Post-op nail sugery instructions

		Post-op Instructions Following Nail Surgery The procedure you have had performed today is called a permanent partial (one or more borders of the nail) or permanent total nail excision. This procedure will heal a bit differently than a simple cut or scrape, therefore we ask that you please read and follow these directions carefully. During your procedure, a mild acid called phenol was applied to the nail base. Phenol is used to destroy the nail cells so that the portion of treated nail will not grow back. Another added benefit of phenol is that it acts as a topical anesthetic, often keeping the surgical site numb for 2 weeks. The application of phenol will cause an intentional chemical burn. As a result, the wound will drain a bit more than what you may be accustom to. Many patients will notice significant drainage for the first 3-5 days following their nail surgery. Your follow-up care is intended to promote this drainage. This is accomplished by keeping the surgical site wet. We suggest one of the two following methods; Method 1 Once the bandage is removed, apply 1 drop of Cortisporin Otic Solution to the surgery site(s) and cover with a Band-Aid to keep the nail moist. Repeat twice daily. Continue for 7-10 days or until you no longer see drainage in the Band-Aid. Method 2 Once the bandage is removed, soak the foot in Epsom Salts following the directions on the box. Repeat twice daily. Cover with a Band-Aid following each soak. Continue for 7-10 days or until you no longer see drainage in the Band-Aid. Instructions for all patients 1. Take it easy for at least 2 hours following your surgery. If possible, prop your foot up above the level of your heart on the ride home. Too much activity following your nail surgery will result in a bleed through on the bandage. A little bleeding is expected, but if you experience excessive bleeding following your surgery, please contact our office. 2. Remove your bandage no sooner than 12 hours after your surgery. In most cases, the morning after your surgery is best time to remove your bandage. 3. Showers are fine starting the day after surgery, in fact we encourage you to shower and use a wash clothe to gently debride (remove) the material in the wound. 4. Do not leave off your Band-Aid off think that ‘letting the air get to it for a while’ will help. This will only enable the wound to scab over thereby inhibiting drainage. If normal drainage is inhibited, you will form a sterile abscess that will require additional care. 5. Post-op follow-up visit are included at no-charge 1 week following your procedure. 6. We encourage you to call with any questions or problems following your procedure.

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