Toenail Reconstruction

Toenail reconstruction is a procedure that allows people with unsightly, discolured or fungal infected toenails to have natural looking toenails. The reconstructed nail is suitable for everyone, including diabetics, and does not damage or inhibit the growth of the natural nail beneath.

What is toenail reconstruction?

At Macclesfield Podiatry our podiatrists are able to provide toenail reconstruction services. Toenail reconstruction is a cosmetic as well as therapeutic procedure, this is because the material used contains an antifungal agent that helps in the treatment of fungally infected toenails.

Toenail reconstruction is applied in very much the same way as a gel nail would be applied in a beauty salon. Although the process of applying the nail is similar, the results and benefits are very different.

The nail that has been reconstructed is described as a prosthetic as it is designed to have the appearance and feel of a natural toenail; the nail is not an acrylic. The toenail is reconstructed by layering a specialised gel onto the nail bed. The gel is specifically designed for toenails, and because of this it is flexible, which is necessary to allow the nail to move with the movements of the toe. As a result the affects will last longer because the toenail will not 'lift' and there is no damage to the natural nail beneath.

What happens during toenail reconstruction?

The following list describes the process of toenail reconstruction:

• If you have a toenail available your podiatrist will begin by thinning the nail and if it is diseased, removing the diseased nail as much as possible. If no toenail is available due to it being removed then the process will start at stage two.
• Your nail is disinfected and cleaned in order to remove any oil.
• A bonding agent is applied to the nail.
• The gel is applied in layers and is cured (hardened) using a UV light.
• Once the desired thickness has been achieved the new nail is filed into shape and smoothed.

Once the nail is complete you are free to treat the nail in exactly the same way as you would a natural toenail. The only precaution you must take is with nail varnish remover. Please ensure that if you apply nail polish that you remove it with an acetone free nail polish remover.

How long does toenail reconstruction take?

The length of time toenail reconstruction takes varies according to the number of nails being treated. Treatment time varies from 30 minutes to two hours.

Who is suitable for toenail reconstruction?

Toenail reconstruction is suitable for most people including:

• Men
• Women
• Teenagers
• Diabetics
• People with thick nails
• People with fungal nail infection
• People who have had a nail removed
• People who have psoriatic nails

If you would like more information on toenail reconstruction, or if you would like to make an appointment for the procedure with one of our podiatrists please email office@manchesterpodiatry.co.uk , or call us on 0161 883 0099 .