Same-Day Ingrown Toenail Surgery Perth – Treatment With Dr Sam Steel
Suffering from a painful or recurring ingrown toenail? You may be able to have it assessed and treated in a single appointment.
At Star Physio Mosman Park, podiatrist Dr Sam Steel provides ingrown toenail treatment and minor nail surgery, including same-day surgery for suitable patients.
Whether your ingrown toenail is painful, inflamed or keeps returning, Sam can assess the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
For recurring or more severe cases, a minor procedure called a partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy can provide long-term relief by removing the problematic edge of the nail and reducing the likelihood of it growing back.
Book an ingrown toenail assessment with Sam Steel at Star Physio Mosman Park.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

Ingrown toenails can cause pain, redness and swelling. Star Physio podiatrist Sam Steel provides treatment and same-day nail surgery for suitable patients at Mosman Park.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail presses into or grows into the surrounding skin.
It most commonly affects the big toe and can cause:
- Pain and tenderness along the nail edge
- Redness and swelling
- Difficulty wearing enclosed shoes
- Discomfort when walking, running or playing sport
- Broken skin, discharge or infection
- Repeated episodes of inflammation
Ingrown toenails can develop for several reasons, including nail shape, footwear pressure, trauma and incorrect nail cutting.
While some mild cases respond well to conservative podiatry treatment, recurring or more severe ingrown toenails may benefit from a minor surgical procedure.
Same-Day Ingrown Toenail Surgery in Mosman Park
Sam Steel offers same-day ingrown toenail assessment and surgery at Star Physio Mosman Park for suitable patients.
This means you may be able to have your ingrown toenail assessed and surgically treated during the same appointment, without needing to return for a separate procedure.
Sam will first assess the toenail, surrounding skin and your medical history to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Not every ingrown toenail requires surgery. In some cases, conservative treatment may be the better option.
However, when surgery is indicated and there are no reasons to delay treatment, a same-day procedure may be possible.
Who Might Benefit From Ingrown Toenail Surgery?
Surgery may be recommended if you:
- Have an ingrown toenail that keeps returning
- Experience ongoing pain or inflammation
- Have difficulty wearing shoes or participating in sport
- Have not improved with conservative treatment
- Want a longer-term solution to a recurring problem
Sam can explain the available options and help you decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Book an appointment with Sam Steel and ask about same-day ingrown toenail surgery.
What Is a Partial Nail Avulsion With Chemical Matrixectomy?
A partial nail avulsion (PNA) is a minor procedure that removes the narrow section of toenail causing irritation.
In many cases, the procedure is combined with a chemical matrixectomy, using a chemical called phenol.
Phenol is applied to the nail matrix — the tissue responsible for nail growth — to reduce the likelihood of the problematic nail edge growing back.
What Are the Benefits?
1. Long-term relief
By treating the part of the nail matrix responsible for the ingrowing edge, the procedure significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
2. Most of the toenail is preserved
Only the problematic section of the nail is removed, meaning the majority of the toenail remains intact.
3. Performed under local anaesthetic
The toe is numbed before the nail is removed, allowing the procedure to be performed in the clinic without general anaesthesia.
4. Relatively quick return to everyday activities
Many patients can return to light daily activities relatively soon, although wound healing takes longer and sporting activities may need to be modified.
5. Same-day treatment may be available
For suitable patients, Sam can complete the assessment and surgery during one appointment.
What Happens During Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

Dr Sam Steel providing expert ingrown toenail treatment at Star Physio Mosman Park.
Sam will explain the procedure before treatment and answer any questions.
The procedure generally involves four steps.
Step 1: Local Anaesthetic
A local anaesthetic is injected around the toe to numb the area.
The injections can cause brief discomfort, but the procedure should not begin until the toe is adequately numb.
Step 2: Removal of the Ingrown Nail Edge
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, Sam carefully separates and removes the narrow section of nail responsible for the ingrown toenail.
The remaining nail is preserved wherever possible.
Step 3: Chemical Matrixectomy
When appropriate, phenol is applied to the exposed nail matrix to reduce the likelihood of the removed nail section regrowing.
This is particularly useful for patients experiencing recurring ingrown toenails.
Step 4: Dressing and Aftercare
The toe is cleaned and covered with a sterile dressing.
Before leaving the clinic, Sam will provide instructions on wound care, footwear, activity modification and follow-up.
Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure, the condition of the toe and individual healing factors.
The First 24–48 Hours
Once the local anaesthetic wears off, some discomfort may occur.
Sam generally recommends:
- Keeping the initial dressing clean and dry as instructed
- Resting and elevating the foot when possible
- Wearing open-toed or roomy footwear
- Avoiding unnecessary pressure on the treated toe
- Using suitable over-the-counter pain relief if needed and medically appropriate
The Following Days
Sam will provide instructions for dressing changes and wound care.
Many patients can return to work, school and light daily activities relatively quickly, depending on their footwear requirements and how much time they spend standing or walking.
Returning to Sport
Running, jumping, swimming and other activities that place pressure on the toe may need to be temporarily restricted.
Although discomfort often settles relatively quickly, complete healing after a chemical matrixectomy can take several weeks.
Sam will advise when it is appropriate to resume sport and other activities.
When Should You Seek Further Advice?
Contact Star Physio if you experience increasing pain, spreading redness, significant swelling, fever or other concerns during recovery.
Can an Ingrown Toenail Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. Not every ingrown toenail needs surgery.
Depending on the severity, conservative treatment may include:
- Careful removal of the irritating nail edge by a podiatrist
- Advice on appropriate nail cutting
- Footwear modifications to reduce pressure
- Treatment of surrounding skin irritation
- Guidance on managing inflammation and preventing recurrence
However, when the problem repeatedly returns, partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy may offer a more effective long-term solution.
Meet Sam Steel – Podiatrist at Star Physio Mosman Park
Sam Steel is a podiatrist at Star Physio Mosman Park, providing treatment for a wide range of foot and lower-limb conditions.
Alongside general podiatry and ingrown toenail surgery, Sam has a strong interest in sports podiatry, running injuries, biomechanics and helping active people remain comfortable and mobile.
Sam provides both conservative ingrown toenail treatment and minor nail surgery, including partial nail avulsion with chemical matrixectomy.
His approach focuses on understanding the cause of the problem, explaining treatment options clearly and helping patients achieve lasting relief.
Sam is available at Star Physio Mosman Park, including Saturdays.
If you’ve been putting up with a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, book an appointment with Sam to discuss your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?
The local anaesthetic injections may cause temporary discomfort. Once the toe is adequately numb, the procedure should not be painful, although you may feel some pressure or movement.
Some discomfort can occur as the anaesthetic wears off.
Can Sam remove my ingrown toenail at my first appointment?
For suitable patients, yes.
Sam offers same-day assessment and ingrown toenail surgery at Star Physio Mosman Park, subject to clinical suitability and appointment availability.
Please advise reception when booking that you are interested in nail surgery so sufficient time can be allocated.
Will my toenail grow back after surgery?
When partial nail avulsion is combined with chemical matrixectomy, the aim is to prevent the treated edge of the nail from regrowing.
The procedure has a high success rate, although recurrence remains possible.
Will my toenail look normal afterwards?
Most of the toenail is preserved during a partial nail avulsion.
The nail will usually be slightly narrower once healed, but the overall appearance is generally maintained.
How long does ingrown toenail surgery take to heal?
Many people can resume light daily activities within a few days, but complete healing after chemical matrixectomy may take several weeks.
Healing time varies between individuals.
Can I drive home after ingrown toenail surgery?
This depends on which foot is treated, the footwear and dressings required, and whether you can safely operate your vehicle.
Ask Sam about driving arrangements before your appointment, particularly if the right foot is being treated or you drive a manual vehicle.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is generally not required to book a private podiatry appointment.
However, patients with certain medical conditions or more complex presentations may require additional assessment or coordinated care.
Book Ingrown Toenail Surgery With Sam Steel at Star Physio
Don’t let a painful or recurring ingrown toenail continue to interfere with your daily activities.
At Star Physio Mosman Park, podiatrist Sam Steel provides assessment, conservative treatment and minor ingrown toenail surgery.
For suitable patients, assessment and surgery may be completed during the same appointment, helping you access treatment without unnecessary delays.
📍 Star Physio Mosman Park
📅 Appointments available with Sam Steel, including Saturdays.
Please advise reception when booking that you are seeking ingrown toenail surgery so sufficient appointment time can be allocated.
Same-day surgery is subject to clinical suitability, practitioner availability and sufficient appointment time.
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