[Guest]

I had one ingrown toenail cut years ago but the nail grew back (only not as thick) and the skin pad surrounding the nail got even bigger. Today a podiatrist told me the only option I have since the pads surrounding my ingrown toenails on my big toes are so large is to have the toenails removed. The nails go way down into the skin. He said I will get unsatisfactory results by just having the edges cut. Can't they reduce the skin pads in conjunction with cutting the nail or do I really have to have the nails removed as my only option? Also, what problems will I have if I have the nails removed?

[Guest]

The skin grows naturally as a way of protection. Therefore, the skin cannot be reduced. If you do decide to get the entire nail removed, it will not cause any problems or side-effects besides not having a nail there cosmetically. Therefore, you may want to ask if they can do a partial nail avulsion again and see how long it takes for the nail to cause problems. If it only causes you an occasional problem every 2-3 years, you may want to keep your nail.
[quote] I had one ingrown toenail cut years ago but the nail grew back (only not as thick) and the skin pad surrounding the nail got even bigger. Today a podiatrist told me the only option I have since the pads surrounding my ingrown toenails on my big toes are so large is to have the toenails removed... [/quote]