settled and comfortable in the treatment room. Furthermore, it will enable your podiatrist time to explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions that might be on your mind.
Important documents need to be signed, allowing consent to go forward with the surgery. The toe is then anaesthetised and allowed time for the local anaesthetic to begin working. The actual surgical procedure should take no more than fifteen minutes.
Do I have to fast before the procedure?
As you are going under a local anaesthetic, fasting is not required before the procedure.
However, it is required that you do not consume alcohol twenty-four hours in advance.
Do I have to stop my usual medication?
Unless advised otherwise, it is recommended you continue to take your regular medication as prescribed by your GP or consultant. Although, if you have changed your medication since your last podiatry appointment, you should let us and your GP know.
Am I allowed to bring someone in with me?
If you are under the age of sixteen or cannot consent, you must have a parent or guardian present. If you can agree to the procedure but still wish for someone to be there with you, you are allowed one person in the room during the process.
Who will be in the surgery during the procedure?
Usually, it is your podiatrist and their assistant carrying out the surgery with you. It is a legal obligation to have more than one person present during the procedure.
Occasionally, there will be other people present such as trainee staff members, students or other podiatrists; this would be discussed before the surgery.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
It is recommended you bring a sandal or loose shoe with you, as this will allow room to accommodate your dressing.
It may also be wise to bring a magazine, iPod, tablet etc. something to keep you amused during the procedure.
Will it be painful after the surgery, and can I drive?
After the procedure, your toe will usually be anaesthetised for one and a half to two hours, and you should not experience any pain. You will receive post-surgical pain relief from your podiatrist on the day.
Additionally, you are now allowed to drive on the day of your surgery; you must seek alternative transport. It can provide unnecessary pressure to the surgical site as well as potentially deeming your insurance void.
How do I change my dressing?
It is imperative you keep your surgical dressing on and dry until your next appointment. Do not remove the dressing on your own; your podiatrist will do this for you and discuss and show you how to care for your toe in between clinical appointments.
When do I come back?
You will have a follow-up appointment with your podiatrist, usually around twenty-four hours after surgery. You must attend this appointment and any other given. If, for any reason, you are unable to participate in your entire course dressing appointment, you must advise your podiatrist of this before booking your surgery.
Can I go back to work straight away?
On the day of surgery, you should take the day off work. Make sure you have a quiet and relaxed environment and keep your toe elevated where possible.
Can I participate in sporting activities straight away?
The answer to this question all depends on the type of activities you intend to be participating in. Swimming, ball and contact sports are not advised until the surgical site is fully healed.
Can I still go on holiday?
If you have any holidays planned during your recovery and healing period, you must discuss them with your podiatrist before your surgery, and they will advise.
And, finally, if you have any further questions, we are only a phone call away to answer such queries. Remember, we are fully qualified professionals, so there is no need to worry about your upcoming surgery. You are in safe hands!