Onyfix vs. Ingrown Toenail Surgery: Which Is Right for You?

Sondema Tarr
2 days ago
2 min read

By Dr. Sondema Tarr, Direct Podiatry Arizona — Tempe, AZ

Understanding Your Options for Ingrown Toenail Relief

Ingrown toenails are one of the most common toenail problems seen in podiatry, and thankfully, treatment options have evolved far beyond the traditional surgical route.

At Direct Podiatry Arizona, we offer both Onyfix nail correction and traditional ingrown toenail surgery, depending on your needs. Here’s how to tell which option might be best for you.

What Is Onyfix?

Onyfix is a pain-free, non-invasive treatment that gently corrects, and retrains your nail to grow in the correct direction — without cutting, numbing, or removing part of the nail.

A thin composite strip is applied to your nail and hardened with a UV light. As your toenail grows out, the strip, gently guides its shape, removing pressure on the surrounding skin and preventing it from digging in again.

Best for:

Chronic or recurring mild–moderate ingrown nails
Sensitive patients (children, low pain tolerance, autoimmune disorder patients)
Those looking for a natural, gentle correction

What Is Toenail Surgery?

Traditional ingrown toenail surgery (partial or total nail avulsion) involves numbing the toe, removing the ingrown part of the nail, and sometimes using a chemical or laser at the toenail root to prevent that part of the nail from ever coming back.

Best for:

Severe or infected ingrown nails
Cases where Onyfix can’t be applied (infection)

Comparing Onyfix and Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Aspect	Onyfix Nail Correction	Ingrown Toenail Surgery
Pain Level	Completely pain-free	Requires numbing injection; some soreness after
Healing Time	No downtime, back to normal activity immediately	2–4 weeks for full healing
Cosmetic Appearance	Nail stays whole and complete	A part of the nail is removed, can look narrower than other toenails
Infection Risk	Minimal	Slightly higher due to open wound
Best For	Long-term correction, prevention	Immediate relief from acute infection

Can Onyfix Replace Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery?

In many cases, yes. Onyfix can correct the underlying cause of ingrown nails without surgical removal — especially when caught early. However, when infection or deep tissue involvement is present, a minor procedure may still be the better choice.

That’s why every treatment at our clinic begins with a careful evaluation. Sometimes, we even use Onyfix after surgery to help the nail regrow correctly and prevent the ingrown from coming back.

A Modern, Gentle Approach to Nail Health

Onyfix offers a revolutionary way to treat ingrown nails — one that aligns with our integrative, patient-centered philosophy at Direct Podiatry Arizona. Many patients are amazed that something so simple can relieve pain and improve the nail’s appearance so naturally without surgery.