Surgical Treatment
A treatment option for severe, persistent, or difficult-to-manage fungal nail infections.
Surgical Treatment may be recommended when a fungal nail infection is severe, painful, persistent, or has not responded well to other treatment options. In some cases, removing part or all of the diseased nail can help reduce pain, remove heavily infected nail tissue, and support a more effective long-term treatment plan.
Your podiatrist will assess whether surgery is appropriate for your nail condition and explain the most suitable treatment approach based on the severity of the infection, the shape and condition of the nail, and your medical history.
What are the risks involved?
Your clinician will explain the risks of the procedure in detail before treatment begins.
The three main risks involved with Surgical Treatment are:
pain
infection
abnormal nail growth if the nail grows back in an unusual or thickened shape
The risk of infection can be reduced by keeping the surgical site clean and following all aftercare instructions carefully.
How do I get diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a consultation and fungal nail assessment.
Your clinician will:
take a detailed medical history
review your risk factors
carry out a physical examination of the affected nails
use fungal nail testing to help confirm the diagnosis
This may involve taking a clipping of the affected nail, photographing the infected nails, and measuring the line of fungal growth from the base of the nail so progress can be monitored over time.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your clinician will explain the most appropriate treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
What is involved in the surgical treatment process?
If surgery is considered the right option for you, your podiatrist will first take a comprehensive medical history to help reduce any potential risks involved with the procedure.
Surgical Treatment is performed by a trained podiatrist at Anglesea Clinic. The procedure usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how many surgical sites are involved.
After the procedure, you will be given a surgical dressing pack along with detailed instructions on how to care for the wound at home. You will usually need to return for the first two dressing changes so your podiatrist can examine the wound, monitor healing, and guide you through the next stage of aftercare.
Once the wound has healed, your podiatrist may recommend a combination treatment plan and provide hygiene and prevention advice to help reduce the risk of reinfection during and after recovery.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your treatment.
Where is Surgical Treatment available?
Surgical Treatment for fungal nail conditions is performed at Anglesea Clinic by a trained podiatrist, with assessment and referral support available across selected clinics in Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Our team can help arrange your consultation, confirm whether surgery is appropriate, and guide you through the assessment, referral, and treatment process from the clinic most convenient for you.
This includes support for patients in:
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Surgical Treatment can vary depending on:
your consultation
fungal nail testing
the type of nail procedure required
dressing changes
follow-up care
whether your treatment plan includes additional podiatry support after surgery
Your podiatrist will assess your nails, confirm whether surgery is appropriate for you, and explain the most suitable treatment plan before you begin.
To learn more, you can view:
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Surgical Treatment recommended for fungal nail infections?
Surgical Treatment is usually considered when a fungal nail infection is severe, persistent, or has not responded well to other treatment options such as topical treatment, laser therapy, or oral antifungal medication. It may also be recommended when the nail is painful, significantly thickened, or badly damaged.
What types of surgical procedures are available?
Depending on the nail and the severity of the infection, treatment may involve total nail avulsion, partial nail avulsion, or removal of the diseased portion of the nail. Your clinician will explain the most appropriate procedure for your situation.
Who performs the surgery?
Fungal nail surgery is performed by a trained podiatrist at Anglesea Clinic.
What happens during the procedure?
If surgery is the right option for you, your podiatrist will first review your medical history to reduce any potential risks. The procedure is then carried out by a trained podiatrist, and after surgery you will be given a dressing pack and detailed aftercare instructions.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how many surgical sites are involved.
What should I expect after surgery?
After the procedure, you will need to return for the first two dressing changes so your podiatrist can examine the wound, monitor healing, and give you clear aftercare instructions. Once the wound has healed, you may begin any recommended combination treatment and prevention plan.
What are the risks involved?
The main risks involved with Surgical Treatment are pain, infection, and abnormal nail growth if the nail grows back in an unusual or thickened shape. Your clinician will explain these risks in more detail and provide guidance on how to reduce them.
Can surgery be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Once healing has progressed, your podiatrist may recommend combining surgery with other fungal nail treatments such as topical treatment, oral antifungal medication, or laser therapy to help reduce the risk of reinfection.
How do I get diagnosed before surgery?
Diagnosis begins with a consultation. Your clinician will review your medical history, assess risk factors, examine your nails, and use fungal nail testing to confirm whether a fungal infection is present.
Where can I have fungal nail surgery?
Fungal nail surgery is performed at Anglesea Clinic, with consultation and referral support available through selected clinics across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
10,000+
Appointments delivered across our clinics, helping patients improve foot health, mobility, and long-term outcomes.
7 Clinics
Conveniently located across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, making it easy to access a podiatrist near you.
30+ Treatments
Comprehensive podiatry services including fungal nail care, ingrown toenail treatment, rehabilitation, and general foot care.
Book Your Surgical Treatment Assessment Today
Surgical Treatment may be an appropriate option for severe or persistent fungal nail infections that have not responded well to other treatment approaches.
You will receive expert assessment, clear wound care guidance, follow-up support, and a tailored treatment plan that may include topical treatment, oral antifungal medication, or other podiatry care once healing allows.
Assessment and referral support are available across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, with Surgical Treatment performed at Clinic.
