Retronychia
(Shell like nail)
Retronychia is caused by an ingrown nail plate at the proximal nail fold.
Retronychia is linked with recurring paronychia. The nail will split close to the cuticle and ingrow into the nail fold. Usually a split is noted and/or redness at the cuticle and/or exudate.
Retronychia most often affects the big toenails and is caused by repetitive injury to the nail, most often by wearing tight shoes or by doing activities that lead to toenail injury.
Surgery may be recommended if your toenail doesn't improve from conventional nail filing and cutting. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may involve removing part or all of your toenail. The nail can be removed to grow back or permanently removed.
What is Retroonychia Nail Surgery Removal?
Following a diagnosis retroonychia (). The onycholysis on the toenail or fingernail can be removed surgically.
The usual procedure is as follows:
The toe or finger is made numb and painless by injecting local anaesthetic into the base of the toe or finger.
The toenail or fingernail fungus is cut right up to the base of the nail root and retroonychia is pulled out.
We wait for the nail to grow back and see if it grows back with the nail fungus or without the nail fungus.
If the nail is permanently removed. A small amount of acid (called phenol) is often put on the exposed part of the nail bed. This helps to stop the root of the nail from growing a full nail. (The nail surgery specialist will always discuss with you the best options.)
The nail is then dressed.
Once the anaesthetic wears off the toe or finger may be sore so you may need mild painkillers such as paracetamol for a day or so.
After the operation, the nail surgery specialist or Podiatry assistant will review your nail surgery wound and teach you how to dress the toe or finger.
The nail removed can be sent to biospy, PCR and culture for further diagnosis and treatment.
What are the risk of nail surgery?
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Infection following the removal of the nail/ nail piece
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An allergic reaction to the chemical applied to the nail bed
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Regrowth of the removed nail/nail piece
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Distortion of the remaining nail following partial removal
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A rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) following the injection of the local anaesthetic.
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A rare pain syndrome called chronic regional pain syndrome (1%)
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Recurrence of the nail fungus.
GETTING INSURANCE TO COVER YOUR SURGERY
How to make a claim
Before you access care, understand your cover then
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Gain pre-authorisation for a consultation
- if toe is infected, we may prescribe antibiotics
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After the consultation gain pre-authorisation for toenail fungus or finger fungus removal.
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Schedule a date and time for surgery suitable for you.
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After the surgery, we will need to review the wounds and dress the wound*. Please gain follow up pre-authorisation
* Some insurance companies do not covered medication and dressing. Please check with your provider.
The Following are the codes
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Initial consultation: No code needed
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Nail surgery: S6400 or S7010 or AA628
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Follow up consultation: No code needed
Nail Surgery Specialist Private Insurance Provider
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BUPA Provider Number: 85020325
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Cigna Provider Number: 203195
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Vitality Health: Marion Yau
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WPA Provider Number: 920706491
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AVIVA Provider Number: 600099010
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Simply Health, Helix and Health Shield: No membership number needed
Self Paying
RETRONYCHIA NAIL SURGERY
A redeemable consultation is needed prior to surgery. This can be completed virtually or face to face. The cost includes local anaesthetic, nail removal, up to 3 wound reviews and antibiotics, if needed. All surgery will be performed by Marion Yau. If Marion Yau is not available, it will be a doctor or Podiatrist trained by her.
1 Nail
2 Nail
Extra Nails
Extra wound care appointment
£799
£999
£388
£109
Other Additional Treatment & Test
This is recommended to patients with severe infected fungal nail infection. Oral systemic medication is recommended for clients.
General Pracitioner consultation and prescription (In- House)
General Pracitioner consultation and prescription (Telephone)
Blood Test (General blood test and Liver Function Test)
Repeated Prescription Only
Nail or Skin KOH & Culture Test
ONYCHO DNA Nail and Skin Testing
(If NHS samples or Culture Samples come back negative)
Swabs for skin infection
Histology (Check for cancer)
Histology + Culture
IgE (Allergy Testing) for anti-fungal medications:
include blood test
£180
£99
£80
£50
£65
£89
£80
£280
£210
£290
Retronychia
Marion Yau, Harley Street Nail Treatment and Surgery Specialist trained all our dedicated team. Marion Yau has over 18 years of experience in treating nails and 15 years of nail surgery experience. Marion Yau and her team will work with you to develop a treatment programme especially for you. Let's get you back on your feet today!
Our Podiatric Commitment
Our commitment to delivering a quality service sets us apart from others. When you engage in our services, we’ll offer you an appointment as soon as possible to get you back on your feet. We only employ qualified, registered practitioners, so you can be confident that you are receiving a professional service. Our clinic won various customer service awards and best clinic awards.
Get in Touch
46 Harley Street,
London
W1G 9PT
Tel: 01206484185 / 02031501655
Email: info@footcliniclondon.co.uk