Laser surgey for ingrown toenails?
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I've had that done, except with chemicals instead of a laser, and it's not as bad as you think. Depending on how bad your ingrown toenail is, he may be taking out the whole nail or just the edge, but either way, you really can't tell any of the nail is missing after it's done and has healed. The doctor will numb your toe and then cut out the part of your nail that's causing problems (since you'll be numb, this won't hurt, but it will sound like a nail clipper). Then the laser will be used to permanently burn out the root of your nail, which will prevent it from ever growing back. After it's done, take some Tylenol for the pain (don't do Advil, as that will make you bleed more) and follow your doctor's instructions; you'll probably have to leave the bandages on it for 24 hours, and afterwards soak it in water with Epsom salt mixed in a few times a day. Unless your doctor tells you differently, put Neosporin or similar products on it frequently to prevent infections. It is kind of scary to think about having your toenail removed, but once it's done you'll realize it wasn't such a big deal after all.
You need a second opinion bad..
Please get another opinion. I had a foot doctor tell me he was going to surgically remove the edges of ALL my toenails. He started drawing lines, and when I saw what he was going to do, I told him to stop. My feet would have looked awful, and I would never have been able to wear sandals again. I haven't heard about laser surgery for this, but why not look it up and see what it can do for you. I ended up not having anything done, and I haven't had another ingrown nail since--about 10 years.
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