Laser vs Traditional Ingrown Toenail Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Sondema Tarr
Dec 29, 2025
2 min read

If you have a painful ingrown toenail that keeps coming back, surgery may be the best way to fix it. Today, there are two main surgical options for ingrown toenails: traditional surgery and laser surgery.

Both options work well, but they are not the same. Knowing the difference can help you choose the option that fits your needs.

What Is Traditional Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

Traditional ingrown toenail surgery removes the part of the nail that is growing into the skin. The nail root is then burned with a chemical known as sodium hydroxide so that part of the nail does not grow back.

This method has been used for decades and is very effective.

Traditional surgery usually includes:

Cutting away a side of the toenail
Burning the nail root with a chemical
Bandaging the toe
Home care while the toe heals

What Is Laser Ingrown Toenail Surgery?

Laser ingrown toenail surgery treats the same problem but uses a medical laser to burn the nail root instead of using chemical methods.

Laser treatment allows for careful and precise treatment while protecting nearby skin.

Laser surgery may be recommended if:

Your ingrown toenail keeps coming back
You have had nail surgeries before
If you want to avoid the use of harsh chemicals with ingrown toenail surgery
Faster healing is important to you

Key Differences Between Laser and Traditional Surgery

Here is a simple comparison:

Laser Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Very precise treatment
Less bleeding during the procedure
Lower risk of infection
Less irritation to the skin
Faster healing for many patients

Traditional Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Proven and reliable method
Used safely for many years
May involve more bleeding
Healing time can be longer
Still a good option for many patients

Both treatments aim to stop the ingrown part of the nail from coming back.

Does One Option Hurt More?

Both procedures are done with local anesthesia. Because of this, you won't feel pain during either traditional or laser ingrown toenail removal surgery.

After treatment:

Mild soreness is common
Laser surgery may cause less pain and discomfort for some people
Pain usually improves within a few days

Recovery After Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Healing time depends on the person and the type of surgery.

Many patients notice:

Laser surgery: less drainage and quicker healing
Traditional surgery: healing is still manageable, but may take a little longer

Following your aftercare instructions helps the toe heal properly.

How Do You Choose the Right Surgery?

The best option depends on:

How often the ingrown toenail returns
Past treatments you’ve tried
Your daily activities and lifestyle
How quickly you want to heal

An in-office visit is the best way to decide which treatment is right for you.

Ingrown Toenail Surgery Options in Phoenix

We offer both traditional and laser ingrown toenail surgery for patients in Phoenix, Tempe, and nearby areas. Our goal is to recommend the option that fits your situation — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you are dealing with a painful or recurring ingrown toenail, learning your options is the first step toward relief.