Partial Nail Removal (Matrixectomy)

Partial Nail Removal (Matrixectomy) is used to remove a portion of an ingrown toenail which causes pain or discomfort with a patient. The procedure also helps to prevent the ingrown toenail from returning. With the use of a local anesthetic, a matrixectomy is a simple operation that only requires a few minutes to perform.

To prepare for a partial nail removal, the toe is properly cleansed, the toe is put to sleep and then the doctor will place a constricting band around the toe in order to reduce blood flow. After the toe becomes numb, and the surgeon will gently lift the ingrown portion of the nail out from under the edge of the skin. A straight line is cut through this piece of the nail from the tip of the nail. This portion of the nail is then completely removed.

The surgeon will then treat the base of the nail (which is called the nail matrix) in order to prevent the ingrown toenail from coming back again. To accomplish the permanent correction cotton swabs are dipped in a special chemical solution which is held against the exposed nail matrix for a couple of seconds.

The chemical application prevents the nail cells in the matrix from growing again. This typically results in a slightly narrower toenail. When the nail has finished being treated, the surgeon will remove the constricting band and bandage and wrap the toe. Within only a few weeks, the toe will be completely healed.

For years, I have suffered from painful ingrown toenails. Fortunately, I finally had the time to visit the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona. It was there that I encountered Dr. DiNucci along with his phenomenal team. He recommended a matrixectomy, which was an extremely easy, pain-free experience. The professionalism in the care given was outstanding, and my toenail issues have been resolved completely. I would like to thank Dr. DiNucci for giving me back pain-free feet!

Olivia Taylor

January 2022

Finally fed up with chronic nail infections and ingrown nails, I visited the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, run by Dr. Kris DiNucci. His professional team, quickly determined what the problem was, and partial nail removal was recommended. Quick, nearly painless, and recovery faster than expected. It has been months, and since then, I have not had even a single problem with my nails. I am truly indebted to the experience and concern of Dr. DiNucci and his team!

James Anderson

March 20233

I had an ingrown toenail that would not heal and had caused me constant pain. I had been getting treatments for it in several other places before I went to the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona. Dr. Kris DiNucci recommended a matrixectomy, which was one of the best decisions I ever made for the health of my foot. It took very little time and the staff was incredibly professional; they truly act like they do care about their patients. Thanks to Dr. DiNucci, toenail problems are history!

Michael Johnson

June 2023

For years, I had ingrown toenails that inevitably would become infected. After being referred to Dr. Kris DiNucci at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, I could not be happier with the results. He recommended partial nail removal, and his professional staff made it a very comfortable procedure. Amazing results no longer have any more infections or discomfort. Dr. DiNucci is truly a professional in his field.

William Brown

March 2024

After several months of trying to deal with my painful ingrown toenails, I visited the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona and met Dr. Kris DiNucci. He had me perform a matrixectomy to solve this problem once and for all. The procedure was done efficiently, and their staff put me at ease throughout. Weeks have passed, and I'm just relieved the pain that had been affecting my daily life is gone. And for this, I would highly recommend Dr. DiNucci and his professional team to anyone facing similar problems!