Understanding Nail Reconstruction: A Guide for Patients
As a podiatrist, I understand that nail health is a crucial aspect of your overall foot health. Today, I want to discuss a topic that many of you might find beneficial—nail reconstruction. Whether you’re dealing with nail damage due to trauma, infection, or other conditions, nail reconstruction can be a significant step towards restoring both the appearance and function of your nails.
What is Nail Reconstruction?
Nail reconstruction, also known as nail prosthesis or nail restoration, is a procedure designed to repair and enhance the appearance of damaged or malformed toenails. This technique is particularly helpful for patients who have experienced:
- Trauma or injury: Accidents that cause nail loss or severe damage.
- Fungal infections: Persistent infections that have deformed the nail.
- Psoriasis: Nail changes associated with this skin condition.
How Does Nail Reconstruction Work?
The process of nail reconstruction involves several steps to ensure that the new nail looks natural and functions well. Here’s a brief overview:
- Assessment and Preparation:
- Initial Consultation: We will examine your nail and discuss your medical history to determine the best approach.
- Preparation: The damaged nail is cleaned, and any debris or infected tissue is removed to create a clean base for the reconstruction.
- Application of the Nail Prosthesis:
- Material Selection: We use high-quality, medical-grade materials designed for durability and a natural look.
- Sculpting the Nail: The prosthetic nail is carefully sculpted to match the shape and size of your natural nails.
- Setting and Finishing:
- Curing: The material is set using a UV light or similar method to harden the prosthetic nail.
- Final Touches: The new nail is buffed and can be polished to blend seamlessly with your natural nails.
How long will they last?
As with most things, people are different, and it is not possible to give an exact answer to this. It depends on many things such as:
- How much natural nail you already have
- The shape of your nail bed
- Whether your skin is moist or dry
- Your lifestyle and the way that you walk
There are no guarantees on this, but a rough guide is around 6-8 weeks with some lasting up to 6 months. Occasionally prosthetic nails can come off earlier than this. However, when they do, they usually come off whole and can be temporarily fixed on with hypoallergenic nail glue.
Benefits of Nail Reconstruction
Nail reconstruction offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Appearance: Restores the natural look of your nails, boosting your confidence.
- Enhanced Comfort: Reduces discomfort associated with damaged nails, making it easier to wear shoes and walk.
- Protection: Shields the underlying nail bed from further damage or infection.
Aftercare Tips
Taking care of your reconstructed nail is essential for maintaining its appearance and function. Here are some tips:
- Keep the area clean and dry: Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture (longer than 30 minutes) such as jacuzzies, saunas and baths.
- Avoid sun beds.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Ensure your shoes fit well and do not put pressure on the reconstructed nail. Avoid pointy or narrow shoes and very high heels.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the condition of the nail and address any issues promptly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid acetone-based products and use gentle, non-irritating products on your feet and nails.
Is it completely safe?
Yes, it is. The high-quality materials used are hypo allergenic, which means that they can be used safely even by diabetics and children. They contain no aggressive acidic primers, which damage the natural nail plate or chemical activators, which can cause health complications, especially with asthmatics.
How much does it cost?
The cost is as follows:
- One big toenail £50 (up to 30 minutes)
- Both bog toenails £90 (up to 45 minutes)
- Small toenails £10 each (up to 15 minutes)
- 1/2 set (including 1 big toenail) £80 (up to 1 hour)
- Full set £150 (up to an hour and a half)
Final Thoughts
Nail reconstruction can be a transformative procedure for those dealing with damaged or unsightly nails. By restoring the appearance and functionality of your nails, we can help you regain confidence and improve your overall foot health.
If you have any questions or think you might benefit from nail reconstruction, or have a particular issue with your feet, our staff at Medipod Clinics can help you. Our experienced podiatrists will treat your feet with the respect and attention they deserve. For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have. I will be absolutely delighted to speak to you!
Thank you for reading this months blog, Understanding Nail Reconstruction: A Guide for Patients.
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director