Who could benefit from toenail reconstruction?

Many different groups of people can benefit from toenail reconstruction including patients suffering from the following;

• Fungal nails
• Thick and discoloured nails
• Cracked nails
• Reduced or absent nails following trauma
• Nails with an abnormal shape or growth
• Psoriatic nails
• Beaus lines
• To replace nails removed during nail surgery

What does toenail reconstruction involve?

The process of toenail reconstruction is as follows;

1) Any remaining unwanted nail is reduced as much as possible by the podiatrist and the surface of any nail which cannot be reduced is filed to produce a rough exterior.
2) The podiatrist cleans the nail removing any dirt or oil and disinfecting the area.
3) An antifungal agent is applied to the surface of the nail or nail bed to allow the gel to bind more easily.
4) A special gel is applied in liquid form onto the surface of the natural nail/nail bed. The gel is applied in layers using UV light to harden the gel after each layer.
5) Once the nail is formed into an appropriate thickness, it is smoothed over and in some cases a layer of gloss is applied.

What are the benefits of toenail reconstruction?

Those thinking of receiving toenail reconstruction can benefit from the following factors;
• The reconstructed nail looks and feels like a natural nail
• Improves confidence and morale
• The new nail is flexible so can move naturally as the toe moves
• The gel contains no aggressive chemicals
• The natural nail and nail bed remains undamaged
• The gel used has antifungal properties
• The reconstructed nail is suitable for diabetics
• The new nail can be treated in exactly the same way as the previous natural nail
• Can last up to 4- 6 weeks