Post-Operative Care Guide After a Matrixectomy

A matrixectomy is a procedure often performed to treat chronic or severe ingrown toenails. It involves removing a portion of the nail and treating the nail root (matrix) to prevent regrowth. While this is a safe and effective procedure, proper aftercare is essential for healing, infection prevention, and reducing the chance of recurrence.

What to Expect Right After Surgery

• Your toe may remain numb for 6–10 hours after the procedure.

• Slight bleeding, drainage, or discoloration is normal.

• Keep your foot elevated as much as possible the first day to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Wear a loose shoe, sandal, or open-toe footwear to avoid pressure on the toe.

Pain and Comfort

Most patients do not need prescription pain medicine. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually sufficient. Elevating the foot will also help with swelling and soreness.

Bathing

You will leave the office with a bulky dressing over your toe. Some bloody spotting may appear on the outer bandage—this is usually not significant and can be ignored until the dressing is removed.

Starting the day after surgery:

• Carefully remove the dressing. If it sticks, dampen it and wait a few minutes before removing to minimize discomfort.

• Shower or bathe as normal once the dressing is off.

Dressings

After showering or bathing each day:

1. Remove the existing bandage and gauze.

2. Cleanse the nail bed with saline spray from your Amerigel kit.

3. Apply Amerigel wound gel.

4. Cover the toe with a clean bandage.

This daily care routine should be continued unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Activity and Footwear

• Rest the day of surgery and limit activity for the first few days.

• Avoid strenuous exercise until your provider clears you.

• Wear open-toe or loose shoes to keep pressure off the healing area.

Healing Timeline

• Most people can return to normal daily routines within a week.

• Complete healing typically takes 6–10 weeks, depending on whether part or all of the nail was removed.

• Some drainage may persist during this period, but it should gradually lessen.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your provider right away if you notice:

• Increasing pain, redness, swelling, or warmth around the toe

• Thick or foul-smelling discharge

• Fever or chills

• Worsening symptoms after initial improvement

Follow-Up Care

Be sure to attend your scheduled follow-up visit, usually about two weeks after the procedure. Your podiatrist will check healing, ensure there are no complications, and provide guidance on preventing future ingrown toenails.

Visual Healing Guide

Initial dressing protection

Example of appearance a few days after procedure

Final Thoughts

With consistent wound care, proper footwear, and monitoring for warning signs, most patients recover smoothly from a matrixectomy. Always follow your provider’s directions and attend follow-up visits to ensure the best outcome. Contact our office with any questions or concerns by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.